Hudson Valley BBQ Festival Overnight Camping Trip & Hike

The Hudson Valley Ribfest is an annual event at the Ulster Country Fairgrounds that brings together scores of pitmasters from across the Hudson Valley to show off their recipes and compete for the title of  The Best!!  Join us for this tasty overnight trip of the city as we enjoy  a hike  in the Shawangunk Mountains and all the fun at the Hudson Valley Rib Festival complete with live music, crafts tents and some of the best BBQ you will ever taste! The best part is that at the end of the day we will bring you back to our private riverside campsite for a night of fun. conversations, food, drinks and a big bonfire!Your day will begin with the beautiful ride up the Hudson River Train line on Metro North.  Your guide will pick you up in Poughkeepsie, NY to start you adventure!   We'll pick up a snack and head over to The Lake Minewaska/Awosting Falls Trail for a quick bite and  hike (1 hour 30 minutes)   from there we'll head to the fairgrounds where you can start digging in on some of that great BBQ! You can hang with the group or go off and explore on your own.  After the festival we will head to a local Hard Cider Mill to wash down the BBQ!

After the cider mill we will go to our private riverside campsite where everything will be set up for you!

In the evening the group will enjoy cocktails by the fire, access to kayaks, swimming, campsite games, additional hiking. A light dinner will be served with BBQ chicken, veggie dishes and dessert.

In the morning we will cook everyone breakfast then get you back on the 11:50am train to NYC (unless you join us for the Sunday Rock Scramble trip)

Can I come alone? Yes, most of the people attending come on their own.  Our staff is great at introducing you to others at the event and keeping the conversations lively!

What to expect: 10-14 participants

What to wear: hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers

What to bring: snacks, bottled water

What is included? transportation to and from Poughkeepsie train to all attractions, festival admission, hiking fees, campsite fee, a reasonable amount of adult beverages at campsite, dinner at campsite, dessert,breakfast Sunday, taxes and tips. Tents are available for an additional $20.

What is the campsite like:  The campsite is on the shores of the fresh water Hudson River on a private 15 acre estate in West Park NY.  There is a dock, firepit, BBQ's, tables and chairs, games, kayaks, sports games, hiking trails and more.  There is a fresh water warm shower tent and a composting toilet.

Not Included: Train fare (you may also drive to Poughkeepsie), BBQ samples & Cider Samples, lunch, sleeping bags.

Admission: $160 ( $140 for VIP members) If you wish to join the Sunday Rock Scramble Trip contact Dave at dave@newyorksocialnetwork.com for the additional $50 fee

What if it rains?  Refunds are only given if the trip is canceled due to rain.

How hard is the hike?  This hike is moderate.  There are some hills and rocks & roots to walk over. It is about 2 miles and you should be in fairly good shape.

Return train times:  for camping only: 11:50 a.m. train Sunday.  For camping and rock scramble 5:54pm Sunday