VETERANS WILDERNESS RETREAT

2025 Appalachian Trail of New York
Veterans were equipped with professional hiking gear donated by Veterans Rebuilding Life.
Veterans were equipped with professional hiking gear donated by Veterans Rebuilding Life.
Veterans hiked the Appalachian Trail to Wildcat Mtn.
Veterans hiked the Appalachian Trail to Wildcat Mtn.
Marine veterans Pasquale Foresta, and Kevin Colon (seated)
Marine veterans Pasquale Foresta, and Kevin Colon (seated)

Combat veterans from every branch of military service gathered in Warwick, NY to hike the Appalachian Trail as part of the inaugural: Veterans Wilderness Retreat. Launched in June of 2025, the outdoor retreat is sponsored by the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, (DVS) and the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Support Program.

Guidon: Veteran Kevin Vargas Colon on the Appalachian Trail.
Guidon: Veteran Kevin Vargas Colon on the Appalachian Trail.
In spite of the 1,294 ft. climb, Marines carried a FOB to the top of Wildcat Mountain.
In spite of the 1,294 ft. climb, Marines carried a FOB to the top of Wildcat Mountain.
Combat veterans from all branches of military service participated in the 2025 Veterans Wilderness Weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail.
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 sixteen 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 setup camp at the top of Wildcat Mountain.
Veterans setup camp at the top of Wildcat Mountain.
Veterans spent the night camping in the woods during the 2-day hike.
Veterans spent the night camping in the woods during the 2-day hike.
Veterans Wilderness Retreat sponsored by: Veterans Rebuilding Life.
Veterans Wilderness Retreat sponsored by: Veterans Rebuilding Life.
View from the top of the Wildcat Mountain trail, an elevation of 1,294 ft.
View from the top of the Wildcat Mountain trail, an elevation of 1,294 ft.

Veterans Rebuilding Life

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN

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

Veterans at the top of Wildcat Mountain, upstate NY.
Veterans at the top of Wildcat Mountain, upstate NY.

Thank you to all the veterans who joined the hike and made the retreat 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 see more photos of the 2025 retreat:

From left: Marine Veterans Alec Thelen, Mac, Bill Vallely, Pat Foresta, and Kevin Vargas-Colon, make camp 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.
From left: Elena Parra, Brayden Perez, Mark Ruf prep for the hike ahead.
Veteran Will Miller begins the hike as a thunderstorm breaks.
Veterans gear-up in the rain at the start of the hike on Wildcat Mountain.
Wildcat Mountain, Appalachian Trail of NY.
Veteran: Robert Shilling manning the grill at the top of Wildcat Mountain.
From left: Alec Thelen, Mario Hernandez, Damia December.
Veteran Christian Zamora on the Appalachian Trail.
Lou Costa, Digital Media Director, Veterans Rebuilding Life
From left: Veterans Rudy Perez and Joe Deridder.
From Left: Veterans Dre Popow, Rudy Perez, Pat Foresta, and Elena Parra.
Veterans complete a health assessment to gain personalized insight.
Wildcat Mountain, Appalachian Trail of NY.
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