ASF Readies for WIM Hiking Excursions Next Week

WINDHAM — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) will welcome seven injured military veterans for its next Warriors in Motion® (WIM) hiking event, scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, through Thursday, June 12.

Marine Corps veteran Julio Garcia will be participating in his first group hike with ASF, but he’s no stranger to the outdoors.

“I’ve always hiked. I’m into hunting, and I do a lot of mountain hiking and mountain hunting,” Garcia said. “I love the stillness of the woods. It’s quiet, but when you get quiet, nature comes alive and it gets loud. It’s a primal feeling.”

The group will arrive at the ASF’s Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center by noon on Tuesday to meet fellow veterans, ASF staff and volunteers. The day will include an informational session outlining the week’s activities and a group lunch. Once everyone is stretched out and outfitted with any necessary equipment, the group will travel to nearby Haines Falls to hike the Kaaterskill Rail Trail. This introductory hike will cover approximately three miles with minimal elevation gain, serving as a warm-up to begin the week and giving the WIM participants a view of the majestic falls.

After the hike, the veterans will return to Windham to check into their hotel, relax and regroup before dinner at the ASF lodge.

Wednesday’s activity will be a full-day hike. The ASF shuttle will pick up participants at 9 a.m. and transport them to the Roaring Kill trailhead. From there, participants can choose between two hiking options—one beginner-friendly and the other more advanced. Both routes follow the same initial path.

The beginner hike leads 1.5 miles up 500 feet of gradual elevation to Dibble’s Quarry, where the group will stop for lunch and enjoy scenic views before returning. The advanced option continues to the summit of Twin Mountain via the Devil’s Path, covering six miles round trip with a total elevation gain of 1,800 feet. This route offers sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains and surrounding waterways.

After the hike, participants will return to their hotel to rest and clean up before dinner at the lodge.

Thursday’s hike will be determined based on participants’ recovery and energy levels. While less intense than Wednesday’s trek, it will still provide a moderate challenge. After the final hike, the group will return to ASF for a farewell lunch before departing.

“If it wasn’t for ASF, I wouldn’t have realized how bad of shape I was in—physically, mentally and emotionally,” Garcia said. “The WIM activities aren’t easy. Us warriors have to dig down deep, and that helps remind us of how tough we are.”

He added, “It’s also good to be around other veterans. To hear their stories and talk about what they’re going through helps me realize that it’s not a uniquely singular thing that I’m going through. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.”

Thanks to grants and private donations, ASF provides all necessary equipment, helmets, water bottles, meals, hotel accommodations, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos (if needed), and both digital and printed trail maps.