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Be Proactive. Thrive Now.

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LIMITED TIME TO UNLEASH LIMITLESS POTENTIAL.

OUTDOOR SOCIAL ADVENTURES AND HIKING LEAGUE

New Jersey/New York/Northeast

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Highlights from the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge - Part Two: January to May ✌🏻

Beacon Bully, Mount Marcy, Sun Pop Redux, GOTH, and the Devil's Path were just some of the efforts that made up the backend of the Challenge.

Between June and August, there are no time requirements on the challenges aside from you must finish them before the 2025-2026 season concludes in May 2026.

So, take the opportunity to explore, relax, or train before the Challenge properly kicks off in August! We'll see you at the BBQ on August 9th in Clarence Fahnestock State Park!

Visit the website for more details and to register for the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge and other events!
Link in bio.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #hikingcompetition #hikersofinstagram #hikenj #hikeny #outdoorcommunity #outdooradventures #outdoorathlete #workout #hikergram #optoutside #rei #choosemountains #nynjtc #merrell

Highlights from the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge - Part Two: January to May ✌🏻

Beacon Bully, Mount Marcy, Sun Pop Redux, GOTH, and the Devil's Path were just some of the efforts that made up the backend of the Challenge.

Between June and August, there are no time requirements on the challenges aside from you must finish them before the 2025-2026 season concludes in May 2026.

So, take the opportunity to explore, relax, or train before the Challenge properly kicks off in August! We'll see you at the BBQ on August 9th in Clarence Fahnestock State Park!

Visit the website for more details and to register for the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge and other events!
Link in bio.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #hikingcompetition #hikersofinstagram #hikenj #hikeny #outdoorcommunity #outdooradventures #outdoorathlete #workout #hikergram #optoutside #rei #choosemountains #nynjtc #merrell

With the conclusion of the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge, we take a look back at the highlights of the first half of the season.

The Great Range, Mount Washington, Schunemunk Tour, the Hudson Highlands Tour, and Winaki Derby were all packed into the first few months of the Challenge.

Between June 2025 and August 2025, the Challenge takes a little time to build ranks and remove the time sensitivity of the competition to give everybody a break from tackling challenges and an opportunity to explore.

In August, the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge will kick off in earnest, with the crowning of our new champion, Brittany, at the BBQ on August 9th challenges becoming monthly.

Visit the website for details and to register for the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge. Link in bio.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikeny #hikenj #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikemore #getoutside #hikerlife #outdoorathlete #workoutoutside #hikingcompetition #optoutside #hikeitout

With the conclusion of the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge, we take a look back at the highlights of the first half of the season.

The Great Range, Mount Washington, Schunemunk Tour, the Hudson Highlands Tour, and Winaki Derby were all packed into the first few months of the Challenge.

Between June 2025 and August 2025, the Challenge takes a little time to build ranks and remove the time sensitivity of the competition to give everybody a break from tackling challenges and an opportunity to explore.

In August, the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge will kick off in earnest, with the crowning of our new champion, Brittany, at the BBQ on August 9th challenges becoming monthly.

Visit the website for details and to register for the 2025-2026 PROACTIVE Challenge. Link in bio.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikeny #hikenj #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikemore #getoutside #hikerlife #outdoorathlete #workoutoutside #hikingcompetition #optoutside #hikeitout

The winner of the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge and NEW PROACTIVE Champion - Brittany! #newchampion #winner

Brittany is one the longest tenured members of PROACTIVE, one of the originals. Since she first joined us for a horror hike on Bald Mountain and through Doodletown, her vocal support for the group and its principles has been dedicated and unwavering...

She quickly started tackling bigger and bigger hikes. Before anybody knew it, she was crushing routes like the Devil's Path, the Presidential Range, and several renditions of the PROACTIVE patch hikes...

Her willingness and ability to go solo has led her to even bigger efforts throughout the years, including hiking across the country, on other continents, and even finding herself atop Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021...

Last year, sometime during the 2023-2024 Challenge, she called her shot and said she had her eyes set on the next year's championship. She then followed through by putting her mind to it and dedicating her free time to checking off challenge after challenge for an entire year.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Brittany took on the PROACTIVE Challenge fully and completely, making it a point to meticulously examine the rules and find a place for each months' challenges into her already busy schedule.

There's a certain level of sacrifice that comes with this type of competition and Brittany was willing to accept it. I want to congratulate Brittany on her win and thank her for all the support over the years and for being proactive in every aspect of her life!

Ladies and gentlemen, our new champion...@lost_in.the.wild

@proactiveahw
2024-2025 PROACTIVE CHALLENGE

The winner of the 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge and NEW PROACTIVE Champion - Brittany! #newchampion #winner

Brittany is one the longest tenured members of PROACTIVE, one of the originals. Since she first joined us for a horror hike on Bald Mountain and through Doodletown, her vocal support for the group and its principles has been dedicated and unwavering...

She quickly started tackling bigger and bigger hikes. Before anybody knew it, she was crushing routes like the Devil's Path, the Presidential Range, and several renditions of the PROACTIVE patch hikes...

Her willingness and ability to go solo has led her to even bigger efforts throughout the years, including hiking across the country, on other continents, and even finding herself atop Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021...

Last year, sometime during the 2023-2024 Challenge, she called her shot and said she had her eyes set on the next year's championship. She then followed through by putting her mind to it and dedicating her free time to checking off challenge after challenge for an entire year.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Brittany took on the PROACTIVE Challenge fully and completely, making it a point to meticulously examine the rules and find a place for each months' challenges into her already busy schedule.

There's a certain level of sacrifice that comes with this type of competition and Brittany was willing to accept it. I want to congratulate Brittany on her win and thank her for all the support over the years and for being proactive in every aspect of her life!

Ladies and gentlemen, our new champion...@lost_in.the.wild

@proactiveahw
2024-2025 PROACTIVE CHALLENGE

The 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge is hours away from being over! Today was the final chance for competitors to earn points for completing any last-minute challenges. Check back on June 3rd for the final leaderboard and the announcement of the new PROACTIVE Champion..

The 2024-2025 PROACTIVE Challenge is hours away from being over! Today was the final chance for competitors to earn points for completing any last-minute challenges. Check back on June 3rd for the final leaderboard and the announcement of the new PROACTIVE Champion..

The Devil's Path - May 17, 2025 - our intention was to go out and back, just as it was last year. Moreso than last year though, bad weather loomed and bugs were out with orders to attack. Not to mention, any of the other incalculable reasons that it just wasn't the day for it. 😈

Nevertheless, with Vanessa and Nick finishing up with a Devil and a Half and the rest of us taking our Devil in a relatively leisurely fashion - ignoring the inevitable hardships that come along with the route.

An unlikely highlight was picking up a conversation on our walkies, between a man driving on the L.I.E. and another man up in a cabin in the Catskills.

The one man on the road at dawn said he was driving to Long Island to pitch a movie to a producer. The man in the cabin said he had been harassed by people claiming to be the ghost of his late wife. Every now and then we'd check in, and they were talking for a good while.

And there we were, catching bits of this far-off conversation, from the top of Twin Mountain with the sun burning off the clouds. It's a wild world...🤌🏻@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskillsny #catskills #devilspath #longhike #endurancetraining #bighike #northeastisbeast #hikeny #hikethecatskills #catskills3500 #hikemore #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #newyorkviews #headlamps

The Devil's Path - May 17, 2025 - our intention was to go out and back, just as it was last year. Moreso than last year though, bad weather loomed and bugs were out with orders to attack. Not to mention, any of the other incalculable reasons that it just wasn't the day for it. 😈

Nevertheless, with Vanessa and Nick finishing up with a Devil and a Half and the rest of us taking our Devil in a relatively leisurely fashion - ignoring the inevitable hardships that come along with the route.

An unlikely highlight was picking up a conversation on our walkies, between a man driving on the L.I.E. and another man up in a cabin in the Catskills.

The one man on the road at dawn said he was driving to Long Island to pitch a movie to a producer. The man in the cabin said he had been harassed by people claiming to be the ghost of his late wife. Every now and then we'd check in, and they were talking for a good while.

And there we were, catching bits of this far-off conversation, from the top of Twin Mountain with the sun burning off the clouds. It's a wild world...🤌🏻@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskillsny #catskills #devilspath #longhike #endurancetraining #bighike #northeastisbeast #hikeny #hikethecatskills #catskills3500 #hikemore #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #newyorkviews #headlamps

Today, I had the chance to watch The Long Path: A Journey of Becoming, a documentary about Kim Levinsky's Long Path FKT journey from back in 2023. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Shai Ben-Dor captured and/or compiled all the emotion, effort, and energy that went into Kim's amazing feat (and feet...). He was also sure to highlight the community and mental health aspects of both the hike itself and Sassquad at large.

Better yet, after speaking to Shai for a few minutes, I could tell he was genuinely passionate about the same places that we frequent.

The documentary caught Kim at her highest and lowest and it did a great job of showing just how many ups and downs somebody can face when trying to achieve something special, whether that be a physical achievement or a social, mental, or professional one.

This type of production especially interests me as I have been long intrigued by the idea of "outdoor entertainment" or "adventuring as sport" and this film was a perfect example of what can be done. It's amazing how such a good story can be told in somebody pushing their limits.

Anyway, I'm glad to have spoken to Kim, some time ago, on the PROACTIVE-AHW Podcast about this film being put together and to, now, be present at its second showing in theaters. I really love to see somebody's plans or projects come to fruition...

Congratulations, Kim & Shai! 🙌🏻

@proactiveahw

Today, I had the chance to watch The Long Path: A Journey of Becoming, a documentary about Kim Levinsky's Long Path FKT journey from back in 2023. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Shai Ben-Dor captured and/or compiled all the emotion, effort, and energy that went into Kim's amazing feat (and feet...). He was also sure to highlight the community and mental health aspects of both the hike itself and Sassquad at large.

Better yet, after speaking to Shai for a few minutes, I could tell he was genuinely passionate about the same places that we frequent.

The documentary caught Kim at her highest and lowest and it did a great job of showing just how many ups and downs somebody can face when trying to achieve something special, whether that be a physical achievement or a social, mental, or professional one.

This type of production especially interests me as I have been long intrigued by the idea of "outdoor entertainment" or "adventuring as sport" and this film was a perfect example of what can be done. It's amazing how such a good story can be told in somebody pushing their limits.

Anyway, I'm glad to have spoken to Kim, some time ago, on the PROACTIVE-AHW Podcast about this film being put together and to, now, be present at its second showing in theaters. I really love to see somebody's plans or projects come to fruition...

Congratulations, Kim & Shai! 🙌🏻

@proactiveahw

Sun Pop - an idea based around climbing Popolopen Torne from sunrise to sunset - the goal of 13 climbs was determined based on how many times a slower person could get up and down while the sun was in the sky at the shortest time of year.

However, the last few times we've done this, we tend to wrap things up long before sunset. We also originally planned to basically have a picnic on our last climb, but that's not considering how much these repeats can beat you up. Needless to say, we never stick around for it...

Last September, during another run at Sun Pop, Vanessa sprained her ankle, taking her out of action for some time. This time, she absolutely crushed the climbs. After she trained for and completed Tammany Ten, would there be any other expectation? 💪

Otherwise, it was a busy day on Pop Torne, and many of those who had come for a quick, singular, straight-forward climb asked us what we were doing, indicated they'd like to try to do it one day, and cheered us on throughout.

On the first day of real heat this season and with the return of the gnats and humidity, this wasn't easy, but we did push to take it on in short order.

@proactiveahw

#popolopentorne #hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #hikeny #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hillrepeats #stamina #endurancetraining #climbmountains #hikemore #beproactive #outdoorcommunity #feelslikesummertime

Sun Pop - an idea based around climbing Popolopen Torne from sunrise to sunset - the goal of 13 climbs was determined based on how many times a slower person could get up and down while the sun was in the sky at the shortest time of year.

However, the last few times we've done this, we tend to wrap things up long before sunset. We also originally planned to basically have a picnic on our last climb, but that's not considering how much these repeats can beat you up. Needless to say, we never stick around for it...

Last September, during another run at Sun Pop, Vanessa sprained her ankle, taking her out of action for some time. This time, she absolutely crushed the climbs. After she trained for and completed Tammany Ten, would there be any other expectation? 💪

Otherwise, it was a busy day on Pop Torne, and many of those who had come for a quick, singular, straight-forward climb asked us what we were doing, indicated they'd like to try to do it one day, and cheered us on throughout.

On the first day of real heat this season and with the return of the gnats and humidity, this wasn't easy, but we did push to take it on in short order.

@proactiveahw

#popolopentorne #hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #hikeny #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hillrepeats #stamina #endurancetraining #climbmountains #hikemore #beproactive #outdoorcommunity #feelslikesummertime

Last Saturday, we took on the most leisurely of our long hikes, Minnewaska Tour. The route was made even more leisurely than previous years due to the (unbeknownst to us at the time) closures of the Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain trails.

Nevertheless, where the route lost elevation and some of the more challenging terrain, it gained many long stretches of ice from one side of the carriage roads to the other. If it weren't for the icy conditions, we would have certainly cruised through this even faster.

The weather and conditions were otherwise perfect. We got plenty of views and plenty of exercise. There's not much more we can ask for...

Due to losing an hour to daylight savings time and an outdated ticket printed from the parking machine that said the park closed at 5PM, we moved as fast as we could to make it back to the parking lot, just in case we could've been locked in somehow. We were dubious, but we moved.

When we walked across the street to the parking lot after looping around 22 miles, the sign read "Park Closes at 7PM". 🤷🏻‍♂️ So, we finished with plenty of daylight and stopped by the @bsidegrillnewpaltz for dinner afterward.

#proactiveahw #minnewaska #minnewaskastatepark #hikeny #hikeitout #getoutside #hikergram #bsidegrill #bighike

Last Saturday, we took on the most leisurely of our long hikes, Minnewaska Tour. The route was made even more leisurely than previous years due to the (unbeknownst to us at the time) closures of the Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain trails.

Nevertheless, where the route lost elevation and some of the more challenging terrain, it gained many long stretches of ice from one side of the carriage roads to the other. If it weren't for the icy conditions, we would have certainly cruised through this even faster.

The weather and conditions were otherwise perfect. We got plenty of views and plenty of exercise. There's not much more we can ask for...

Due to losing an hour to daylight savings time and an outdated ticket printed from the parking machine that said the park closed at 5PM, we moved as fast as we could to make it back to the parking lot, just in case we could've been locked in somehow. We were dubious, but we moved.

When we walked across the street to the parking lot after looping around 22 miles, the sign read "Park Closes at 7PM". 🤷🏻‍♂️ So, we finished with plenty of daylight and stopped by the @bsidegrillnewpaltz for dinner afterward.

#proactiveahw #minnewaska #minnewaskastatepark #hikeny #hikeitout #getoutside #hikergram #bsidegrill #bighike

March 8, 2020 - Schunemunk Mountain - 5 years ago, this was the last social hike before things went sideways.

This was right at the crossroads of the news beginning to become increasingly grim and all of us living our lives as usual.

A week later, things started to shut down and we were forced to adjust to a new set of rules. After the bigger pillars of our society got weird, they started to try to limit the mountains and the trails we were allowed to hike and run on...

But, despite the state of the world at the time, we persisted. In fact, for all the upheaval and disarray, a lot of us remember 2020 (and the extended period thereafter) as a time of personal growth, collective bonding, exploration, and ingenuity.

Still, we were together on this day, just before there were solid indicators of what was to come. However, in retrospect, this feels like day 0.

@proactiveahw

#2020 #proactiveahw #5yearsago #schunemunkmountain
#schunemunk #hikersofinstagram #day0 #hikeny #hikethehudsonvalley

March 8, 2020 - Schunemunk Mountain - 5 years ago, this was the last social hike before things went sideways.

This was right at the crossroads of the news beginning to become increasingly grim and all of us living our lives as usual.

A week later, things started to shut down and we were forced to adjust to a new set of rules. After the bigger pillars of our society got weird, they started to try to limit the mountains and the trails we were allowed to hike and run on...

But, despite the state of the world at the time, we persisted. In fact, for all the upheaval and disarray, a lot of us remember 2020 (and the extended period thereafter) as a time of personal growth, collective bonding, exploration, and ingenuity.

Still, we were together on this day, just before there were solid indicators of what was to come. However, in retrospect, this feels like day 0.

@proactiveahw

#2020 #proactiveahw #5yearsago #schunemunkmountain
#schunemunk #hikersofinstagram #day0 #hikeny #hikethehudsonvalley

Is snow season over already? It feels like we were just breaking trail on our way up Wittenberg, our first big snow day of the season. ❄️

But, I guess we chose to receive the most of our snow on that hike, because after that the snow has certainly been less agonizing, even when we summited Mount Marcy a few weeks ago.

Nevertheless, the mountains and trails, when they're covered in a sheet of white snow, there's a special kind of silence, a leafless, long perspective. Every slide and hill is defined by the lines of untouched white, every detail so clear.

Snow season is less of a scene, as a lot of people take a break from the trail until spring. It's a time of increased danger, even to the slightest degree. It's a time for challenging yourself, to get through the discomfort, and be prepared for the more comfortable days ahead. And it's gone in a flash, or is it?

Snow from 2024-2025
• December 2024 - Belfry, Wittenberg, Jay Mountain,
• January 2025 - Beacon Bully, Almost Perpendicular, Overlook Mountain, James Braddock Park
• February 2025 - Bear Mountain, Mount Marcy.

Is snow season over already? It feels like we were just breaking trail on our way up Wittenberg, our first big snow day of the season. ❄️

But, I guess we chose to receive the most of our snow on that hike, because after that the snow has certainly been less agonizing, even when we summited Mount Marcy a few weeks ago.

Nevertheless, the mountains and trails, when they're covered in a sheet of white snow, there's a special kind of silence, a leafless, long perspective. Every slide and hill is defined by the lines of untouched white, every detail so clear.

Snow season is less of a scene, as a lot of people take a break from the trail until spring. It's a time of increased danger, even to the slightest degree. It's a time for challenging yourself, to get through the discomfort, and be prepared for the more comfortable days ahead. And it's gone in a flash, or is it?

Snow from 2024-2025
• December 2024 - Belfry, Wittenberg, Jay Mountain,
• January 2025 - Beacon Bully, Almost Perpendicular, Overlook Mountain, James Braddock Park
• February 2025 - Bear Mountain, Mount Marcy.

Mount Marcy Winter Summit • 2.22.25

A lot of ambitious plans get thrown around, and we wouldn't have it any other way, but when there's a full realization of plans made, it can be magical.

Mel had been saying that she wanted to summit Mount Marcy in the winter for a long time and, most recently, during our holiday trip in the Adirondacks back in December.

Then, she pulled this trip together and it somehow managed to land on a, dare I say, PERFECT day. The trail was packed down enough for a quick pace on snowshoes, the sky was clear, the sun was out, and the conditions allowed for us to sit at the summit and enjoy the view, when the clouds allowed us to.

Sure, the temperature started out at -6°, but they eventually rose to a more comfortable level, especially during the many chances for sun worship. Sure, the facial hair, eyelashes, mucus, and sweat were freezing from time to time, but we eventually thawed. Sure, there was some pain, hunger, and exhaustion, but it was replaced by ecstasy at the summit and a burst of collective energy towards the end.

Not to mention, we hiked with a husky named Lobo. He absolutely crushed the 15-mile, 3400 foot hike and was totally in his element. By the end, he seemed to say "was that it?"

After a lot of worry about having to possibly use headlamps, we wound up sauntering out into the Adirondack Loj parking lot while the sun still hung above.

🙌 to @njweeklyhikes @ninoignacioadventures @adventurekelz who we ran into on the trails that day, it's always awesome to run into other members of our community, especially when they're doing big things!

Afterwards, dinner from the Pickled Pig, some drinks, music, and games, and a late night of enjoying our time in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and I call that a pretty damn good trip...

Mount Marcy Winter Summit • 2.22.25

A lot of ambitious plans get thrown around, and we wouldn't have it any other way, but when there's a full realization of plans made, it can be magical.

Mel had been saying that she wanted to summit Mount Marcy in the winter for a long time and, most recently, during our holiday trip in the Adirondacks back in December.

Then, she pulled this trip together and it somehow managed to land on a, dare I say, PERFECT day. The trail was packed down enough for a quick pace on snowshoes, the sky was clear, the sun was out, and the conditions allowed for us to sit at the summit and enjoy the view, when the clouds allowed us to.

Sure, the temperature started out at -6°, but they eventually rose to a more comfortable level, especially during the many chances for sun worship. Sure, the facial hair, eyelashes, mucus, and sweat were freezing from time to time, but we eventually thawed. Sure, there was some pain, hunger, and exhaustion, but it was replaced by ecstasy at the summit and a burst of collective energy towards the end.

Not to mention, we hiked with a husky named Lobo. He absolutely crushed the 15-mile, 3400 foot hike and was totally in his element. By the end, he seemed to say "was that it?"

After a lot of worry about having to possibly use headlamps, we wound up sauntering out into the Adirondack Loj parking lot while the sun still hung above.

🙌 to @njweeklyhikes @ninoignacioadventures @adventurekelz who we ran into on the trails that day, it's always awesome to run into other members of our community, especially when they're doing big things!

Afterwards, dinner from the Pickled Pig, some drinks, music, and games, and a late night of enjoying our time in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and I call that a pretty damn good trip...

The Appalachian Trail up to Bear Mountain featured a nice sheet of ice on just about every stair to the top, a good practice in balance, but it felt like spring, albeit before the snowstorm. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #socialhike #bearmountain #hikethehudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #bearmountainstatepark #hudsonriver #hvny #grouphike
#icehike #icescape #appalachiantrail #hikergram #hikersofinstagram ##getoutside ##outdoorcommunity

The Appalachian Trail up to Bear Mountain featured a nice sheet of ice on just about every stair to the top, a good practice in balance, but it felt like spring, albeit before the snowstorm. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #socialhike #bearmountain #hikethehudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #bearmountainstatepark #hudsonriver #hvny #grouphike
#icehike #icescape #appalachiantrail #hikergram #hikersofinstagram ##getoutside ##outdoorcommunity

Overlook Mountain isn't the easiest hike, but it's pretty straightforward, at the very least. Straight-up is probably more like it. So, when you bring somebody out for one of their first big hikes and they crush it, its a good day.

After a LOT of fun, good food, and several drinks the night before, this seemed to be the best option, a hike where we could just climb and climb without having to navigate a thing. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskillsny #overlookmountain #overlookfiretower #firetower #grouphike #hikeitout #snowscape #mountainviews #choosemountains #getoutside #hikerlife #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikersofig

Overlook Mountain isn't the easiest hike, but it's pretty straightforward, at the very least. Straight-up is probably more like it. So, when you bring somebody out for one of their first big hikes and they crush it, its a good day.

After a LOT of fun, good food, and several drinks the night before, this seemed to be the best option, a hike where we could just climb and climb without having to navigate a thing. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskillsny #overlookmountain #overlookfiretower #firetower #grouphike #hikeitout #snowscape #mountainviews #choosemountains #getoutside #hikerlife #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikersofig

Yes, PROACTIVE is mostly about hiking. The original link to everybody involved in the group is our enjoyment of getting outside to hike, walk, run, and climb. These activities brought everybody together.

However, to say that all we do is casually organize hikes would be selling us short - we bring more to the table and, I like to believe, we stand for more than the average "hiking group."

Most people picture hiking, with the group or outside of it, as a literal "walk in the park" - but, there's a level of surreality, an eye-feeding and brain conditioning that you can't achieve at the park, that you certainly can't achieve from your couch or your office at work.

It's about getting together with others for a last-minute climb to catch the Aurora, meeting up pre-dawn for a 30-mile trek to profoundly transform your own expectations of yourself, or climbing so high that nature unleashes an onslaught of wind and chill. It's about unlocking new levels.

I've always hoped that through the hikes, people would find personal ambition, cammaradarie, and contentment, but not just while we're on the trails.

"Being proactive" isn't just supposed to mean "be bold and adventurous while hiking" - it means to bring that spirit and energy to every aspect of ones' lives - professionally, socially, existentially.

Since joining us, many members of the group have found inspiration to achieve extraordinary feats, make big beneficial life changes, and appreciate the undeniable base beauty of this world we live in.

It can be easy to simplify things, but PROACTIVE will continue to evolve. As public institutions continue to fail at their basic promises, as AI attempts to steal and make the human spirit obsolete, as people around us become more and more out of shape and out of touch with reality, as the news continues to stoke fear, and as we all grow older every second, this group stands for independent thought, personal achievement, optimism, and wonder.

Put adventure, health, and wellness in their fullest forms, at the forefront of your lives. There's an incredible amount of value in doing so...

So simply put, get outside with us in 2025! It may just change your life...

Yes, PROACTIVE is mostly about hiking. The original link to everybody involved in the group is our enjoyment of getting outside to hike, walk, run, and climb. These activities brought everybody together.

However, to say that all we do is casually organize hikes would be selling us short - we bring more to the table and, I like to believe, we stand for more than the average "hiking group."

Most people picture hiking, with the group or outside of it, as a literal "walk in the park" - but, there's a level of surreality, an eye-feeding and brain conditioning that you can't achieve at the park, that you certainly can't achieve from your couch or your office at work.

It's about getting together with others for a last-minute climb to catch the Aurora, meeting up pre-dawn for a 30-mile trek to profoundly transform your own expectations of yourself, or climbing so high that nature unleashes an onslaught of wind and chill. It's about unlocking new levels.

I've always hoped that through the hikes, people would find personal ambition, cammaradarie, and contentment, but not just while we're on the trails.

"Being proactive" isn't just supposed to mean "be bold and adventurous while hiking" - it means to bring that spirit and energy to every aspect of ones' lives - professionally, socially, existentially.

Since joining us, many members of the group have found inspiration to achieve extraordinary feats, make big beneficial life changes, and appreciate the undeniable base beauty of this world we live in.

It can be easy to simplify things, but PROACTIVE will continue to evolve. As public institutions continue to fail at their basic promises, as AI attempts to steal and make the human spirit obsolete, as people around us become more and more out of shape and out of touch with reality, as the news continues to stoke fear, and as we all grow older every second, this group stands for independent thought, personal achievement, optimism, and wonder.

Put adventure, health, and wellness in their fullest forms, at the forefront of your lives. There's an incredible amount of value in doing so...

So simply put, get outside with us in 2025! It may just change your life...

The finish of Beacon Bully VI - 22ish miles and 5900ish feet - the hardest version of this route so far.

When we originally decided to do this route every January, we pictured bone-chilling cold, the mountains covered in snow and ice, and less time with the sun.

However, ever since 2020, we've been fortunate enough to complete the hike on unseasonably warm and comfortable days. 2025, though, it gave us all of those things.

When we arrived at the parking lot at 7:30AM, the general consensus was that it would've been a perfect day to sleep in and then enjoy a comfortable morning coffee. However, we all signed up for some suffering, so we were there.

Bull Hill started out by giving us a false sense of security as much of the snow was well packed and easy to navigate. Our pace was good as we came down Bull and started toward Fishkill, a less popular trail where there was less traffic and more trail to break.

And so it went for the next 10 or 12 miles, the snow hindering our plans for a quick finish and a visit to @glazed_over_donuts

After the long trek along Fishkill Ridge, we hurried to and from the Beacon Fire Tower and up Breakneck. We hit the yellow blaze of the Undercliff Trail (and our salvation) as the flames in the sky went dark.

Once we were finally coasting the final mile or so on the flat path to the parking lot, all of the day's discomfort felt worth it. This was a rough day, but never a regretful one; days like this build character.

• Cast •

@lost_in.the.wild
@melll_leigh
@jmproscia
Spence

#proactiveahw #beaconbully #beaconny #coldspring #hvny #hudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #hikerlife #winterhike #snowscape #snowyhike

The finish of Beacon Bully VI - 22ish miles and 5900ish feet - the hardest version of this route so far.

When we originally decided to do this route every January, we pictured bone-chilling cold, the mountains covered in snow and ice, and less time with the sun.

However, ever since 2020, we've been fortunate enough to complete the hike on unseasonably warm and comfortable days. 2025, though, it gave us all of those things.

When we arrived at the parking lot at 7:30AM, the general consensus was that it would've been a perfect day to sleep in and then enjoy a comfortable morning coffee. However, we all signed up for some suffering, so we were there.

Bull Hill started out by giving us a false sense of security as much of the snow was well packed and easy to navigate. Our pace was good as we came down Bull and started toward Fishkill, a less popular trail where there was less traffic and more trail to break.

And so it went for the next 10 or 12 miles, the snow hindering our plans for a quick finish and a visit to @glazed_over_donuts

After the long trek along Fishkill Ridge, we hurried to and from the Beacon Fire Tower and up Breakneck. We hit the yellow blaze of the Undercliff Trail (and our salvation) as the flames in the sky went dark.

Once we were finally coasting the final mile or so on the flat path to the parking lot, all of the day's discomfort felt worth it. This was a rough day, but never a regretful one; days like this build character.

• Cast •

@lost_in.the.wild
@melll_leigh
@jmproscia
Spence

#proactiveahw #beaconbully #beaconny #coldspring #hvny #hudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #hikerlife #winterhike #snowscape #snowyhike

Mount Beacon, the titular peak of Beacon Bully, has been a part of countless memories for the group. Not only that, but at 1,600 feet, it overlooks the rest of the rocks that we frequent.

Aside from being the centerpiece of the aforementioned Beacon Bully (which dozens of people have completed to earn the BB Patch since 2020), it is also where Vanessa joined the group back in 2019, part of our Hudson Highlands Tour/mountain crawl, the first place Joe ever hiked 30+ miles, the biggest round of Breakneck 7.5, and the site of several social hikes over the years.

Not to mention the Everest Challenge, not one of our events, but one that has been taken on by Justin, Jason, and others associated with the group. The goal? Climb Beacon repeats to reach a total elevation gain on nearly 30,000 feet in a day!

Despite, at times, feeling too familiar at this point. Mount Beacon's 360-view from the fire tower has continued to offer a fittingly grand start, middle, and end to so many of our days. As we drift toward the end of January (and Beacon Bully month), here's a little tip of the hat to Beacon. 🙂‍↕️

#proactiveahw #beaconbully #hudsonhighlands #hikerhehudsonvalley #mountbeacon #beaconfiretower #coldspring #beacony #beacon #hikersofinstagram #hikergram

Mount Beacon, the titular peak of Beacon Bully, has been a part of countless memories for the group. Not only that, but at 1,600 feet, it overlooks the rest of the rocks that we frequent.

Aside from being the centerpiece of the aforementioned Beacon Bully (which dozens of people have completed to earn the BB Patch since 2020), it is also where Vanessa joined the group back in 2019, part of our Hudson Highlands Tour/mountain crawl, the first place Joe ever hiked 30+ miles, the biggest round of Breakneck 7.5, and the site of several social hikes over the years.

Not to mention the Everest Challenge, not one of our events, but one that has been taken on by Justin, Jason, and others associated with the group. The goal? Climb Beacon repeats to reach a total elevation gain on nearly 30,000 feet in a day!

Despite, at times, feeling too familiar at this point. Mount Beacon's 360-view from the fire tower has continued to offer a fittingly grand start, middle, and end to so many of our days. As we drift toward the end of January (and Beacon Bully month), here's a little tip of the hat to Beacon. 🙂‍↕️

#proactiveahw #beaconbully #hudsonhighlands #hikerhehudsonvalley #mountbeacon #beaconfiretower #coldspring #beacony #beacon #hikersofinstagram #hikergram

January is Beacon Bully month. Since 2020, every January, we've tackled the Beacon Range and hit it with force. 👊 However, it's not always been the winter wonderland that we imagined it being.

Back in 2020, the route was only a little over 10 miles, as we were still rolling out our idea of the Strenuous Series of seasonal hikes. By 2024, the route expanded to over 20 miles and an overall much rougher hike.

Which view of Storm King from Breakneck will you get when you hike your Beacon Bully??

Check out @glazed_over_donuts in Beacon for a delicious, well-deserved dessert, but hike with haste, or you'll miss your opportunity!

#proactiveahw #proactivepodcast #beaconbully #breakneckridge #stormking

January is Beacon Bully month. Since 2020, every January, we've tackled the Beacon Range and hit it with force. 👊 However, it's not always been the winter wonderland that we imagined it being.

Back in 2020, the route was only a little over 10 miles, as we were still rolling out our idea of the Strenuous Series of seasonal hikes. By 2024, the route expanded to over 20 miles and an overall much rougher hike.

Which view of Storm King from Breakneck will you get when you hike your Beacon Bully??

Check out @glazed_over_donuts in Beacon for a delicious, well-deserved dessert, but hike with haste, or you'll miss your opportunity!

#proactiveahw #proactivepodcast #beaconbully #breakneckridge #stormking

2024 Part 2: June-December

Mount Washington - The group's second time visiting NH and up Washington/Special Guest - @jeffzausch

Camping in Harriman - Ideal conditions/Perfect campsite/Summer kick-off

Kevin Rader Podcast - Co-director of the @fab_fahnestock_trail_races

BBQ 2024 - Great turnout/Crowned Vanessa as 2-time champion/$1000 award for winning/Cammaradarie

Schunemunk Tour - Summer

Hudson Highlands Tour - Beacon, Breakneck, Bull, Bear, Anthony's Nose, and 3 climbs up Pop Torne

Foliage in the ADK - Near-peak foliage in the ADK

Kim Levinsky Podcast - Director of @sassquadtrailrunning and an amazing outdoor athlete/From the shortlist of guests we wanted to talk to

The Aurora - A surprise appearance by the Northern Lights up on Pop Torne

Devil's Path Podcast - Group Podcast to discuss our biggest hike yet/6 guests at once!

Winaki Derby - The original patch hike/Nearly 30 miles over and around the most difficult terrain in NJ/From the Torne to Wyanokie and everything in between/Day full of forest fires in the distance

Dinner 2024 - The pre-holiday celebration/Justin and Brittany face off over the championship

Annual ADK Winter Trip - We returned to the "lasertag" house for some hiking, lasertag, karaoke, family dinners, and some generally good times

#mountwashington #hikenh #campinglife #BBQ #breakneckridge #beaconfiretower #hudsonhighlands #fallfoliage #sassquadtrailrunning #auroraborealis #northernlights #devilspath #proactivepodcast #proactiveahw #wyanokiehighpoint #norvingreenstateforest #adk #adirondacks

2024 Part 2: June-December

Mount Washington - The group's second time visiting NH and up Washington/Special Guest - @jeffzausch

Camping in Harriman - Ideal conditions/Perfect campsite/Summer kick-off

Kevin Rader Podcast - Co-director of the @fab_fahnestock_trail_races

BBQ 2024 - Great turnout/Crowned Vanessa as 2-time champion/$1000 award for winning/Cammaradarie

Schunemunk Tour - Summer

Hudson Highlands Tour - Beacon, Breakneck, Bull, Bear, Anthony's Nose, and 3 climbs up Pop Torne

Foliage in the ADK - Near-peak foliage in the ADK

Kim Levinsky Podcast - Director of @sassquadtrailrunning and an amazing outdoor athlete/From the shortlist of guests we wanted to talk to

The Aurora - A surprise appearance by the Northern Lights up on Pop Torne

Devil's Path Podcast - Group Podcast to discuss our biggest hike yet/6 guests at once!

Winaki Derby - The original patch hike/Nearly 30 miles over and around the most difficult terrain in NJ/From the Torne to Wyanokie and everything in between/Day full of forest fires in the distance

Dinner 2024 - The pre-holiday celebration/Justin and Brittany face off over the championship

Annual ADK Winter Trip - We returned to the "lasertag" house for some hiking, lasertag, karaoke, family dinners, and some generally good times

#mountwashington #hikenh #campinglife #BBQ #breakneckridge #beaconfiretower #hudsonhighlands #fallfoliage #sassquadtrailrunning #auroraborealis #northernlights #devilspath #proactivepodcast #proactiveahw #wyanokiehighpoint #norvingreenstateforest #adk #adirondacks

2024 Part One: January-June

• Beacon Bully V - Our first big group effort of the year/20+ miles that included Bull Hill, Fishkill, Beacon, and Breakneck/Raced the clock to make sure we made it to @glazed_over_donuts before they closed

• Don Weise Podcast - One of the people on our original wishlist of podcast guests thanks to his passion for the outdoors and the trails, his extensive knowledge of our local trails, and his work with the NYNJTC - it was great to finally get the chance to talk

• Spence's 40 for 40 in the Palisades- Distance PRs all around and an amazing day/It was all going great for about the first 30 miles/The last 10 miles were in a downpour/We lost the Nissan Rogue to the flooding in Piermont

• Justin Lewandowski Podcast - After seeing all the amazing things Justin has achieved over the last few years, I looked forward to talking to him on the podcast/I was even more excited as he rose through the ranks of Challenge and stayed at the top of the leaderboard for much of the season

• Minnewaska Tour - The long way to Gertrude's Nose/We needed to hit 22.5 miles for the Challenge/We ended up having to make up about a mile each and found paths around the parking lot to make up the distance

• GOTH VI - The main event of the Challenge/We kept it to about 15.5 miles, hitting Bear, West, Timp, and Bald/Training day for the Devil's Path the next week/All-star group

• Devil Day - An attempt at an out-and-back of the Devil's Path/Turned into Devil and a Half/Great day for the group overall with PRs all around!

• Vanessa WINS - Vanessa squeaked out the win in the 2023-2024 Challenge and became 2-time champion/Bear Mountain championship photo shoot

• Great Range Revenge - After bailing out on the Great Range months prior, we returned to complete the traverse/One of the most successful hikes of the year/In the clouds on Haystack and Marcy was a fitting conclusion

• Keeva in the Catskills - Months into Keeva's hiking career, she visits the Catskills for the first time

#breakneckridge #mountbeacon #beaconfiretower #proactivepodcast #nynjtc #catskills #palisadesinterstatepark #adk #minnewaskastatepark #bearmountain #proactivechallenge

2024 Part One: January-June

• Beacon Bully V - Our first big group effort of the year/20+ miles that included Bull Hill, Fishkill, Beacon, and Breakneck/Raced the clock to make sure we made it to @glazed_over_donuts before they closed

• Don Weise Podcast - One of the people on our original wishlist of podcast guests thanks to his passion for the outdoors and the trails, his extensive knowledge of our local trails, and his work with the NYNJTC - it was great to finally get the chance to talk

• Spence's 40 for 40 in the Palisades- Distance PRs all around and an amazing day/It was all going great for about the first 30 miles/The last 10 miles were in a downpour/We lost the Nissan Rogue to the flooding in Piermont

• Justin Lewandowski Podcast - After seeing all the amazing things Justin has achieved over the last few years, I looked forward to talking to him on the podcast/I was even more excited as he rose through the ranks of Challenge and stayed at the top of the leaderboard for much of the season

• Minnewaska Tour - The long way to Gertrude's Nose/We needed to hit 22.5 miles for the Challenge/We ended up having to make up about a mile each and found paths around the parking lot to make up the distance

• GOTH VI - The main event of the Challenge/We kept it to about 15.5 miles, hitting Bear, West, Timp, and Bald/Training day for the Devil's Path the next week/All-star group

• Devil Day - An attempt at an out-and-back of the Devil's Path/Turned into Devil and a Half/Great day for the group overall with PRs all around!

• Vanessa WINS - Vanessa squeaked out the win in the 2023-2024 Challenge and became 2-time champion/Bear Mountain championship photo shoot

• Great Range Revenge - After bailing out on the Great Range months prior, we returned to complete the traverse/One of the most successful hikes of the year/In the clouds on Haystack and Marcy was a fitting conclusion

• Keeva in the Catskills - Months into Keeva's hiking career, she visits the Catskills for the first time

#breakneckridge #mountbeacon #beaconfiretower #proactivepodcast #nynjtc #catskills #palisadesinterstatepark #adk #minnewaskastatepark #bearmountain #proactivechallenge

Adirondacks Year-End Trip 2024 🏔

Since 2020, we've been spending either the end or beginning of every year with a trip upstate for some adventure and unwinding.

This trip's highlights include:

• Hiking Belfry, Jay, Van Hoevenberg, and Prospect
• Home-cooked meals every morning and night
• Drinks made with care by @myoutdoorhaven
• A murder mystery that we worked diligently to solve
• Lasertag throwdown - Vanessa is still the most
• A 3-hour ensemble karaoke set
• Somewhat haunted, huge @airbnb in the woods
• Spending time with great company to celebrate the end of the year

This would be the final set of hikes for the year 2024. Over the course of the few days we were up there, the temperatures rose from the teens on snowy Belfry to in the 50's on spring-like Prospect in Lake George.

The frosted trees highlighting the first hike's photos was replaced by a rainbow hanging over a bright landscape for the final hike's last memory. Although nothing was too strenuous, this trip gave us a lot, and the snow and slush made things just the right amount of slightly more challenging.

Now, it's time to get back to reality and work towards next year's trip...

@proactiveahw

Adirondacks Year-End Trip 2024 🏔

Since 2020, we've been spending either the end or beginning of every year with a trip upstate for some adventure and unwinding.

This trip's highlights include:

• Hiking Belfry, Jay, Van Hoevenberg, and Prospect
• Home-cooked meals every morning and night
• Drinks made with care by @myoutdoorhaven
• A murder mystery that we worked diligently to solve
• Lasertag throwdown - Vanessa is still the most
• A 3-hour ensemble karaoke set
• Somewhat haunted, huge @airbnb in the woods
• Spending time with great company to celebrate the end of the year

This would be the final set of hikes for the year 2024. Over the course of the few days we were up there, the temperatures rose from the teens on snowy Belfry to in the 50's on spring-like Prospect in Lake George.

The frosted trees highlighting the first hike's photos was replaced by a rainbow hanging over a bright landscape for the final hike's last memory. Although nothing was too strenuous, this trip gave us a lot, and the snow and slush made things just the right amount of slightly more challenging.

Now, it's time to get back to reality and work towards next year's trip...

@proactiveahw

What it feels like to drive to the Catskills from NJ...

What it feels like to drive to the Catskills from NJ...

• The PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast - if you're looking for a way to support the group, visit us on YouTube and like a video, leave a comment, and subscribe!

• Going into 2025, we're committed to booking some new, interesting guests and delving into deeper discussions!

• Tenatitve plans include the following: Episode 18 - Hanging with PROACTIVE in the ADK # 2, Episode 19 - Mel Hoffmann Returns, Episode 20 - I'd like to be interviewed...

• Thank you for all the support for the podcast that many of you have shown so far. Stay tuned for more!

#proactivepodcast #proactiveahw #adventurepodcast #hikingpodcast #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crewgoals #beproactive #hikergram #hikemoreworryless ##hikersofinstagram

• The PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast - if you're looking for a way to support the group, visit us on YouTube and like a video, leave a comment, and subscribe!

• Going into 2025, we're committed to booking some new, interesting guests and delving into deeper discussions!

• Tenatitve plans include the following: Episode 18 - Hanging with PROACTIVE in the ADK # 2, Episode 19 - Mel Hoffmann Returns, Episode 20 - I'd like to be interviewed...

• Thank you for all the support for the podcast that many of you have shown so far. Stay tuned for more!

#proactivepodcast #proactiveahw #adventurepodcast #hikingpodcast #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crewgoals #beproactive #hikergram #hikemoreworryless ##hikersofinstagram

Last night was the 2024 PROACTIVE Dinner, one of the last chances of the year to get together with the group to regale, to reminisce about the prior year, and to set goals and make plans for the year to come...

Much like the BBQ in August, the Dinner is held to gather the disparate members of the group who may not find themselves crossing paths on the same hikes, whether it be due to skill level, proximity, or work schedules.

People who have never been on a hike together, but who may be familiar with each other through the social media posts or stories told, become familiar and friendly with each other at these things based around a shared lifestyle. It's nice to see, and it's inspiring.

The top 2 competitors (both currently tied for 1st place) in the Challenge - Justin and Brittany - were good sports in posing along with Vanessa, around the championship belt for our take on a boxing or MMA promo..

Thanks to everybody who came out! It was a great time. Also, thanks to @blackrabbitnj for a second year of great service and a great space!

This tradition is becoming a really nice segway into the holidays and to the end of the year! Now, it's time to start planning the BBQ for 2025...😎

@proactiveahw

Pictured: Images from the 2024 Dinner on December 13, 2024, and photos from through 2024 that showcase members of the group during some of ourhikes.

Last night was the 2024 PROACTIVE Dinner, one of the last chances of the year to get together with the group to regale, to reminisce about the prior year, and to set goals and make plans for the year to come...

Much like the BBQ in August, the Dinner is held to gather the disparate members of the group who may not find themselves crossing paths on the same hikes, whether it be due to skill level, proximity, or work schedules.

People who have never been on a hike together, but who may be familiar with each other through the social media posts or stories told, become familiar and friendly with each other at these things based around a shared lifestyle. It's nice to see, and it's inspiring.

The top 2 competitors (both currently tied for 1st place) in the Challenge - Justin and Brittany - were good sports in posing along with Vanessa, around the championship belt for our take on a boxing or MMA promo..

Thanks to everybody who came out! It was a great time. Also, thanks to @blackrabbitnj for a second year of great service and a great space!

This tradition is becoming a really nice segway into the holidays and to the end of the year! Now, it's time to start planning the BBQ for 2025...😎

@proactiveahw

Pictured: Images from the 2024 Dinner on December 13, 2024, and photos from through 2024 that showcase members of the group during some of ourhikes.

Somebody started out hiking on Wittenberg - the trail was packed down for about a mile. Then, the packed down snow came to a halt, and we found ourselves snowshoeing through varying heights of heavy snow.

We've done a lot of winter hiking and have faced many varying degrees of winter conditions, but today was different. Before Wittenberg's technical sections could even beclimbed, they needed to be excavated from the snow drift walls that we found ourselves wading straight into.

This was a uniquely challenging day in many respects, and as usual, a new memory bound for fondness, of "that time we broke trail for miles on Wittenberg..."

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #snowhike #snowscape #wittenberg #wittenbergmountain #ashokanreservoir #winterinthecatskills #catskillsny #catskillsmountains #hikeny #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #adventurepodcast #adventuregroup #hikinggroup #grouphike #winterhiking #winterhike #snowday #womenwhohike #dogswhohike #hikerbabes #catskillshiking #strava #Garmin #Merrell

Somebody started out hiking on Wittenberg - the trail was packed down for about a mile. Then, the packed down snow came to a halt, and we found ourselves snowshoeing through varying heights of heavy snow.

We've done a lot of winter hiking and have faced many varying degrees of winter conditions, but today was different. Before Wittenberg's technical sections could even beclimbed, they needed to be excavated from the snow drift walls that we found ourselves wading straight into.

This was a uniquely challenging day in many respects, and as usual, a new memory bound for fondness, of "that time we broke trail for miles on Wittenberg..."

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #snowhike #snowscape #wittenberg #wittenbergmountain #ashokanreservoir #winterinthecatskills #catskillsny #catskillsmountains #hikeny #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #adventurepodcast #adventuregroup #hikinggroup #grouphike #winterhiking #winterhike #snowday #womenwhohike #dogswhohike #hikerbabes #catskillshiking #strava #Garmin #Merrell

This past Saturday was the Winaki Derby, and our 30-mile day was ominously backdropped by the growing Jennings Creek Fire in the distance.

After pulling off of Rt. 287, I was to make the next left. As I arrived at the intersection, a large cloud of smoke was billowing up from the hills to the right. In hindsight, it feels like foreshadowing.

That original fire would be under control by the time the sun went down, but we had progressive views of the JC Fire the entire day, being slapped in the face by it as we arrived at each view.

Being a big day, we also happened to be hiking late into the day. Once we were plunged into darkness, the flames started to glow, and the immensity of it all became clear.

Nevertheless, although the fire took much of our attention, there were turkeys, bone-dry streams, coyotes heckling us into the night, growls coming from a culvert, a lone fox in the darkness, about 30 miles and 6300 feet, and a lot of effort put into the day.

Justin & Dan and John & I finished Winaki Derby routes. Vanessa and Brittany knocked out Norvin Green Tour routes. That's a nice 150ish miles for the group, and a very strange day.

@proactiveahw

📸 everybody...

This past Saturday was the Winaki Derby, and our 30-mile day was ominously backdropped by the growing Jennings Creek Fire in the distance.

After pulling off of Rt. 287, I was to make the next left. As I arrived at the intersection, a large cloud of smoke was billowing up from the hills to the right. In hindsight, it feels like foreshadowing.

That original fire would be under control by the time the sun went down, but we had progressive views of the JC Fire the entire day, being slapped in the face by it as we arrived at each view.

Being a big day, we also happened to be hiking late into the day. Once we were plunged into darkness, the flames started to glow, and the immensity of it all became clear.

Nevertheless, although the fire took much of our attention, there were turkeys, bone-dry streams, coyotes heckling us into the night, growls coming from a culvert, a lone fox in the darkness, about 30 miles and 6300 feet, and a lot of effort put into the day.

Justin & Dan and John & I finished Winaki Derby routes. Vanessa and Brittany knocked out Norvin Green Tour routes. That's a nice 150ish miles for the group, and a very strange day.

@proactiveahw

📸 everybody...

4 Years Ago - November 5th, 2020 - With all the personal records achieved by many members over the past few months, I was happy to be reminded of this day from a few years ago - when we hiked the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail with Vanessa for her first 20-miler.

In August 2020, Vanessa surprised herself by completing the entire Breakneck Quad and promptly continued pushing her limits. After more impressive efforts and NGT as a final training session on November 1, 2020, she set her sights on the SBM.

This day was just the beginning as Vanessa has since completed several (more difficult) 20-mile routes, reached 37 miles with a Devil & a Half, has been crowned 2-time PROACTIVE Champion, and ran and placed in many strenuous trail races including the Breakneck Marathon.

It may not have been the expected result when Vanessa signed up for her first easy social hike back in January 2019, but it's a good reminder that one can achieve great things if they push their limits, put the work in, and believe in themselves.

Congratulations to all the members of the group who have recently hiked their tallest, longest, or most grueling routes both within and outside of the Challenge! It's amazing to see people break their own boundaries, and here's looking forward to seeing more of it!

@proactiveahw

4 Years Ago - November 5th, 2020 - With all the personal records achieved by many members over the past few months, I was happy to be reminded of this day from a few years ago - when we hiked the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail with Vanessa for her first 20-miler.

In August 2020, Vanessa surprised herself by completing the entire Breakneck Quad and promptly continued pushing her limits. After more impressive efforts and NGT as a final training session on November 1, 2020, she set her sights on the SBM.

This day was just the beginning as Vanessa has since completed several (more difficult) 20-mile routes, reached 37 miles with a Devil & a Half, has been crowned 2-time PROACTIVE Champion, and ran and placed in many strenuous trail races including the Breakneck Marathon.

It may not have been the expected result when Vanessa signed up for her first easy social hike back in January 2019, but it's a good reminder that one can achieve great things if they push their limits, put the work in, and believe in themselves.

Congratulations to all the members of the group who have recently hiked their tallest, longest, or most grueling routes both within and outside of the Challenge! It's amazing to see people break their own boundaries, and here's looking forward to seeing more of it!

@proactiveahw

Fall 2024, so far, featuring the Northern Lights. 🍂

Autumn may not be over yet, but soon there will be more leaves on the ground than on the trees, and we'll enter the "dead" season. 💀

Highlights have included an unexpected light show, bright colors up in the Adirondacks, our yearly visit to the cemetery, and low-lying clouds, among other things...

What has been your highlight of the season?

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #fall2024 #northernlights #fallfoliage
#hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram
#adk #hudsonhighlands #hikethehudsonvalley #hikelife
#mountainviews #cloudscape #sunrise #cemetery #getoutside

Fall 2024, so far, featuring the Northern Lights. 🍂

Autumn may not be over yet, but soon there will be more leaves on the ground than on the trees, and we'll enter the "dead" season. 💀

Highlights have included an unexpected light show, bright colors up in the Adirondacks, our yearly visit to the cemetery, and low-lying clouds, among other things...

What has been your highlight of the season?

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #fall2024 #northernlights #fallfoliage
#hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram
#adk #hudsonhighlands #hikethehudsonvalley #hikelife
#mountainviews #cloudscape #sunrise #cemetery #getoutside

Something in the mist? 🤔 Cornish Estate Ruins & Little Stony Point for good measure.

Sunrise at the ruins, now with painted windows and a door? Nevertheless, we were still able to get in to get a good look at the stack of fireplaces left behind after the fire...

Then, we checked our Stony Point to be accosted by mist, taking a brief reprieve at a cave guarded by the crooked face of a pumpkin...

It was hard to even fake the horror on a day that was so picture-perfect...

👻 Not sure if that's the mist in the last few pictures, but there's something. I justdon't remember it coming into my lens in real life...🤔

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #horrorhike #themist #ruins #cornishestate #coldspring #hikergram #halloween #hikersofinstagram #hudsonriver #hikethehudsonvalley

Something in the mist? 🤔 Cornish Estate Ruins & Little Stony Point for good measure.

Sunrise at the ruins, now with painted windows and a door? Nevertheless, we were still able to get in to get a good look at the stack of fireplaces left behind after the fire...

Then, we checked our Stony Point to be accosted by mist, taking a brief reprieve at a cave guarded by the crooked face of a pumpkin...

It was hard to even fake the horror on a day that was so picture-perfect...

👻 Not sure if that's the mist in the last few pictures, but there's something. I justdon't remember it coming into my lens in real life...🤔

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #horrorhike #themist #ruins #cornishestate #coldspring #hikergram #halloween #hikersofinstagram #hudsonriver #hikethehudsonvalley

An evening in the cemetery. 🪦

Are the coffins pushing up out of the ground, or are roots just holding them into the ground? ⚰️

Some say, every year on a night much like tonight...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #cemetery #horrorhike #halloween
#horror #hikersofinstagram #hikergram

An evening in the cemetery. 🪦

Are the coffins pushing up out of the ground, or are roots just holding them into the ground? ⚰️

Some say, every year on a night much like tonight...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #cemetery #horrorhike #halloween
#horror #hikersofinstagram #hikergram

Not quite Stillman's Assault, but still 20 miles and 5000+ feet of elevation gain around Storm King and Black Rock.

• @jmproscia • @lost_in.the.wild •

Our route took us over Butter Hill and Storm King twice, over the North Point (where Brittany was underwhelmed by the view), into Black Rock Forest, and at times along roads (some with 12 MPH speed limits).

We were hit with some heavy rain on our way back to Storm King from Black Rock, but it passed within a half hour or so, making way for a cloud to envelope the mountaintops. Eventually, the wall of white became remnants scattered in between the hills below.

Throughout the course of the day, we tracked our miles but kept our elevation gain a secret to ourselves. We wanted to wait until the end to see what we had done.

We both felt great by the end and expected a low elevation number when we looked at our tracking. It was a pleasant surprise to leave with a respectable 5000+ feet of gain and to feel so good...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikethehudsonvalley #cloudscape #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #challengeyourself #strava #garmin #stormking #stormkingstatepark

Not quite Stillman's Assault, but still 20 miles and 5000+ feet of elevation gain around Storm King and Black Rock.

• @jmproscia • @lost_in.the.wild •

Our route took us over Butter Hill and Storm King twice, over the North Point (where Brittany was underwhelmed by the view), into Black Rock Forest, and at times along roads (some with 12 MPH speed limits).

We were hit with some heavy rain on our way back to Storm King from Black Rock, but it passed within a half hour or so, making way for a cloud to envelope the mountaintops. Eventually, the wall of white became remnants scattered in between the hills below.

Throughout the course of the day, we tracked our miles but kept our elevation gain a secret to ourselves. We wanted to wait until the end to see what we had done.

We both felt great by the end and expected a low elevation number when we looked at our tracking. It was a pleasant surprise to leave with a respectable 5000+ feet of gain and to feel so good...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikethehudsonvalley #cloudscape #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #challengeyourself #strava #garmin #stormking #stormkingstatepark

Rooster Comb and Mount Baker were what we decided to climb this past weekend and neither disappointed. 🍁

After last week's Hudson Highlands Tour, this weekend was reserved for putting eyes on the fleeting fall foliage.

Mission accomplished. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #delusionaloptimist #gonorth #highpeaks

Rooster Comb and Mount Baker were what we decided to climb this past weekend and neither disappointed. 🍁

After last week's Hudson Highlands Tour, this weekend was reserved for putting eyes on the fleeting fall foliage.

Mission accomplished. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #delusionaloptimist #gonorth #highpeaks

Chasing the leaves all the way up to the top of Rooster Comb 🍂 September 2024 @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #gonorth #highpeaks #leafpeeping #autumn2024 #fall2024 #foliage

Chasing the leaves all the way up to the top of Rooster Comb 🍂 September 2024 @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #gonorth #highpeaks #leafpeeping #autumn2024 #fall2024 #foliage

The first official Hudson Highlands Tour - a full, strenuous, challenging day that includes 6 mountains, 8 climbs, a few drives, and a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge - came out to something around 20 miles and 7000 or so feet of elevation.

Our first stop was Mount Beacon, where we started around 7:30AM with a climb up the Casino Trail and then up to the fire tower.

Next, we climbed up the Breakneck scramble and down the Nimham Trail. This actually turned out to be our easiest route of the day. Justin broke off at this point to tackle Bull from the Undercliff Trail.

Then, we were on to Bull Hill, the last mountain we'd climb before crossing the river and heading to Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain, our 4th climb of the day, was packed thanks to the beautiful weather, the last gasps of summer, and a cross-country event taking place.

From here, we walked across the bridge and up the face of Anthony's Nose, down the AT, and back to Bear across the bridge again.

Finally, we took on 3 climbs up to the top of Pop Torne to finish the day as the sun set. It was a perfectly climactic ending to an amazing day.

Nice job to Brittany, Spence, and Justin, who all had amazing showings out there, and big congratulations to Shynar who hit both her mileage and elevation PRs by completing the Hudson Highlands Tour! 🙌

Days like this are both surreal and grounding, type 2 fun, miserably enjoyable, painfully relaxing, challenging both mentally and physically in the best way, and we live for it.

@proactiveahw

The first official Hudson Highlands Tour - a full, strenuous, challenging day that includes 6 mountains, 8 climbs, a few drives, and a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge - came out to something around 20 miles and 7000 or so feet of elevation.

Our first stop was Mount Beacon, where we started around 7:30AM with a climb up the Casino Trail and then up to the fire tower.

Next, we climbed up the Breakneck scramble and down the Nimham Trail. This actually turned out to be our easiest route of the day. Justin broke off at this point to tackle Bull from the Undercliff Trail.

Then, we were on to Bull Hill, the last mountain we'd climb before crossing the river and heading to Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain, our 4th climb of the day, was packed thanks to the beautiful weather, the last gasps of summer, and a cross-country event taking place.

From here, we walked across the bridge and up the face of Anthony's Nose, down the AT, and back to Bear across the bridge again.

Finally, we took on 3 climbs up to the top of Pop Torne to finish the day as the sun set. It was a perfectly climactic ending to an amazing day.

Nice job to Brittany, Spence, and Justin, who all had amazing showings out there, and big congratulations to Shynar who hit both her mileage and elevation PRs by completing the Hudson Highlands Tour! 🙌

Days like this are both surreal and grounding, type 2 fun, miserably enjoyable, painfully relaxing, challenging both mentally and physically in the best way, and we live for it.

@proactiveahw

First signs of fall in the Hudson Valley at Bear Mountain.

@proactiveahw

#fallfoliage #signsoffall #proactiveahw #bearmountain #fallcolors #foliage #hudsonvalley #hvny #autumn #leaveschanging #bearmountainstatepark #lastofsummer #summersover #falliscoming

First signs of fall in the Hudson Valley at Bear Mountain.

@proactiveahw

#fallfoliage #signsoffall #proactiveahw #bearmountain #fallcolors #foliage #hudsonvalley #hvny #autumn #leaveschanging #bearmountainstatepark #lastofsummer #summersover #falliscoming

Schunemunk Tour is the first of four strenuous hikes in a series of seasonal routes that will earn finishers a patch and a big chunk of Challenge points (if you're playing the game).

This hike, generally considered the easiest due to its lack of high elevation gain, ramps people up to NGT, Beacon Bully, and GOTH, all of which pack more mileage and more elevation.

Nevertheless, you shouldn't underestimate Schunemunk. The heat of August always catches up with the group, and the relatively easy route and endless final stretch make it feel harder than it really should..

This year, a long-time member of the group, @cerceaux_flyer777, completed her first patch hike with us and exceeded her own expectations by crushing the route with relative ease. 💪

@scrubboi and Bryce also earned their first patches as well. The others Vanessa, Brittany, John, Phil, and Rosette have all completed the tour before.

Schunemunk Tour has been especially interesting due to how many people have mentioned that completing the route as part of the Challenge has introduced them to the mountain and that they may never have through to go there! I'm happy to see people see new places!

Schunemunk Tour ✔️ Complete

@proactiveahw

Schunemunk Tour is the first of four strenuous hikes in a series of seasonal routes that will earn finishers a patch and a big chunk of Challenge points (if you're playing the game).

This hike, generally considered the easiest due to its lack of high elevation gain, ramps people up to NGT, Beacon Bully, and GOTH, all of which pack more mileage and more elevation.

Nevertheless, you shouldn't underestimate Schunemunk. The heat of August always catches up with the group, and the relatively easy route and endless final stretch make it feel harder than it really should..

This year, a long-time member of the group, @cerceaux_flyer777, completed her first patch hike with us and exceeded her own expectations by crushing the route with relative ease. 💪

@scrubboi and Bryce also earned their first patches as well. The others Vanessa, Brittany, John, Phil, and Rosette have all completed the tour before.

Schunemunk Tour has been especially interesting due to how many people have mentioned that completing the route as part of the Challenge has introduced them to the mountain and that they may never have through to go there! I'm happy to see people see new places!

Schunemunk Tour ✔️ Complete

@proactiveahw

This past weekend, we held the PROACTIVE BBQ 2024 - an incredible day with amazing people, a celebration of everything we've accomplished, and how much everybody has grown over the previous year!

It also included a ceremony to award the winners of the 2023-2024 Challenge! Vanessa V. was awarded with her second PROACTIVE championship belt, a custom trophy, and a giant check representing her $1000 cash prize!

Justin L., Phil L., and Brittany all took home trophies for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes, respectively! In addition, Jackie C. was surprised with her Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season.

Aside from the award ceremony, the entire day was an absolute blast! The energy was palpable, and the camaraderie was on full display. With some new faces and many familiar faces, it was special in so many ways!

There are so many people to thank for making this possible, but there are too many to mention individually here - so I'll just say THANK YOU to all who made it out to the BBQ and to all who contributed their time and effort! We have built such an amazing community, let's keep it going!

Looking ahead, we now start a new year, and I'm excited to see what everybody achieves by the time next year's BBQ arrives! Let's keep being proactive...

@proactiveahw

This past weekend, we held the PROACTIVE BBQ 2024 - an incredible day with amazing people, a celebration of everything we've accomplished, and how much everybody has grown over the previous year!

It also included a ceremony to award the winners of the 2023-2024 Challenge! Vanessa V. was awarded with her second PROACTIVE championship belt, a custom trophy, and a giant check representing her $1000 cash prize!

Justin L., Phil L., and Brittany all took home trophies for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes, respectively! In addition, Jackie C. was surprised with her Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season.

Aside from the award ceremony, the entire day was an absolute blast! The energy was palpable, and the camaraderie was on full display. With some new faces and many familiar faces, it was special in so many ways!

There are so many people to thank for making this possible, but there are too many to mention individually here - so I'll just say THANK YOU to all who made it out to the BBQ and to all who contributed their time and effort! We have built such an amazing community, let's keep it going!

Looking ahead, we now start a new year, and I'm excited to see what everybody achieves by the time next year's BBQ arrives! Let's keep being proactive...

@proactiveahw

The BBQ is fast-approaching, next Saturday, 8.17! We can't wait to be with everybody at Pelton Pond in Clarence Fahnestock State Park next weekend!

Yes, we're a hiking/running group, but life gets busy, and it becomes hard for everybody in our community to attend dozens of trips throughout the year. That's why events like the annual BBQ and end-of-year Dinner are so special.

Next weekend's BBQ is a celebration...
• It's a celebration of everything that we've all accomplished, both individually and collectively, over the previous 12 months.
• It's a celebration of friendship, shared interest, and camaraderie.
• It's a celebration of the great success of the 2023-2024 Challenge.
• It's a celebration of life and being alive...

We'll be assembling at the Pelton Pond pavilion at 12PM. At 5PM, we will come together at the pavilion to award the winners of the Challenge and present Vanessa with her second championship belt. At 8PM, we will begin clearing out...

@proactiveahw

The BBQ is fast-approaching, next Saturday, 8.17! We can't wait to be with everybody at Pelton Pond in Clarence Fahnestock State Park next weekend!

Yes, we're a hiking/running group, but life gets busy, and it becomes hard for everybody in our community to attend dozens of trips throughout the year. That's why events like the annual BBQ and end-of-year Dinner are so special.

Next weekend's BBQ is a celebration...
• It's a celebration of everything that we've all accomplished, both individually and collectively, over the previous 12 months.
• It's a celebration of friendship, shared interest, and camaraderie.
• It's a celebration of the great success of the 2023-2024 Challenge.
• It's a celebration of life and being alive...

We'll be assembling at the Pelton Pond pavilion at 12PM. At 5PM, we will come together at the pavilion to award the winners of the Challenge and present Vanessa with her second championship belt. At 8PM, we will begin clearing out...

@proactiveahw

Bear Den, Colden, Hurricane - a trio of ADK hikes from our summer 2022 trip - the appetizer, the main event, and the goodbye. It's never enough. @proactiveahw

#adirondacks #proactiveahw #upstateny #adkhighpeaks #hikeny #highpeaks #mountcolden #colden #bearden #hurricanemountain #Hurricane #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmoutains #mountaintopview #mountainviews #getoutside #grouphike #grouphiking

Bear Den, Colden, Hurricane - a trio of ADK hikes from our summer 2022 trip - the appetizer, the main event, and the goodbye. It's never enough. @proactiveahw

#adirondacks #proactiveahw #upstateny #adkhighpeaks #hikeny #highpeaks #mountcolden #colden #bearden #hurricanemountain #Hurricane #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmoutains #mountaintopview #mountainviews #getoutside #grouphike #grouphiking

August 5, 2023 • Breakneck 7.5 • One year ago today, as part of the PROACTIVE Challenge, we held Breakneck 7.5 as a social hike. That day, Joe finished the route.

Later in the 2023-2024 season, Justin, Brittany, and eventual champion Vanessa would go on to complete this rough route as well.

Though many hikes consist of more miles and pack more elevation, climbing Breakneck seven times (one time being to and from the Beacon fire tower) is made even more difficult as you pass your car (your escape) several times...

Coming soon...Breakneck 🔟

@proactiveahw

#breakneckridge #proactiveahw #breakneck
#hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #coldspring #repeats
#rockscrambling #scrambling #climbmoutains #climb #hillrepeats #hardhike #hikeny #upwego #upward #getoutside #outdoorcommunity #proactivechallenge

August 5, 2023 • Breakneck 7.5 • One year ago today, as part of the PROACTIVE Challenge, we held Breakneck 7.5 as a social hike. That day, Joe finished the route.

Later in the 2023-2024 season, Justin, Brittany, and eventual champion Vanessa would go on to complete this rough route as well.

Though many hikes consist of more miles and pack more elevation, climbing Breakneck seven times (one time being to and from the Beacon fire tower) is made even more difficult as you pass your car (your escape) several times...

Coming soon...Breakneck 🔟

@proactiveahw

#breakneckridge #proactiveahw #breakneck
#hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #coldspring #repeats
#rockscrambling #scrambling #climbmoutains #climb #hillrepeats #hardhike #hikeny #upwego #upward #getoutside #outdoorcommunity #proactivechallenge

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Mel debuted at Ramapo Torne in July 2019 and immediately became a fixture on @proactiveahw social hikes, joining us at each and every opportunity.

A few months later, she would make her first trip to the Adirondacks. This made her want more, and she found it by tackling some of our most difficult routes and making trips across the country and our border to see what else was out there.

In 2020 alone, Mel completed Breakneck Triple (the first of our increasing Breakneck repeats), the first Beacon Bully, Devil's Path, and more. And she continued to take on bigger and bigger routes.

Recently, Mel snatched a Devil's Path PR for her second finish, traveled to Patagonia for an ambitious solo hiking trip, and summited Mount Washington for a second time, among other things!

Mel spoke about her desire for views and adventure and the effects of hiking and being outdoors on the PROACTIVE Podcast, the most viewed episode as of yet! [Link in Bio]

Although Mel felt as though she wasn't performing to her top potential in last year's Challenge, she managed to stay in the top 10 over the course of the season. Will she surprise herself again this year with a 1st place finish?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@melll_leigh
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The first photo was taken at the Mohonk Preserve during the nearly 20-mile Mohonk Tour in 2020. It was one of the hottest days we ever faced, and we all looked like it near the end. The final picture is of Mel's first hike with us at Ramapo Torne in July 2019.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #hikethegunks #shawangunks #mohonkpreserve #harrimanstatepark #proactivepodcast

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Mel debuted at Ramapo Torne in July 2019 and immediately became a fixture on @proactiveahw social hikes, joining us at each and every opportunity.

A few months later, she would make her first trip to the Adirondacks. This made her want more, and she found it by tackling some of our most difficult routes and making trips across the country and our border to see what else was out there.

In 2020 alone, Mel completed Breakneck Triple (the first of our increasing Breakneck repeats), the first Beacon Bully, Devil's Path, and more. And she continued to take on bigger and bigger routes.

Recently, Mel snatched a Devil's Path PR for her second finish, traveled to Patagonia for an ambitious solo hiking trip, and summited Mount Washington for a second time, among other things!

Mel spoke about her desire for views and adventure and the effects of hiking and being outdoors on the PROACTIVE Podcast, the most viewed episode as of yet! [Link in Bio]

Although Mel felt as though she wasn't performing to her top potential in last year's Challenge, she managed to stay in the top 10 over the course of the season. Will she surprise herself again this year with a 1st place finish?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@melll_leigh
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The first photo was taken at the Mohonk Preserve during the nearly 20-mile Mohonk Tour in 2020. It was one of the hottest days we ever faced, and we all looked like it near the end. The final picture is of Mel's first hike with us at Ramapo Torne in July 2019.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #hikethegunks #shawangunks #mohonkpreserve #harrimanstatepark #proactivepodcast

We talk about it all the time, but it doesn't happen often enough. So, last week, we were glad to pull together an impromptu evening under the stars and the moon in Harriman. @proactiveahw

📸 @myoutdoorhaven

#proactiveahw #campingtrip #harrimanstatepark #harriman #getoutside #themoon #underthestars #campsite #campfire #camplife #campinglife #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #dogswhohike #traildogs #womenwhohike #hikerbabes #hikinggroup #grouphike #groupcamp #hikeny #hikingsquad #sunset #sunrise #liveoutdoors #outdoorpeople #outdoorcommunity

We talk about it all the time, but it doesn't happen often enough. So, last week, we were glad to pull together an impromptu evening under the stars and the moon in Harriman. @proactiveahw

📸 @myoutdoorhaven

#proactiveahw #campingtrip #harrimanstatepark #harriman #getoutside #themoon #underthestars #campsite #campfire #camplife #campinglife #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #dogswhohike #traildogs #womenwhohike #hikerbabes #hikinggroup #grouphike #groupcamp #hikeny #hikingsquad #sunset #sunrise #liveoutdoors #outdoorpeople #outdoorcommunity

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Phil joined the group in November 2018, joining us for a @merrell sponsored hike at Schunemunk Mountain.

He has said in the past: joining the group helped him push his mental and physical boundaries, overcome certain hurdles in his hiking journey, and create strong, encouraging friendships.

Bringing his knowledge as a physical therapist and @movnat enthusiast to the table, he continued to progress to more difficult and technical hikes over the years.

Within a 12-month period, Phil took on the Pemi loop, the Devil's Path, the Winaki Derby, and Spence's 40 for 40, among other impressive achievements. Most recently, Phil successfully traversed the Great Range in June.

Phil finished in 3rd place in the 2023-2024 Challenge with a solid push from the early months. Will he be able to take it a little further this year and grab the #1 spot?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@movement.philosophy
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: This picture is from the first GOTH and features Phil performing some MovNat exercises on a break with @johnlabriola and Aaron looking on. The final photo is Phil's first appearance in November 2018.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bearmountainstatepark #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #physicaltherapist #naturalmovement #outdoorexercise #natureworkout

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Phil joined the group in November 2018, joining us for a @merrell sponsored hike at Schunemunk Mountain.

He has said in the past: joining the group helped him push his mental and physical boundaries, overcome certain hurdles in his hiking journey, and create strong, encouraging friendships.

Bringing his knowledge as a physical therapist and @movnat enthusiast to the table, he continued to progress to more difficult and technical hikes over the years.

Within a 12-month period, Phil took on the Pemi loop, the Devil's Path, the Winaki Derby, and Spence's 40 for 40, among other impressive achievements. Most recently, Phil successfully traversed the Great Range in June.

Phil finished in 3rd place in the 2023-2024 Challenge with a solid push from the early months. Will he be able to take it a little further this year and grab the #1 spot?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@movement.philosophy
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: This picture is from the first GOTH and features Phil performing some MovNat exercises on a break with @johnlabriola and Aaron looking on. The final photo is Phil's first appearance in November 2018.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bearmountainstatepark #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #physicaltherapist #naturalmovement #outdoorexercise #natureworkout

• NEW • Between now and the end of the Challenge season, hike 3 miles or more in the Adirondacks to receive 20 points!

Check the website for more details on this newly announced pop-up challenge!

#proactivechallenge #proactiveahw #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikeny #newyorkexplored #challengeyourself #headnorth #northeastisbeast #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmountains #hikerlife #hikemoreworryless #popup

• NEW • Between now and the end of the Challenge season, hike 3 miles or more in the Adirondacks to receive 20 points!

Check the website for more details on this newly announced pop-up challenge!

#proactivechallenge #proactiveahw #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikeny #newyorkexplored #challengeyourself #headnorth #northeastisbeast #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmountains #hikerlife #hikemoreworryless #popup

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

There are a handful of people who have been around since the beginning of this whole @proactiveahw story, but there are fewer people who have been as consistent as Brittany.

Brittany joined the group way back in October 2018 during our first set of "creepy" hikes. Back then, she played it cool and quiet, but it didn't take long before she broke out, spoke up, and joined the front of the pack as one of the most recognized, celebrated members of the group.

With two Devil's Path completions, all 4 patches and Elite status earned, and ambitious trips to South America and Africa (to summit Kilimanjaro), Brittany has always strive to push her limits and find new, more exciting adventures on multiple continents.

Brittany made a push in last year's Challenge, finishing in 4th place after knocking down most of the challenges and making last-minute pushes at the Devil's Path, Breakneck 7.5, and Sun Pop.

There's not enough that can be said about her dedication to the group and our mission; when it comes to being proactive, there are few who can compete...

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@lost_in.the.wild
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture here is of Brittany's first appearance with the group back in October 2018. It was during one of our most attended hikes, and we weren't sure how many would be back. We're certainly glad Brittany was...

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethegunks #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

There are a handful of people who have been around since the beginning of this whole @proactiveahw story, but there are fewer people who have been as consistent as Brittany.

Brittany joined the group way back in October 2018 during our first set of "creepy" hikes. Back then, she played it cool and quiet, but it didn't take long before she broke out, spoke up, and joined the front of the pack as one of the most recognized, celebrated members of the group.

With two Devil's Path completions, all 4 patches and Elite status earned, and ambitious trips to South America and Africa (to summit Kilimanjaro), Brittany has always strive to push her limits and find new, more exciting adventures on multiple continents.

Brittany made a push in last year's Challenge, finishing in 4th place after knocking down most of the challenges and making last-minute pushes at the Devil's Path, Breakneck 7.5, and Sun Pop.

There's not enough that can be said about her dedication to the group and our mission; when it comes to being proactive, there are few who can compete...

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@lost_in.the.wild
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture here is of Brittany's first appearance with the group back in October 2018. It was during one of our most attended hikes, and we weren't sure how many would be back. We're certainly glad Brittany was...

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethegunks #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside

We're basically halfway through summer - we're as close to the end of August as we are to the beginning of June.

Sometimes, just take it easy.

It felt like a good time for an impromptu social hike, one that was just challenging enough for a workout, but easily doable for all, both the new and familiar faces.

I think everybody was most excited about and satisfied by, stopping for a dip in a watering hole on the way out, after all the climbs...

Now, on to the second half of summer 2024...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #getoutside #njisntboring #hikenj #waterfalls #wateringhole #waterfall #summertime #hikersodinstagram #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #takeadip #cooldown #workoutoutside #grouphiking #grouphike #takeiteasy #summer2024 #halfway #outdoorcommunity #climbmoutains #mahwah #newjersey #njspots #rockpool #crew #groupactivity #outdoorpeople #forestbathing #hikerlife

We're basically halfway through summer - we're as close to the end of August as we are to the beginning of June.

Sometimes, just take it easy.

It felt like a good time for an impromptu social hike, one that was just challenging enough for a workout, but easily doable for all, both the new and familiar faces.

I think everybody was most excited about and satisfied by, stopping for a dip in a watering hole on the way out, after all the climbs...

Now, on to the second half of summer 2024...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #getoutside #njisntboring #hikenj #waterfalls #wateringhole #waterfall #summertime #hikersodinstagram #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #takeadip #cooldown #workoutoutside #grouphiking #grouphike #takeiteasy #summer2024 #halfway #outdoorcommunity #climbmoutains #mahwah #newjersey #njspots #rockpool #crew #groupactivity #outdoorpeople #forestbathing #hikerlife

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Justin Lewandowski entered the PROACTIVE Challenge last season, having already successfully completed several ultramarathons and trail races in previous years. He is known for his insatiable appetite for vert and dedicated training.

He quickly rose to the top of the leaderboards and held at 1st place for a good period, trading the position with just a few other competitors throughout the year. Justin finished 2nd in the 2023-24 season...

While earning all 4 @proactiveahw patches and Elite status and completing nearly every challenge, he still managed to complete even more impressive routes throughout the season...

...including, Eastern States 100, the Hudson Highlands Hundo, Tammany 10, Manitou's Revenge, and more! Without reading off the rest of his impressive resume, it's quite clear that none of the challenges will be out of Justin's wheelhouse...

After having had the experience of coming within a dozen points of winning last year, there's no doubt that Justin will be gunning to strategize and fight for the belt and the cash even harder this season...

Justin spoke about his journey from an average hiker to a seasoned ultrarunner on the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast! [Link in Bio]

In mere days, Justin will travel to Colorado for the Ouray 100! We wish him all the best and look forward to him absolutely crushing it out there! 💪👊🙌

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@justin_lewandowski_
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: Justin at the Breakneck flag in October 2023 during his successful Hudson Highlands Hell No Hell Hole Hundo, an ambitious 100-mile route created by @kimlevinsky - with a notoriously low number of completions...

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Justin Lewandowski entered the PROACTIVE Challenge last season, having already successfully completed several ultramarathons and trail races in previous years. He is known for his insatiable appetite for vert and dedicated training.

He quickly rose to the top of the leaderboards and held at 1st place for a good period, trading the position with just a few other competitors throughout the year. Justin finished 2nd in the 2023-24 season...

While earning all 4 @proactiveahw patches and Elite status and completing nearly every challenge, he still managed to complete even more impressive routes throughout the season...

...including, Eastern States 100, the Hudson Highlands Hundo, Tammany 10, Manitou's Revenge, and more! Without reading off the rest of his impressive resume, it's quite clear that none of the challenges will be out of Justin's wheelhouse...

After having had the experience of coming within a dozen points of winning last year, there's no doubt that Justin will be gunning to strategize and fight for the belt and the cash even harder this season...

Justin spoke about his journey from an average hiker to a seasoned ultrarunner on the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast! [Link in Bio]

In mere days, Justin will travel to Colorado for the Ouray 100! We wish him all the best and look forward to him absolutely crushing it out there! 💪👊🙌

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@justin_lewandowski_
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: Justin at the Breakneck flag in October 2023 during his successful Hudson Highlands Hell No Hell Hole Hundo, an ambitious 100-mile route created by @kimlevinsky - with a notoriously low number of completions...

We're excited to announce that we've teamed with Sassquad Trail Running - if you're competing in the PROACTIVE Challenge, sign up and run ANY Sassquad race between now and the end of the season, and you'll earn 50 points!

You don't need to place in the race. You just need to run a race! There are so many options. Check out their website and find the one that is right for you!

This is a great opportunity for some people to get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and push their own limits! Some of you may not know how much you'll enjoy competitive trail racing until you are given a reason to try it.

One of the objectives of the Challenge is to bring our regional outdoor community closer and more connected. Collaborations like this one are sure to help make progress on that front...

#proactiveahw #sassquadtrailrunning #proactivechallenge #hikergram #trailrunning #hikemoreworryless #trailparty #collaboration #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #trailrace

We're excited to announce that we've teamed with Sassquad Trail Running - if you're competing in the PROACTIVE Challenge, sign up and run ANY Sassquad race between now and the end of the season, and you'll earn 50 points!

You don't need to place in the race. You just need to run a race! There are so many options. Check out their website and find the one that is right for you!

This is a great opportunity for some people to get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and push their own limits! Some of you may not know how much you'll enjoy competitive trail racing until you are given a reason to try it.

One of the objectives of the Challenge is to bring our regional outdoor community closer and more connected. Collaborations like this one are sure to help make progress on that front...

#proactiveahw #sassquadtrailrunning #proactivechallenge #hikergram #trailrunning #hikemoreworryless #trailparty #collaboration #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #trailrace

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

We couldn't start anywhere else but with the reigning and defending @proactiveahw champion, Vanessa.

A member of the group since January 2019, when she joined us for a short hike at Mount Beacon, she consistently took on more increasingly difficult hikes for the next year and a half...

In August 2020, she exceeded her own expectations by completing the full Breakneck Quad on a nearly 100° day. Her efforts on that hike inspired others who were with us to push further than they expected as well!

After that, it was off to the races 😏. Vanessa has since completed all of the subsequent Breakneck Repeats up to 7.5, Devil's Path & a Half, the Breakneck Marathon, and so many more impressive achievements.

She was awarded the first championship in 2022-23 due to her overall progression since joining the group, her dedicated training regimen, and an impressive list of accomplishments in the year prior.

In 2023-24, she was able to successfully defend the championship against a strong field in a very close, competitive battle to the very end.

For more about Vanessa, check out the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness where the 2x champion has been a 2x guest, not to mention, our inaugural conversation! [Link in Bio]

Vanessa is again on the defense this year, and we're excited to see if she can find a way to collect a third belt by the end of this season...

Remember, this competition includes time management and information processing challenges in addition to the physical ones. 💪⌚️🧠

Visit the website for more details about the PROACTIVE Challenge! Do you want in? Be Proactive, Join the Challenge. [Link in Bio]

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@proactiveahw
@nessvaglio
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture in this batch is from that first hike up Mount Beacon from back in January 2019. The first is from Vanessa during the Breakneck Marathon in May 2023. Where it started, how it's going...

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

We couldn't start anywhere else but with the reigning and defending @proactiveahw champion, Vanessa.

A member of the group since January 2019, when she joined us for a short hike at Mount Beacon, she consistently took on more increasingly difficult hikes for the next year and a half...

In August 2020, she exceeded her own expectations by completing the full Breakneck Quad on a nearly 100° day. Her efforts on that hike inspired others who were with us to push further than they expected as well!

After that, it was off to the races 😏. Vanessa has since completed all of the subsequent Breakneck Repeats up to 7.5, Devil's Path & a Half, the Breakneck Marathon, and so many more impressive achievements.

She was awarded the first championship in 2022-23 due to her overall progression since joining the group, her dedicated training regimen, and an impressive list of accomplishments in the year prior.

In 2023-24, she was able to successfully defend the championship against a strong field in a very close, competitive battle to the very end.

For more about Vanessa, check out the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness where the 2x champion has been a 2x guest, not to mention, our inaugural conversation! [Link in Bio]

Vanessa is again on the defense this year, and we're excited to see if she can find a way to collect a third belt by the end of this season...

Remember, this competition includes time management and information processing challenges in addition to the physical ones. 💪⌚️🧠

Visit the website for more details about the PROACTIVE Challenge! Do you want in? Be Proactive, Join the Challenge. [Link in Bio]

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@proactiveahw
@nessvaglio
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture in this batch is from that first hike up Mount Beacon from back in January 2019. The first is from Vanessa during the Breakneck Marathon in May 2023. Where it started, how it's going...

Compete in the PROACTIVE Challenge for the chance to become the @proactiveahw Champion and to win a $1000 cash prize!

Hikers, runners, and walkers are welcome! Whether you want people to hike with or prefer to go solo, whether you're slow and steady or fast and furious, whether you want to travel far and wide or stay close to home...

YOU can win...

...the Challenge spans the entire year, from June 1, 2024 until May 31, 2025 and requires competitors to complete several monthly challenges as well as additional bonuses and tasks.

Whether you're the winner or not, you'll have the opportunity to explore new locations, find a boost in motivation, meet some great people, and be part of something bigger, a strong community.

Visit the website for more details and reach out directly with any questions. The link is also in our bio.

Be proactive. Join the Challenge.

• Pictured (left to right): Phil L. (3rd place 2023-24), Vanessa V. (Current Champion, 1st place 2023-24), and Justin L. (2nd place 2023-24) - top competitors in the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge.

Compete in the PROACTIVE Challenge for the chance to become the @proactiveahw Champion and to win a $1000 cash prize!

Hikers, runners, and walkers are welcome! Whether you want people to hike with or prefer to go solo, whether you're slow and steady or fast and furious, whether you want to travel far and wide or stay close to home...

YOU can win...

...the Challenge spans the entire year, from June 1, 2024 until May 31, 2025 and requires competitors to complete several monthly challenges as well as additional bonuses and tasks.

Whether you're the winner or not, you'll have the opportunity to explore new locations, find a boost in motivation, meet some great people, and be part of something bigger, a strong community.

Visit the website for more details and reach out directly with any questions. The link is also in our bio.

Be proactive. Join the Challenge.

• Pictured (left to right): Phil L. (3rd place 2023-24), Vanessa V. (Current Champion, 1st place 2023-24), and Justin L. (2nd place 2023-24) - top competitors in the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge.

Four Years Ago: July 5, 2020 - Table & Peekamoose

In the midst of the strange "lockdown" times, there was good news to share with everybody on this hot, buggy morning, and it was exciting.

Looking back from a vantage point four years away, these were, in fact, good days. Peaceful, but uncertain, and asking to be conquered.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #visitcatskills #catskillmountains #tablemountain #peekamoose #catskills #hikergram #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #lockdown #2020 #hikerlife #mountaintopview #devilspath #takeintheview #dogdays #summertime #yearsago #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crew

Four Years Ago: July 5, 2020 - Table & Peekamoose

In the midst of the strange "lockdown" times, there was good news to share with everybody on this hot, buggy morning, and it was exciting.

Looking back from a vantage point four years away, these were, in fact, good days. Peaceful, but uncertain, and asking to be conquered.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #visitcatskills #catskillmountains #tablemountain #peekamoose #catskills #hikergram #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #lockdown #2020 #hikerlife #mountaintopview #devilspath #takeintheview #dogdays #summertime #yearsago #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crew

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Leave Everything Better Than You Find It ~ Enjoy, Do Not Destroy

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8.23.2025

Schunemunk Tour

PROACTIVE Podcast

PROACTIVE Podcast

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