This trek will be co-led by Ari Weber & Ber Lew. You can learn more about both of them here: Ari and Ber.

This is an intermediate to advanced backpacking trek.

We will cover approximately 14.1 miles and 4,400 feet of elevation gain over four days of hiking.

Participants should be comfortable hiking with a full backpack for multiple consecutive days.

See the trail map here (final itinerary subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions).

This trek takes place in the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the northeastern United States.

Our route climbs to the summit of Mount Carrigain, known for its sweeping 360-degree views across the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness.

The trek also passes beautiful backcountry lakes including Nancy Pond and Norcross Pond.

• 6.5 hours from New York City

• 3 hours from Boston

(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)

Day 1 – Thursday, July 2

In order to get a proper start on Friday, cover the miles we need to cover, and have time to set up for Shabbat, we need to be at the trail at 12pm on Friday morning.

We HIGHLY recommend you arrive Thursday evening to this campground for an extra night under the stars, a chance to bond with the group, and a more relaxed Friday morning. Our two trek leaders and a couple others will be there.

Day 2 – Friday, July 3

Start time: 12 PM

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation: Negligible

we'll be starting at the Sawyer River Rd parking lot. We will have a 2 mile walk on the road to the Signal Ridge Trailhead. From there, we'll head out for a beautiful 1-1.5 mile trek through the woods, alongside a river.

There are plenty of places to stop and camp, so we'll hike for a few miles until we find a good location and then we'll set up for Shabbat. 

We will welcome Shabbat together in the forest, beneath the White Mountains.

Day 3 – Saturday, July 4

We will spend Shabbat resting in the forest, sharing meals together, and enjoying the quiet of the mountains.

Day 4 – Sunday, July 5

Distance:  5.5-6 miles

Elevation: +2500 ft

Today is the big day! We climb toward the summit of Mount Carrigain, one of the most iconic peaks in the White Mountains.

From the fire tower at the summit we’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness.

After the summit we descend and camp near Notch Brook.

Day 5 – Monday, July 6

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation: +1000 ft

We will hike towards Norcross Lake. It should be a pretty easy day. We will find a campsite near the lake, go for a swim (?) and perhaps summit Mt. Nancy to the north.

Day 6 – Tuesday, July 7

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation loss: - 2200 ft

We wake up, pack up camps, and take the couple hour hike back to the trailhead, passing by some beautiful waterfalls along the way.

We will aim to get back to the campsite by 1pm.

Lech-Lecha provides:

• All kosher food

• Tents

• Cooking equipment and stoves

• All communal gear

Participants must bring:

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Hiking boots or trail shoes

• Weather-appropriate hiking clothing

Gear can be rented from us if needed.

Freedom in the Wilderness

The Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom. In the wilderness, we encounter a different kind of freedom — freedom from noise, pressure, and distraction.

Over the course of the trek we’ll explore what it means to step away from routine and reconnect with something deeper: the quiet clarity that emerges when we walk, rest, and live simply in wild places.

Through shared conversation, reflection, and time in nature, we’ll consider how the wilderness invites us to rediscover freedom within ourselves.

We welcome people of all levels of Jewish observance. Our trips are structured to ensure that participants who observe Shabbat and kashrut can do so comfortably.

Participants will arrive before Shabbat on Friday afternoon and spend the day resting together in the mountains before beginning the hike on Sunday.

All food provided by Lech-Lecha is kosher, and the schedule allows participants to comfortably observe Shabbat.

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming

Or our trek leaders: Ber (berlew3@gmail.com) | Ari (Ayweber@gmail.com)