Veterans Wilderness Weekend on the Appalachian Trail sponsored by: Veterans Rebuilding Life 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: vrlnyc.org

VETERANS WILDERNESS WEEKEND

June 7-8th, 2025 | Appalachian Trail
Veterans were equipped with professional hiking and camping equipment that was donated by Veterans Rebuilding Life.
The first annual: Veterans Wilderness Weekend Retreat, June 7-8th, 2025.
Marine combat veteran Matthew Foresta, ignites the camp fire.

Combat veterans from every branch of the U.S. military gathered in Warwick, NY, to hike the Appalachian Trail as part of the inaugural Veterans Wilderness Retreat. Launched in summer 2025 by Veterans Rebuilding Life, the outdoor program is funded by the Outdoor RX Grant from the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, (DVS). The grant supports outdoor programs that provide veterans holistic treatment alternatives for PTSD.

Guidon Bearer: Kevin Vargas Colon, Marine combat veteran of the Global War on Terror, hiking the Appalachian Trail in Warwick, NY, an elevation gain of 3,763 feet.
Veterans Wilderness Weekend on the Appalachian Trail sponsored by: Veterans Rebuilding Life 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: vrlnyc.org
Combat veterans from all branches of military service participated in the 2025 Veterans Wilderness Weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail.

This section of the Appalachian Trail spans over 16 miles, stretching from Highway 17A, to the Seven Lakes region of New York. With a total elevation gain of 3,763 feet, it features the highest vertical climb in the region. The scenic five-mile segment winds through mountain landscapes and fresh water rivers, taking an average of three hours to complete.

Veterans establish camp near the Wildcat Shelter on the Appalachian Trail.
Veterans spent the night camping in the woods during the two-day hike.
Veterans Wilderness Weekend on the Appalachian Trail sponsored by: Veterans Rebuilding Life 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: vrlnyc.org
View from the top of the Wildcat Mountain trail, an elevation of 1,294 feet.

Veterans Rebuilding Life

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN

This section of the trail offers varied elevations and prominent landmarks, including the Eastern Pinnacles – a steep and rocky climb, that rises 1,294 feet in elevation. Seen left is the breathtaking view from the trail’s end, at the top of Wildcat Mountain.

From left: Marine Veterans Alec Thelen, Mac, Bill Vallely, Pat Foresta, and Kevin Vargas-Colon, make camp at the top of Wildcat Mountain.

Thank you to all the veterans who participated in the Wilderness Retreat, and made it such a memorable success. A special thanks to the New York State Division of Veteran Services, for their continued support of the veteran community. Continue scrolling to view more photos of the Wilderness Retreat:

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