Another Summit uses a 5-level scale when rating a hike's difficulty. There are multiple factors that go into deciding the difficulty of each hike, such as elevation, terrain, and frequency of rests. Below is a general description of each difficulty level.

Purple (easiest):

Purple hikes are the easiest out of all the hikes we offer. They are always wheelchair accessible, usually no more than 1 mile, and on relatively flat, even terrain. This can also include some alternative outdoor activities like meditation, birdwatching, and fishing.

Blue (easy):

Blue hikes are great for beginners, people short on time, or folks with small children. These hikes are usually no more than 2 miles on relatively flat and even terrain, although not always wheelchair accessible. This can also include some alternative activities like yoga, field games, and car-camping.

Green (moderate):

Green hikes are great for beginners, and folks looking to spend a couple hours outside. These are usually between 2-4 miles and can range from short mountain hikes to long relatively flat hikes. Either way, these will be at a slow and steady pace, with time to stop and appreciate nature. Most paddling adventures fall into this category.

Yellow (moderately strenuous):

Yellow hikes are great for people who are looking to spend a few hours on the trail or get in a light workout. These can range from 1 mile hikes on a difficult trail to 6 mile hikes on an easy trail, always at a natural pace with breaks at least every hour. Some camping trips and paddling adventures can fall into this category.

Red (strenuous):

Red hikes are more difficult and are recommended for experienced hikers or those who are physically fit. These can be fast-paced scrambles up a mountainside, a long 10+ mile hike, or a 4-6 mile hike on a difficult trail. While there is a lot of variety in the type of activity, these hikes will always be more tiring than the others and might involve technical skill. Most backpacking trips and some activities like trail-running fall into this category.

Black (very strenuous):

Black hikes are the most difficult of them all. These are recommended only for physically fit, experienced hikers. These will always be physically exhausting activities like running up a steep slope or completing a five-night backpacking trip.

Activities:
Hiking, Multi-Day Backpacking, Paddling (canoeing/kayaking), Multi-Day Paddling, Snowshoeing, Fly Fishing

Skills/Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Risk Management, Sierra Club Outings Leader, WEA Certified Trainer

What to expect on a trip with Aaron:
I typically offer hikes and backpacking trips in the Hudson Highlands, Fahnestock, Bear Mountain, and Harriman State Parks that are easy to moderately difficult. I prefer taking people on loop or point-to-point trails over out-and-back and want to get our hikers away from road noise and other people, so plan on my outings to last 3-4 hours with a good break at the midpoint in a remote place. When you get back from one of my trips you will feel that you have accomplished something with a great group of people and learned about some of the history and/or ecology of the place we were in together.

Fun Fact:
I was a member of the Monterey Jazz Band in 1994 while stationed at Fort Ord, California.

Activities:
Hiking, Multi-Day Backpacking, Multi-Day Paddling, Snowshoeing

Skills/Qualifications:
NYS Licensed Outdoors Guide certified in hiking, backpacking, fishing and small boats/canoes

What to expect on a trip with Henri:
I offer hikes and backpacking trips in the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions. Most of my trips range in difficulty from moderate to very strenuous but I also plan on offering occasional slow, easy hikes focused on nature connection. I believe that the outdoors are the ultimate classroom and love to share my knowledge of local plant and wildlife while incorporating skill building into each trip.

Fun Fact:
I have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Florida Trail and am currently section hiking the New York Long Path. I also whittle spoons for fun.

Activities:
Backpacking, Multi-Day Backpacking, Paddling (canoeing/kayaking), Multi-Day Paddling

Skills/Qualifications:
Wilderness EMT, Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team Member, Campton-Thornton Fire Department EMT, Sierra Club Military Outdoors Outing Leader, VA whole health volunteer, Registered Yoga Teacher.

What to expect on a trip with Mark:
I like to get out in nature with people who don't always get to enjoy it, or who are new to getting out and enjoying outdoor activities. It's fun to share the experience of being outside while getting to know each other. I also like to learn and appreciate the plants, animals, and history of the areas that we visit. On one of my trips you can expect a relatively easy going approach to whatever the circumstances of the day and outing bring. We'll share the time, fun, and challenges together, and return better from the experience. My goal is that you come home feeling closer to yourself, nature, and others.

Fun Fact:
I can talk with Red Squirrels. They get me.

Activities:
Hiking, Multi-Day Backpacking, Paddling (canoeing/kayaking), Geocaching

Skills/Qualifications:
Sierra Club Outings Leader, LNT Trainer, avid outdoor enthusiast.

What to expect on a trip with Elena:
On my hikes, you'll have an opportunity to break away from the stresses of modern life and enjoy an educational, peaceful walk in nature. My hikes will be easy to moderate in difficulty and will last between 2 and 4 hours, with occasional lessons on local flora and ecology. At the end of my hikes, you'll go home feeling rejuvenated, and a little more connected with nature.

Fun Fact:
I like to build furniture in my free time.

Activities:
Hiking, Paddling (canoeing/kayaking)

Skills/Qualifications:
Navy SEAL, avid outdoor enthusiast.

What to expect on a trip with Alex:
I typically offer hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley that last no longer than 2 hours. During my hikes you can expect to be challenged with high-intensity activities like steep climbs / scrambles that require technical skill, and on flat trails, I'll set a running pace in order to keep our heart rates up.

Fun Fact:
I have two black Belgian shepherds and I love to play chess.

Activities:
Hiking, Multi-Day Backpacking, Snowshoeing

Skills/Qualifications:
WFA, experienced hiker and backpacker.

What to expect on a trip with Bill:
I will be leading moderate hikes at a comfortable pace that are between three and six miles in Fahnestock and Harriman state parks. Most hikes will be a loop or out-and-back and take two to four hours. After one of my hikes you should feel a sense of accomplishment and hopefully make some new friends.

Fun Fact:
I am section hiking the long trail in Vermont and have completed 167 miles so far with 106 to go.

Activities:
Hiking

Skills/Qualifications:
First Responder, 30 years of hiking experience.

What to expect on a trip with Chuck:
I have been hiking the mountains of the Hudson Highlands my entire life. While I love challenging myself to the trails of Mount Beacon and Breakneck Ridge, I enjoy leading easy hikes that are an hour long in order to introduce Veterans and First Responders to the power of nature in overcoming negative stress on their bodies.

Fun Fact:
I enjoy hiking with my German Shepherd Lab Mix Aubrey Blue.