Minister Creek, nestled in the Allegheny National Forest, is the perfect destination for novice backpackers looking to gain experience.

Over two days, you’ll hike approximately 3.5 miles each day, navigating rocky terrain and moderate elevation changes. Along the way, we’ll visit the breathtaking Minister Valley overlook and set up camp alongside the serene creek, providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for your adventure.

This trip offers a manageable challenge and a rewarding introduction to backpacking in a stunning natural setting.

Price includes both parent and child.

THIS TRIP IS DESIGNED FOR PARENT/GUARDIAN AND CHILD.  THE ADULT AND CHILD MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY THEIR GEAR ALONG WITH A PORTION OF THE GROUP FOOD. PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRAIL DIFFICULTY.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.

What’s included:

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast
• Food storage (bear food bag hang)
• Group camp gear (stoves, water purification, and first aid)
• Licensed, insured NYS Guides

What’s not included:

• Individual camping gear (backpacking-sized tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads)*
• Trail snacks
• Transportation to trailhead
• Gratuity for your guides

*If you need gear, please let us know, we can help with rentals.

Here is a sample itinerary of the trip:

Pre-Trip (Zoom)

• 10 Essentials
• Backpacking gear list
• Meal and snack selection
• Trip plans and itinerary
• Review concerns (pre-existing health conditions, special needs, allergies)
• Answer questions

First Day

• Meet at trailhead (If you are on time, you are late!)
• Introductions
• Distribute group gear
• Check personal gear, supplies, adjust backpacks & make final plans
• Begin hiking
• Learn and discuss basic land navigation, water treatment, and first aid
• Arrive at camp, learn and discuss campsite selection, campsite setup, bear bag hanging, fire starting (if regulations allow)
• Dinner and clean-up
• Camp fire and stories
• Personal time/lights out

Second Day

• Breakfast and clean-up
• Campsite breakdown
• Hike out
• Farewells and decide on next adventure

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund minus the 3% payment processing fee will be given for a cancellation requests prior to the registration deadline (7/1/2026). Payments are NOT refundable past the registration deadline.

A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to run.

The trip is dependent on weather. We will not make you sleep through a thunderstorm if we can avoid it.  The rain date is TBD.

Event Full?

Get your name on the waitlist by e-mailing [email protected]