Summer 2023 Treks
Check out the latest below.

Shenandoah River Excursion
June 16-19, 2023 Juneteenth

Paris, VA, 1 hr from DC, 2 hr from Richmond, VA
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $490
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This trip will take us along the Appalachian Trail through one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas East of the Mississippi, the Shenandoah River Valley. Gorgeous mountains, exquisite views of the Shenandoah River, comfortable campsites and lush greenery are just some of the things awaiting you on our journey together.  Join us for four unforgettable days of friendship, seeking, song, and joy.


​Colorado Backpacking Excursion
July 12-16, 2023​​

CO, 1.5 hrs from Denver
Devil's Thumb Pass
Difficulty: Challenging
Cost: $650

Colorado's epic rocky mountain range will guide our journey into relationship, connecting deeply to our surroundings and one another.  Camp along lake-speckled paths, gazing at the breathtaking mountainous landscape.​
Midwest Traverse, WI
August 3 - 6, 2023
1 hr from Madison, WI, 3 hrs from Chicago
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $390
Governor Dodge State Park: Lost Canyon Trail and Meadow Valley Trail Loop
A steady hike through a beautiful forest, along a babbling brook.  Take in views of a waterfall and caves.  The highlight of our trip will be a secluded Shabbat in the backcountry wilderness situated adjacent to Twin Valley Lake. 
Great company, great workout.  Unplug and Recharge.

NJ Rock Climbing & Hiking
August 18-20, 2023

NJ, 1.5 hrs from NYC, 1 hr from Philly
Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $420
Camping at AMC Mohican Outdoor Center
Get prepared to spend a full day on the rocks, learning and practicing skills at NJ's Rick Rock, a beautiful rock face overlooking the Delaware River.  Arrive to our basecamp Friday evening for bonding and fun, celebrate a beautiful Shabbat together in the woods, and gear up for climbing on Sunday. 
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Appalachian Trail Adventure, PA
June 30-July 4, 2023
Fourth of July Weekend

Central PA, 1 hour from Philly, 3 hours from NYC
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $550

​The Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail is one of the hidden gems of the Northeast.  Cross trickling streams and raging rivers, experience the sweet silence of remote backcountry wilderness, and top gorgeous mountain peaks.

​No previous backpacking experience required.

White Mountains
​Backpacking Expedition, NH
August 2-6, 2023

NH, 2 hrs from Boston, 5 hrs from NYC
Difficulty: Challenging
Cost: $560
We invite you to adventure with us into the vast and vibrant White Mountains, over majestic peaks and breathtaking views, meandering through magical waterfalls and camping on an Alpine Lake for a Shabbat you will never forget.  This expedition along Mt. Carrigan Loop was one of our most popular treks in 2021 & 2022!  Challenge yourself and encounter your power.

Canoe Quest 
Delaware River Water Gap
August 9-13, 2023

NJ/PA, 1.5 hrs from NYC, 1.5 hrs from Philly
Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $690
The Delaware River in the Delaware Water Gap is one of the most beautiful gifts of the Northeast.  Lush green mountains tower over curved river bends as the water calmly meanders around pristine islands and backcountry camp site accessible to canoe only.  After three days of canoeing we will take a short backpacking hike to our cozy campsite for Shabbat.​

Catskills Challenge, NY
September 1-4, 2023
Labor Day Weekend

NY, 4 hrs from Boston, 2.5 hrs from NYC
Difficulty: Intermediate/Challenging
Cost $390
During the Catskills Challenge, we will pass some of the most beautiful spots in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest. We will start by hiking by the picturesque Alder Lake and continuing along the Mill Brook Ridge Trail. The summit of Balsam Lake Mountain has a fire tower that can be climbed offering incredible views.  Spend shabbat surrounded by Hashem's beautiful creation.​

FAQ:

Cost and Registration

We are committed to making our trips accessible for everyone, and no one will be turned away for financial reasons. Reach out to us at explorelechlecha@gmail.com with any questions.

Please register no less than two weeks prior to any program.
A $72 down payment is requested upon registration in order to secure your spot.

Safety

Every Lech-Lecha trek is guided by a trained Wilderness First Responder.  All additional staff are First Aid and CPR trained.  Every teen trek is accompanied by a Satellite communication device to be used in case of emergency when the group is out of cellular service.  It is important to note that there is inherent risk in wilderness adventure in which participants are at times hours from the closest road resulting in slow response time from emergency crews and difficulty of evacuation.  That being said, we are grateful that no Lech-Lecha participant has faced serious injury that has required evacuation, or the use of our SAT device and we do our best to ensure that this remains true for the future.

Communal Gear and Rental

Communal gear - tents, tarps, cooking equipment, water purification, and the like is all provided.  Personal gear including pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping bag, is on you.  ​

Missing some of your personal gear? We've got your back. You can rent backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads in the registration form.  ​

Shomer Shabbat and Kashrut

All adventures are kosher and shomer Shabbat, honoring individual practice and fully supporting observance of mitzvot. Friday afternoon has always been the peak of every Lech-Lecha adventure, as we prepare by cooking dinner, gathering water, building the eiruv and bringing intention into our Shabbat together. 

Sample Retreat Schedule
Movement, Meditation, & Music Retreat

We're adults, all program participation is optional.  We'll ask you in the registration form how you'd like to partake in facilitation.  The nature of our communal prayer will be based on participant interest and what we choose to create together.
Friday

11:00 - Opening Circle
​11:30 - Into the Woods - clear the mind, connect in simplicity
1:00 - Satiate the Body
1:45 - Meditation & Song Workshop
3:15 - Yoga
4:00 - Building Shabbat, Cooking, and Baking Challah
6:00 - Down Time
8:00 - Kabbalat Shabbat
9:00 - Shabbat Dinner & Singing
Shabbat Day - Silent day aside from singing & prayer.

8:30 - Light Breakfast
9:00 - Movement & Prayer
10:30 - If we had eyes - Morning Meditation
11:30 - Down time, Hang on the Hammock
1:00 - Satiate the Body
2:15 - Down time: Wander down the Creek, Hike the Hills, Take a Nap
5:00 - If I Could Fly - Meditation, Movement, and Dreaming workshop
7:00 - Seudah Shilishit & Let it Flow - Getting Lost in Song
8:30 - Havdallah & Dance Party ​
Sunday

8:00 - Qi Gong
8:30 - Morning Meditation & Prayer
9:30 - Break the Fast
10:15 - Meditation
11:00 - Speak to Me; I will listen - Hitbodedut & Writing
12:00 - Down Time, Take a Hike
1:00 - Satiate the Body
2:00 - Sharing in Pairs & Small Groups
3:00 - Closing Circle
4:00 - Thank you!

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Testimonials

"Journeying into the wilderness builds unity and togetherness. A short time away from distraction with a bit of guidance can transform a person's perspective and do wonders for their spiritual health."
- Yirmiyahu Gilbert, past trekker

"What experiences did I find most meaningful? EVERYTHING! No but actually...the final brachas at the end were a beautiful (and time-consuming) way to end. Kabbalat Shabbat and really everything Friday evening. The talk at the peak on Thursday. spontaneous and unplanned moments. participant-led activities. Everything!"
- Gilah Barker, past trekker

OUR PARTNERS