Pardon my French

Connect with the wilderness and the French language and gastronomy, all in one incredible day.

Depart

8:30AM

Return

6:00PM

Intensity

easy

Duration

1 day (4 miles)

Meeting location

175 Street Station, Manhattan, NY

You will meet your group and your guide (French of course!) in Manhattan on the morning of your Escape and hit the road in the comfortable Escape Van to the beautiful Silver Lake forest located near Tuxedo Park, Upstate New York.

We’ll start this easy 4-mile loop trail with a quick stop at the park visitor center, where we’ll learn about the history and geology of the area and take in a stunning view of the lake from the center’s back porch.

Our hike begins on a paved entrance road. We’ll cross a beautiful grassy field and then pass the stone foundations of a former church, the ruins of the Sterling Furnace, and the concrete and brick remnants of former mining operations.

Just beyond these ruins, we’ll have another beautiful view of the lake, and it’s also a chance to take gorgeous photos.

After passing a quiet, sparkling pond, we’ll reach the lake and enjoy a picnic together on a small sandy beach, surrounded by pine trees and sunlight dancing off the water. We will drink delicious French wine and enjoy a French cheese tasting while chatting both in French and English. From the beginner to the native French speaker, we all communicate in French as much as possible with one main goal: having fun.

Feeling rested and full, we’ll continue our hike south along the trail which continues to run above the lake, with some minor ups and downs.

We’ll catch glimpses of the lake as we walk, and we’ll also see and hear all kinds of birds. This easygoing 4-mile loop finishes at the visitor center parking lot, where your Escape guide will drive you back to the city. You’ll be back home around 6pm.

Perfect for: All levels of hikers who are curious about the French language, wine, and cheese

This Escape is a 5-person adventure (4 clients/1 guide).

INCLUDED

  • Expert guides who are native French speakers
  • Transportation
  • Park permits
  • French cheeses and wine

TO WEAR

  • Comfortable athletic clothing
  • Hiking boots or running shoes
  • Hat
  • Jacket
  • Sunscreen

TO BRING

  • Your lunch: we recommend a sandwich, fruits, chips
  • Plenty of snacks for yourself, like trail mix, energy bars, dry fruits
  • At least 2 liters of water in a sturdy water bottle such as a Nalgene
  • A backpack big enough to hold your water bottle and snacks
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Any kind of Bug Spray
Is this Escape only for women?
Yes, Escape is a company dedicated to women and sisterhood in the outdoors. Sometimes we want time away from our partners or children. We want to show ourselves and the world that we don’t need a man to guide us in the forest. We have our own way to enjoy being in the wilderness, and it is just as good and valuable. Most of the hiking companies in NYC are for both women and men, so we invite you to contact them if you are a man or if you want to share this kind of amazing experience with both men and women.
I don’t have hiking experience can I book this Escape?
This is an easy 4-mile hike. We will walk slowly for 4 or 5 hours, and you will carry a backpack with your lunch and 2 liters of water. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but you need to be in good enough shape to carry a small backpack and walk up to 5 hours on gentle terrain.
I want to share this unforgettable experience with my girlfriends, can I make a group booking?
If you are a 4 person group you can book directly for the whole party on the website (5 spots) and you will get an immediate 15% off. If you are 2, 3 friends you will share the experience with other women and make new lifetime friendships.
I am coming just by myself, will I feel comfortable?
Yes, definitely! You will meet other women who come by themselves and enjoy the amazing Escape’s group dynamic and sisterhood.
What if I want to cancel my trip after I've booked it?
Here is our cancellation policy: Refunds for the value can be given with at least forty (40) days notice. A full trip credit will be given for cancellations at least twenty-five (25) days from the date of departure. Trip credit will be given on a coupon code form to be used for your next Escape. No refunds or trip credits will be issued less than twenty-five (25) days before the departure. Weather conditions: light rain or merely a forecast of adverse weather will not affect the schedule. If a trip is rescheduled due to major weather conditions, we will notify you a minimum of twelve (12) hours before the trip. If your trip is canceled due to weather, trail, or river conditions, you will receive a full credit for a future trip, or you may transfer to the next available date for the event.

Available Dates

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The All-Included Gear Option

Select the "all gear included" option and the following items will be waiting for you the day of departure:

tent, sleeping bag, backpack, headlamp, sleeping bag liner, inflatable sleeping pad, hiking poles, individual first aid kit, rain protection, camping pillow.

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