Skylight Guiding
Aspiring to an Approachable Adirondacks
Maybe you are planning on going to the Adirondacks or you are already here.
Have you seen some amazing Instagram pictures, skimmed hiking sites, picked up a guidebook, but not sure where to go? With 6 million acres of mountains, lakes, and streams, it can be hard to pick out an experience that would be good fit for you.
Are you eager, but do not have someone to join you? You could go it alone, but you would rather have a companion. You would like someone with expertise and training - while supporting your pace and cultivate an empowering experience.
The vision of Skylight Guiding is to make the Adirondacks approachable, especially for female identifying individuals with beginner or intermediate hiking experience. I aspire to be an active ally of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks who would like to enjoy the park.
About Skylight Guiding
Skylight Guiding was born out of feeling that I was held back from adventures due the absence of a hiking partner. I was uncomfortable seeking guiding services because I felt my goals were too modest. This led to me putting aside the first rule for women in the outdoors - “never hike alone.” I began pursuing most of my trips solo, which built my own self-confidence and knowledge to be safe and self-reliant while in the mountains. This was facilitated by a friend who was an expert guide, who provided the information and encouragement to move past my fears. This culminated in a “peak experience” during a climb up Mount Skylight, one of the most beautiful summits in the Adirondacks. When I shared this journey with others, it became apparent that many folks had similar concerns, and that the skills I had gained could help others pursue their goals in the outdoors. I wanted to take what my friend had provided me, and “pay it forward.”
Guiding Options
I provide consultation, in-person, and “virtual” guiding for beginner and intermediate hikers or paddlers in the Northern Adirondack and High Peaks regions. Spend less time researching, and more time enjoying your visit to this beautiful and unique place. I can recommend or accompany you on trips that are a good fit for you. I’m are licensed New York State Guides (#5987), up to date in DEC Regulations, certified in Wilderness First Aid and American Red-Cross CPR/AED, and trained in Leave No Trace. This site also provide curated list of podcast, app, and book recommendations inspiration while in the frontcountry. If you have recommendations, please email me at skylightguiding@gmail.com.
The Adirondack Park
Created in 1892 as one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation, the Adirondack Park is a unique wilderness area. At 6 million acres, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The state of New York owns approximately 2.6 million acres, while the remaining 3.4 million acres are devoted to forestry, agriculture and open space recreation. The Adirondack Park is not a National Park - there's no fee to enter and the park doesn't close at night, nor is it a state park, a common misconception. It's also the largest National Historic Landmark, covering an area larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. The park offers opportunities for everyone from beginners to advanced outdoors people! (Visit Adirondacks)
“I take a fierce delight in swinging a pack on my back or into a canoe and heading for the hills or lakes.”
— Anne LaBastille, Adirondack Guide and Author of the “Woodswoman” Series
Memberships and Certifications
Interested?
At this time we are taking new clients by referral only. Please check out the New York State Guiding Association or the Adirondack Mountain Club site to find a guide, or Adirondack Hamlets to Huts for an organized trip.
Email
skylightguiding@gmail.com