Veterans Wilderness Retreat sponsored by Veterans Rebuilding Life
Veterans Wilderness Retreat sponsored by Veterans Rebuilding Life

VETERANS WILDERNESS RETREAT

2025 Appalachian Trail of NY
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 2025, the outdoor initiative was sponsored by the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, (DVS) and the PFC Dwyer Grant, which supports outdoor programs for veterans.

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 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 setup camp near Wildcat shelter.
Veterans setup camp near Wildcat shelter.
Veterans spent the night camping in the woods during the two-day hike.
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
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 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 steep and rocky climb that rises above 1,294 feet in elevation. Seen in the photo left, is the stunning view from the top of this section of the trail’s end, at the top of Wildcat Mountain.

Team photo taken from the top of Wildcat Mountain, on the Appalachian Trail of NY.
Team photo taken from the top of Wildcat Mountain, on the Appalachian Trail of NY.

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:

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.
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