This trip blends adventure, education, and leadership development in one of America’s most treasured wilderness areas. Students will challenge themselves on mountain trails, paddle pristine waters, and learn the values of stewardship, teamwork, and resilience under the guidance of experienced leaders.
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About: The Adirondack Park in northern New York is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, spanning over 6 million acres—larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. Established in 1892, it was one of the first places in the U.S. to be preserved as “forever wild,” protecting mountains, forests, and lakes under the New York State Constitution. The park is unique in combining protected wilderness with private communities, and it is home to the iconic 46 High Peaks, rich biodiversity, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Today, it remains a model of balancing conservation with human access, drawing millions of visitors each year for hiking, paddling, and exploration.
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This trip is spearheaded by Greg Morrissey, founder of Mountain Goat Movement. Greg is an explorer, Wilderness First Responder, and celebrated educator who has led more than 1,000 students on trips to the Adirondacks. His expertise in outdoor leadership, student engagement, and backcountry safety ensures that all participants have a meaningful, educational, and safe experience.
Supporting Greg will be BIS staff and professional Adirondack guides, who will accompany students on hikes, paddling, and daily programs.
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Thursday, June 11 — Travel & Arrival
Depart BIS by coach bus in the morning.
Lunch: stop en route (students may bring a packed lunch or purchase food).
Afternoon: Arrive at Adirondack Loj / Heart Lake area, check in, and set up tents at the group campsite.
Orientation & safety briefing. Light hike around Heart Lake (1.1 mi).
6:15 p.m.: Dinner at Adirondack Loj dining hall.
Evening: Group activities, campfire, reflection. Quiet hours at 10:00 p.m.
Friday, June 12 — High Peak Hike
7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the Loj.
Full-day hike of a High Peak, dependent on conditions. Options include:
Mount Marcy (highest in NY, ~14.8 mi round trip)
Algonquin Peak (~8.6 mi)
Mount Colden (~12.6 mi)
Phelps Mountain (~8.8 mi)
Tabletop Mountain (~11.2 mi)
Lunch: trail lunches.
Return mid-afternoon, rest, optional swim in Heart Lake (with supervision).
6:15 p.m.: Dinner at the Loj.
Evening reflection and optional naturalist program.
Saturday, June 13 — Paddling & Mount Jo
7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast.
Morning paddling session on Heart Lake (canoes, kayaks, SUPs).
Mid-morning: Heart Lake interpretive walk (1.1 mi).
Lunch at the Loj.
Afternoon hike: Mount Jo (~2.6 miles round trip, 710 ft gain). A shorter, rewarding climb with panoramic views of Heart Lake, Mount Marcy, and Algonquin.
Return for rest and downtime.
6:15 p.m.: Dinner at the Loj.
Evening: Group activity, reflection, or naturalist program.
Sunday, June 14 — Sunrise & Departure
Optional sunrise walk to Heart Lake shoreline.
7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast.
Break down camp, clean up, pack gear.
Depart mid-morning for BIS (lunch stop en route).
Evening return.
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Students should be prepared for variable Adirondack weather (sun, rain, chilly nights, black fly season).
Clothing:
Moisture-wicking shirts (short + long sleeve)
Fleece or warm insulating layer
Waterproof rain jacket with hood
Quick-dry pants + shorts
Warm sleepwear
Hiking socks (wool/synthetic) + extras
Hat, gloves, sun hat
Swimsuit (optional for Heart Lake)
Footwear:
Sturdy hiking boots (broken in, waterproof recommended)
Camp shoes/sandals
Optional water shoes
Camping gear:
Sleeping bag (20–30°F rated)
Sleeping pad
Headlamp/flashlight + batteries
Daypack (20–30L)
Large duffel/backpack for personal items
2–3 liters of water capacity
Personal items:
Toiletries + towel
Bug repellent + head net (essential in June)
Sunscreen + SPF lip balm
Hand sanitizer & wipes
Medications (staff informed)
Dry bags / Ziplocs
Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)
Snacks (optional)
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Included:
Round-trip coach bus transport from BIS to Adirondack Loj
Breakfast(x3) and dinner (x1)at the Loj (excluding bus travel days)
Camping permits & campsite fees
Insurance coverage
Guides + BIS staff leadership on hikes and activities
Pre-trip planning and safety coordination
Not included:
Personal snacks
Personal gear (clothing, boots, sleeping bag/pad, etc.)
Meals during bus travel
2 dehydrated dinners for teachers, guides, and students (covered by BIS-NY)
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Trail Etiquette & Safety: Students will be taught Leave No Trace principles, hiking in buddy groups, proper hydration, wildlife safety, and summit protocols. Leaders will carry first aid kits, communication devices, and emergency action plans.
Medical Access:
Adirondack Medical Center (Saranac Lake) — ~25 miles from ADK Loj (≈35 min drive).
Elizabethtown Community Hospital — ~40 miles (≈50 min drive).
In case of emergencies, local EMS and DEC Forest Rangers are trained in backcountry rescue.
Park Rangers & Staff: The High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) at the Adirondack Loj is staffed daily with rangers and ADK personnel who provide trail updates, weather reports, and emergency coordination.
Infrastructure: The ADK Loj and Heart Lake Campground are well-equipped with restrooms, potable water, dining hall, canoe rentals, and ranger access. The park is designed to provide a safe, educational, and rewarding experience while respecting its wilderness character.
8 high school students completed a human-powered traverse of the Hudson River from the river's source point to the sea. Alongside a team of environmental scientists, students learned how to analyze the river's general health. An Emmy-winning film team captured the story of the students. Private Showings of the film will be announced by Mountain Goat Movement. Reach out to learn more.