Basics

• Proactive’s routes are NOT designed to be appropriate for first-timers, sedentary individuals, or children (unless specifically designated as such).

• We generally move at 2.5-3 MPH and take breaks of 15-20 minutes. Be prepared to move quickly.

• Ratings are subjective. For a some, an “Easy” rating might be closer to “Moderate +”; for somebody with experience, the opposite may be true.

 

Easy

• Short to medium distance

• Flat or slightly rolling terrain

• Any changes in elevation are gradual

• Steep sections are abbreviated at best

• Lack of technical obstacles (scrambles, water crossings)

• Without extreme seasonal trail conditions (snow, mud, severe overgrowth)

• A pace of less than 1.5 mph

• Examples: North Point/Butter HIll, Osio-Torne, Horsepond Express, High Mountain

Easy +

• Greater change in elevation

• or medium distance

• or the presence of one or two technical features of low difficulty

• Examples: Catfish Mountain, Wyanokie Express, Wildcat Ridge (Hibernia), Huckleberry Point Express, Kaaterskill Falls

 

Moderate

• Medium to long distance

• Rolling terrain with some steep sections that will stretch the group

• Some technical obstacles (scrambles, water crossings)

• Solid exercise for the average hiker

• A pace of around 2.0 mph

• Examples: West Brook Mountain, Bald Mountain, Claudius Smith Den, Bull Hill, Raccoon Ridge, Beacon

Moderate +

• Extreme trail conditions (snow, mud, severe overgrowth)

• Frequent technical obstacles that significantly impact overall pace

• Long distance with terrain that allows a quick pace

• Examples: Giant Stairs, Millbrook-Gertrude, Schunemunk, Mount Tammany

 

Hard

• Medium to long distance. (Short if extreme elevation change)

• Significant elevation changes of over 1000 feet (net)

• Heavily rolling or rugged terrain

• Extended steep sections that occupy significant portions of a hike

• Technical obstacles

• All-day moving

• Inexperienced people should be discouraged from attending

• Quick pace over flat or easier sections to make up time

• Examples: Breakneck Ridge, Plateau Mountain

Hard +

• Long distance

• Frequent technical obstacles

• Beating the sunset

• Extreme trail conditions (snow, mud, severe overgrowth)

• Mental endurance becomes a factor

• Examples: Stonetown Circular, Norvin Green Tour, Groundhog Day at Fishkill Ridge, Wittenberg Mountain, Platte Clove, Twin Mountain (Winter), High Peters Kill

 

Very Hard

• Long to very long distance

• Significant elevation changes of over 2000 feet (net)

• Heavily rolling or rugged terrain. Frequent elevation gain/loss of several hundred feet

• A technical route, or borderline mountaineering without specialized equipment

• Mental endurance is an important factor

• Examples: Guardians of the Highlands, Beacon Range

Very Hard +

• Very long distance or thru/sectional

• Sunrise to sunset, or multi-day

• Invite only, or restricted to experienced participants that are physically and mentally fit

• Thorough planning. Contingencies for all situations are required.

• Examples: Devil’s Path, Kittatinny Ridge, ADK Great Range

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Updated March 6, 2019