BIPOC Backpacking- Southern Adirondacks

FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: CLICK HERE

These trips run on a sliding scale $285-$1000.

This 4-day backpacking trip in the Southern Adirondacks is for beginners or those looking for a more challenging hike.

If you are brand new to camping and/or backacking please consider attending the BIPOC Forest Immersion first. 

These trips are intended to provide a space for QTBIPOC folks to flex their backcountry skills and challenge themselves in a low pressure learning environment. We will find belonging and connect with our more than human kin.. These trips will require more extertion as we will be hiking longer distances and crossing more rugged terrain and are for experienced backpackers or those looking to physically challenge themselves.

These programs are intended for ages 18+.

Today, Black people and people of color are 3x more likely to live in nature deprived areas. Symptoms of nature deprivation include but are not limited to attention deficits, mood imbalances, poor cardiovascular health, poor emotional regulation, and a compromised immune system. Yet, trees and plants have an incredible capacity to support human health.

Forest bathing is a mindfulness practice that slows down our nervous system. This drop in nervous system activity allows our bodies to be receptive to the compounds found in forest air. Phytoncide compounds, for example, are emitted by trees and plants and contain antifungal and antibacterial properties and have a beneficial effect on human immune function, natural anti-cancer cell (NK cell) production, cardiovascular health, high order cognitive skills, stress responses, emotional regulation, and mental health. Studies done by the Department of Hygiene and Public Health at Nippon Medical School in Japan showed that after a 3-day/2-night forest bathing trip natural killer cell production and immune function increased in participants for up to 30 days.

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Reclaiming a healthy relationship to wild land as Black, Indigenous, and People of color is a means of resistance to forces that seek to exclude us. Being out in nature is a way for us to shed ancestral traumas related to the wilderness and find our own way of connection. Ancestral living skills were no doubt carried by our ancestors through the diaspora and along the journey to freedom. We deserve to enjoy wild spaces and learn these skills without worrying about our safety, and truly benefit from the healing that nature has to offer.

Accessibility & Logistics:

Trail: Spruce Lake via Northville Placid Trail

total trip mileage: 16.42 miles, 2,021 ft elevation gain

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP SEE THE FAQ

Accessibility

The nature of hiking and backpacking (heavy lifting, distanced hikes, crouching, bending, etc) and the terrain of this specific location makes accessibility to this specific event limited. We are working to ensure these trips are accessible to everyone and are open to feedback on how to do that. Meals will be determined based on participants' needs including allergies and food restrictions.

**Due to safety concerns for the group, we do not disclose specific sleeping locations prior to registration. I understand this may cause some concerns/ feelings around uncertainty for folks looking to register and want to respect what may arise. Please reach out to raei@the-rusty-anvil.land if you would like more details and information before registration.**

WHAT IS PROVIDED TO YOU:

• gear (your own tent, backpack, sleepings bag, sleeping pad, cup, bowl, spork, & headlamp).
• food 
• transportation to/from trailhead (will need one volunteer to caravan)

WHAT IS NOT PROVIDED TO YOU:

• snacks
• transportation to/from meeting location (please contact if transportation support is needed. A carpool list will be sent upon registration).
• personal gear (clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc)
• personal dietary snacks

Please contact Raei@the-rusty-anvil.land for support with clothing. A packing list will be sent upon registration.