so glad this exists! love that i can pick a random adventure and someone else will drive me there, lend me a hiking pole, make sure i'm going the right way, take pictures and bring food. went on a day hike to West Kill, Dave and Rit were great guides and i had a blast with the whole group. and thanks for taking us to the fun little farm shop and amazing delicious bbq afterward! wish i had more money so i could go on these trips all the time. read more

This is by far the best operation in the 5 boroughs, that will help guide you out of the concrete jungle and into some of upstate NY finest places in nature. I've been on many trips and plan on going on many more. read more

WOW!!! I feel like there is no other word to describe my trip with Destination Backcountry Adventures. Dave is such a charismatic, personable and resourceful guide who provides a fun and memorable trip. I felt like I was traveling with a group of friends as opposed to a group of strangers. He provides a moderate pace and allows everyone to gain a sense of independence, but he is always there to provide support and advice during the harder parts of the hike. You'll learn so much from him and truly feel like you're hiking with a best friend. The food provided by DBA is great and they're extremely accommodating when it comes to vegan/vegetarian diets. You're doing yourself (including your body, primarily your lungs) a huge favor if you decide to take a trip with DBA. I know I will definitely take a trip with them sometime in the near future. read more

If I could give these guys 10 Stars, I would. Living in NYC it is really hard to really get away from the city and into the amazingly beautiful region that surrounds us but the crew at DBA make it super easy and enjoyable for you! They offer day trips and overnight hikes- and this being my first time hiking, i opted for the day hike. The day starts at 1 of 2 meeting points in Brooklyn and NYC where you join your group and load up into the van transport they provide. The leaders greet you with great energy off the bat and get everyone situated and comfortable before providing breakfast on the ride (if you don't like really strong coffee, bring your own!) We made a couple of pit stops during the 3hr ride north and once we arrived on site- they prepared us for what lay ahead for the day, gave everyone a hiking stick and off we went! The trail where we hiked was PERFECT! The "moderate" hike was, at times, a challenge but any areas of rough/steep trail were followed by a level place where you could catch your breath and everyone in our group was able to tackle the whole trail with ease and at a quick pace. They guides took lots of photos for us, broke when we needed to break, provided tons of info on the different types of trees and plants we were seeing and also made sure to keep us in the loop as to the progress of our hike and elevation. We paused for lunch at the summit- they had plenty food options and hot beverages - it was just right. And just like that- we were down the mountain and back at the van, feeling very accomplished! I cant say enough- these guys are GREAT- i would highly recommend their trips for anyone with an adventurous streak or someone just looking to escape the city for a day to be surrounded by some nature! read more

I can't say enough about the amazing people who are running DBA. I've had an amazing time on all my hikes with the group. I did a 3 night canoe/camping trip with Dave a few years ago and most recently the day hike at Mount Wittenberg. Both trips were planned meticulously and with our enjoyment and safety in mind. They pick you up and drop you off in NYC/Brooklyn. I highly recommend using DBA for all your hiking/camping trips. Dave is an amazing person, not to mention a great coordinator. You'll meet new people and bond with them in a way you didn't think possible in NYC. read more

As a first-time hiker, I had a fascinating time with Dave and Morgan on a hiking trip to the Catskills. It was truly a pleasure to unplug and enjoy the woods with such a pleasant and knowledgeable crew. Many thanks to the whole crew of Destination Backcountry Adventures. Looking forward to many adventures to come. I strongly recommend them. read more

Tamara and I had an amazing time on our Day Adventure Could not have asked for a BETTER TOUR GUIDE then Dave. We had a nice tight group of amazing, eager, and adventurous individuals. Some on their first adventure and some on there 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on. Each person I encountered on the trip was helpful and wonderful. Did I have a great time? YES. Do I plan to book more day trips? YES! Will I tell all my friends and co-workers to check out this amazing place for an adventurous time? YES! Dave you are truly an inspiration because you took the time to really let us know who you are as an individual and you could have easily just did the tour and that's it. We exchanged so many stories between the whole group that I just want to do another adventure with this group alone. Call me selfish but when you have an amazing time why mess it up by changing it. You also informed us about the scenery, the plants, the rocks, the water, and animals. Told us about your story about you falling and showed us the exact part you fell. Out of that you were able to find your bandana that was left behind after your fall. We all climbed those mountains with your help and guidance and I believe Destination Backcountry Adventures is the best adventure I've been on ever. Only way to top that is to go again. How can I forget the wonderful and exquisite place you took us to after climbing two mountains (Hickory) BEST BBQ I've had to date. I thought climbing the mountains was great in itself but after the dinner it ended the night on a high. Each person enjoyed their BBQ and from now its a must stop after each adventure. Def want to try the feast challenge one day. read more

I had an amazing hike with DBA. They took us on paths that many companies don't go down; as a result, we didn't run into any other hiking groups, just a few individuals or families. They gave us just the right amount of history and information about different flora and fauna. The pick up was super easy and they were right on time. For lunch they had something for everyone; three types of delicious cheese, sausage, and PB&J. Forgot to mention awesome hot cocoa! After the hike was over they took us to a great local store that carried local apple cider, maple syrup, etc. After that we went to a microbrewery where we had a big meal and a delicious fresh beer. All in all this was a great experience! read more

My friend and I went on a hike with Dave and Talia (the guides) to Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain in the Catskills last saturday. The trip was really awesome and the guides were really knowledgeable. It started with a pickup from Brooklyn at 7AM and Manhattan at 7:30AM. We were offered donuts, fruits, snack bars, coffee and tea on the van up. We got to the Catskills around 10:45 and started the ascend. Along the way, Dave took time to point out interesting plants and features. We had a pretty diverse group with very different abilities so he made sure to provide sufficient breaks for everyone. There were various viewpoints along the way and eventhough it was cloudy (day before hurricane sandy), the view was still pretty magical. Dave showed us a little spring to refill our water bottles. Lunch was a big spread of cheese, hummus, crackers, bread, tortilla, dried fruits, fresh popcorn (literally freshly popped) and a choice of hot chocolate, teas and coffee (also freshly brewed). After a leisurely lunch where we sat and chat, we started the descend down. It was done at a comfortable pace, everyone went down at their own speed. The last section was done in the dark which was pretty cool for a city girl like me. Dave took us out to this awesome BBQ place in Kingston (where most people shared the group platter- delicious and cheap) before the 3 hour drive home. We got back to Brooklyn around midnight and since I lived in the slope, Dave was nice enough to drop me off at my block. All together, Dave was with us for a whopping 17 hours which is way longer than any other hiking 1 day tours I've been on. And he kept up the energy and enthusiasm the entire 17 hours despite having been up even longer to prepare, carrying a ridiculously heavy pack with all our food up the mountain and having to do it all again for the sunday tour. Terrific value for your money. And the icing on the cake- Dave took loads of pictures which he nicely uploaded and shared with us a few days later so I could just enjoy the hike and not bother with pics. Highly recommend! My friend and I are already talking about doing a snowshoe trip with them when it gets colder. read more

I am not typically an outdoors type person, but I decided to try out a day hike adventure I found on Groupon. By far the best choice I made. Having no prior experience with hiking, we climbed up on the Westkill Mountain. Not exactly a breeze , which made reaching the peak even more rewarding. Dave is an awesome guide whose energy and positive attitude made the whole experience fun. After our hike, Dave took us to some much deserved BBQ at Hickory in Kensington, NY. Thanks Dave for making this city girl love the outdoors! read more

Went on a hike last month with Destination Backcountry and brought my dog with me. By the end of the hike we were both exhausted! The hike had amazing views and i was glad i was with someone that knew where to go. Overall great time! Thanks! read more

Excellent tour. Dave was very nice and friendly and has excellent outdoor knowledge. He was patient and well experienced guide. The tour was well organized. and they are even dog friendly! I had a great time with them and so was my doggie popcorn. Will definitely join them again. read more

An hike in the mountains with DBA s a LIFE experience, more than just a day's getaway. Super fun, as challenging as you make it, exciting, and well-organized. You'll be safe (and entertained) under the expert guidance of the staff, and come home with a full belly and a full camera card. DO IT! I promise you'll end up beaming with pride and searching for your next fix ;) read more

I just completed the Survival School course with Dave and his team, and it was an awesome experience. We spent two one-hour sessions learning the basics of survival, starting with the survival mentality. The sheer enjoyment the team takes in being outside, and in sharing their experience in the woods, makes this a really positive experience. They show the wilderness as something to survive in, not something to survive through. Even as an experienced camper, I learned new information and hands on methods to exist for days in the woods. Highly recommend. read more

My boyfriend and I had the best time with Dave and DBA. Super fun adventure, well-organized and thought out and Dave is a real nature guru--constantly offering historical facts about terrain and flora. We had lunch on the summit and definitely quelled our New Yorker nature deficiency. We will definitely be back for another adventure soon! read more

Exceeded my expectations! Dave is an excellent guide and right from the first moment he made us all feel comfortable that we were in good hands and that all would be taken care of. He made sure we were safe, having fun and fed us a lovely lunch with incredible hot chocolate to warm us up! He got extra bonus points for being super lovely with my dog who fell in icy water when he mistook how deep it was. Dave removed his fleece and use it's to dry him off to make sure he wouldn't freeze. So above and beyond. Thx to dave and mike for an amazing day! Well be back for sure. read more

We hiked up Indian Head Mountain with Destination Backcountry Adventures and had a wonderful time. Dave and Craig (the guides) were very friendly. More importantly, they were incredibly patient and understanding when one of the group had a hard time descending a very steep stretch of trail. You are in good hands with Destination Backcountry Adventures, and you're guaranteed a great time! read more

Back in November 2011, My friend & I planned a day out of the city with Destination Backcountry. We spent the day hiking in Minnewaska State Park with a group of 12 other hikers. What an incredible day! Not only was the scenery breathtaking it was a wonderful bonding experience with the others. D-Squared were amazing and extremely friendly. I am excited to have another amazing experience this winter with DBA!!!! read more

Let me start by saying I am not an outdoorsy, woodland type guy. Generally I am a beach and city connoisseur, but was invited by a friend and decided to give it a whirl. Mike and Rab (sp) were awesome guides, and kept us moving, fed, and informed all at the same time. The group we were with was great and we laughed the entire way up the mountain and back down. I would definitely recommend using these guys if you are planning a hike, they were great. read more

By far DBA the best company in New York hands down. These guys know their stuff and anyone who goes on a hike with them will love it. The guides are the most down to earth guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Five minutes talking with them and you feel like their friends you haven't seen in awhile. The trips are so good I was about to ask them if they were hiring so I could be in the outdoors all the time. We hiked 7 miles and it was just amazing sights all along the way. Looking forward to many many more trips with you guys in the future. You guys rock and I wish you all the best. read more

I had an amazing time on my hike with Destination Backcountry. The guides and other hikers were all friendly and motivating. The day escape exceeded my expectations despite the not do perfect weather. I was able to go at my own pace, enjoying nature without a care in the world. The DBA team were all very knowledgable and I will definately be going back out with them soon! read more

It was our first trip to the Catskills. It was January. We were a little worried that we'd be too cold or too inexperienced to enjoy the day. We were wrong. It was a fantastic trip. Dave is the founder/owner of DBA. His positive attitude is contagious. All the guides (we had 3 guides for a group of 10 hikers) were great. When I was intimidated by a steep looking slope, someone would be by my side with advice and encouragement and I'd succeed every time. Everyone in our group all successfully climbed Balsam Mountain. Our only issue was the van was quite crowded with 13 people plus all of our winter clothing and gear. It would have been nice to have a little more space. But snowshoeing up the mountain was a great workout, the scenery was beautiful, and the air was clean. Highly recommended. read more

Amazing hiking experience! Dave felt like hiking with a best friend and the views weren't too hard on the eyes either! We felt very taken care of and will be joining them again soon!! read more

Just took my first backpacking trip with Dave & Jess and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. They were super friendly and knowledgeable, and took the time to teach us throughout the trip. The area was carefully chosen to get the most out of this time of year, and they adapt the food and activities to the group so that everyone can have an unforgettable experience. 10/10 would recommend! read more

I took an overnight hiking trip with a small group last weekend. So worth it, value-wise, and experience-wise. Our guide was extremely knowledgable of the trails, geology, and history of the Catskills and we felt safer going with someone who knows the area. Also they were very prepared and rented us gear we didn't have. My girlfriend and I are vegetarian but this was not a problem - there was plenty of food for us. The trip went smoothly and we had lots of fun too - I would definitely take more trips with them! read more

Warning: Long review! DESTINATION BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES IS GREAT! I first heard of DB when I got an alert from Amazon that DB was organizing a full day hiking adventure in the Catskill Mountains at the end of October for a discounted rate of $65 including transportation and two meals. Hiking poles were also available for our use at no extra charge. I went on Yelp and read all of the favorable reviews and decided to take a chance. I'm so glad I did! Dave DiCerbo (owner of DB) is a Hulk! He actually carried a backpack that had to weigh at least 50 pounds filled with all kinds of equipment including a burner, a pot for making a delicious brew of fresh coffee, hot chocolate, or tea (your choice), mugs, utensils and plates. He also had plenty of lunch, snacks and treats for everyone, which eliminated the need for you to bog down your own pack with the added weight of food. Really, all you had to carry was your own water, a headlamp and an extra layer in case you got cold. Dave already had the other essential items in his 50 pound pack. Dave did a wonderful job in keeping the group entertained and engaged with each other. There were different levels of hikers, but Dave somehow managed to keep everyone happy. What I appreciated most about Dave's style was his concern that everyone was enjoying themselves. That's no easy task when you have a diverse group of 12 people. But keep them happy he did. All through the day, you heard people laughing and talking with each other and having a good time. There was such a good vibe among the hikers. I liked that sometimes Dave allowed the experienced hikers to lead while he mingled with the other hikers in the middle and back of the pack before taking the lead again. He never made you feel rushed. Yet, he kept a steady pace. This past weekend, I made the mistake of hiking with another company. Towards the end of the hike I started feeling extreme knee pain on the steep descents. Granted, I may have bitten off more than I could chew by embarking on a level four hike, but I love challenging myself and I had completed enough hikes to think that I was well prepared for this one. Thankfully, the pain in my knees started about an hour and half before the hike ended, but in all that time not once did the guide ever go to the back where I was to hike alongside me and just see how I was doing. The only time he ever asked how I was feeling was when we would have a rest stop. Otherwise, he always stayed at the head of the pack. I was okay with that since I did not want to slow anyone down on account of my knee pain, but I thought it reflected badly on the guide to not show some more concern when one of his hikers was in considerable pain. It made me feel less confident in him as a leader. I worried if I were to fall and get seriously hurt or sprain my ankle, I would be up shit's creek. Just kidding! But seriously, I am positive if this had happened on a hike with DB, that Dave, the guide, would have been more helpful by offering some advice on how to step down the rocky terrain or, at the very least, offering some words of encouragement. I understand that when you sign up for a hike, you had better be in tune with your body and know your limits. The guides are not there to hold your hand - they have a big responsibility in leading so many people in the great outdoors where anything can happen. But, by the same token, as a guide, you should instill some trust and confidence in your hikers since you are the expert in an environment that leaves your hikers no choice but to be dependent on you leading them out of the woods. Bottom line, I can't say enough nice things about Destination Backcountry and I look forward to going on another trip with them. read more

IN-CRE-DI-BLE. I am so happy I was able to hang out and learn so much from these guys! Dave is a nature history guru and Erin has the serenity and enthusiasm of a Buddhist bunny. As a first timer who is by no means in shape, I spent most of the time with the slower fellas, taking pictures and enjoying breathtaking views of the Catskills. Do yourself a favor and book your Backcountry Adventure today! read more

Did an overnight trip with DBA to visit Balsam Lake Mountain in the Catskills and it was AMAZING. Dave D (company owner) led the trip and he is super knowledgeable and is hyper-focused on customer service. He was very responsive to any questions I had before the trip and since this was the first time I was going camping, he helped make me less nervous about going camping in the winter. It was a small group (4 of us in total + Dave) and Dave made sure that we had all of the equipment we needed, snacks for the hike, he was taking photos all along the trail to document the trip (which he made available for download afterward), and pointed out animal tracks and shared info about the Catskills and hiking best practices. Once we were in camp, Dave was like an outdoor MacGyver, setting up the fire, cooking a first and second course meal and making sure we were all warm and toasty for the night (he even heated up water bottles so we'd have extra warmth to go to sleep). I definitely look forward to going on another trip with DBA in the Spring. read more

I usually do the outdoors on my own, but I tried the "Sunset Yoga" one-day "adventure" with Destination Backcountry Adventures and had a great time. We went to Minnewaska State Park, which is lovely, picked a ton of delicious blueberries, and had a quick swim and a great yoga session. The guide, Dave, was knowledgeable and super friendly, and the picnic supper was delicious. For more detail, read my blog about the trip at http://www.sticksrocksdirt.com/blog/2013-07-17. read more

After schedule conflicts, I finally made it out of the city. I was a breath of fresh air which greatly improved my attitude! Dave is awesome, very knowledgeable about the Catskills area and extremely enthusiastic and passionate about what he is doing! The hike was a bit harder than the rating however we all made it up, down and out of the trail without injury. Left the Day Escape feeling that sweet pain that can be so euphoric, fell asleep on the way back and really didn't want to wake up to go home! Looking forward to my next hike. read more

Dave, Jessica and the team are awesome! It was my first overnight campout and I could not have asked for better guides. Dave is a pro, he is passionate and very knowledgeable, above all such wonderful people, so overall had a fantastic hiking endeavor. His team of assistants are equally awesome. Highly recommend this team and their hikes for a true "back country experience".. Aravind read more

Had a beautiful day of X-country skiing, with a bit of snowshoeing and hiking thrown in for good measure. My second trip out with DBA, and a great one. If you're unsure - go. If you've always wanted to get outside, but feel like the logistics are too complicated - go. If you are a rank beginner - go. If you are a pretty experienced hiker, but want to get out with some other folks and maybe get to somewhere you haven't been - go. Go on your own, or with a friend. You'll meet some really nice people, see some beautiful places, breathe clean air and have a truly fine adventure. Dave DiCerbo and his team of Destination Backcountry Adventures guides and staff - Gabriel and Brad were on this ski adventure - are really lovely and knowledgeable and take care of all the details, leaving you to just enjoy some precious time outdoors. read more

I wish I could give more than five stars for Destination Backcountry Adventures. If you have the opportunity to break away from the hectic craziness of NYC living, please do join them and get out into the outdoors. I just did a fall foliage day hike up in Mt. Wittenberg this past Saturday, and it was an amazing experience. Our guide, Dave, was fun, funny, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the outdoor world. We had a healthy variety of choices for breakfast on the way up and a delicious lunch up on the summit of the mountain. The group stayed together really well and Dave made sure that we got up and down safely and in one piece, while able to enjoy the beautiful sights both ways. And at the end of the trip, we stopped to eat at Hickory BBQ in Kingston, NY. Delicious food. Get the Feast with a group, it's worth it. I would absolutely recommend taking a trip with DBA! I look forward to going on another trip with Dave and DBA sometime in the future. read more

I have been fortunate to have Dave as a guide for the last few years. He is an amazing guide. He took a newbie who had never done any hiking and turned me into someone who loves heading to the forest to hike and camp. He explains everything we would be doing, taught me how to read a map, and was patient as I got my hiking legs. If you are looking to get out of the city and marvel in the beauty of nature I strongly encourage you to book a trip with Destination Backcountry Adventures. read more

Stop reading reviews, get up from your desk and book a trip with these guys. You will not go wrong. I did a 3 day backpacking trip in the Adirondacks and had such a great time that I came home booked my next trip. Also, I will have to give a shout out to Mike, our guide, who had more knowledge and experience in his pinky finger than I anyone out there. So get up, put your pack on and go outdoors with these guys before the secret is out and all of their trips are sold out. read more

Destination Backcountry Adventures combine competence, campfire culinary wizardry, and just plain old fun. They are defined by their love of the outdoors, the art of hiking, and guiding people into the most beautiful parts of of our planet that they'd never otherwise see. A trip with DBA is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime...unless you take so many with them that they start to blur together. read more

Everything else written about Dave and his crew is true. Eager, helpful and knowledgeable -- guaranteed to make your trip a pleasant and learning experience for all levels. The hitch is in the food provided (for the yoga hike): please don't advertise a gourmet lunch and hand out packaged hummus, string cheese, tortillas and pretzel chips. The homemade trail mix is delicious. read more

I have been hiking, fishing, and camping (all seasons) with Dave DiCerbo more times than I can count. The energy and passion Dave brings to his trips always inspires me to climb a little higher or hike a little longer. His trips are well thought out and planned perfectly. Every detail is given full attention -- no matter what level of trip you are on, everyone is safe in Dave's hands. Dave has hands-on knowledge of every mountain range and peak in the northeast -- I have been to a dozen of them with him myself. He is able to put together multiple day hikes to cover lots of territory and terrain. Once at camp, Dave whips together energy rich, AND delicious meals. Matched with a crackling fire and great conversation, Dave's trips don't end once the days hike has reached a camping spot. Daylight breaks, and Dave always has breakfast ready to go with coffee or tea to go with -- a perfect start to a good hike or day of trout fishing. I could go on and on -- Dave simply is a top-tier guide for any outdoor adventure! read more

We had an awesome camping weekend with Dave. While we enjoy the outdoors, it's not always easy to get it all together and make it happen. We asked Destination Backcountry Adventures to much of the work for us. They found a beautiful Catskills spot near a lake and a fresh spring, they set up the tent, they made a fire without a duraflame log even though there had been torrential downpours all afternoon/evening. We went fishing and Dave showed us where to find natural brook trout, which we caught. Kids loved it. Salamanders, fish, canoe, turtle, and more. Parents enjoyed not having to do all the work. I highly recommend Dave and his company. read more

Austin was great! We went to Ralph Stover State Park for climbing. Lots of good routes. He was fun to be around and seems to have all around outdoor experience and familiarity with backcountry adventure in the northeast. He was very flexible and patient as we climbed not so easy routes. He gave us the boost that we needed! Very energetic and easygoing. Highly recommended. read more