ASF Takes Veterans Into The Woods For WIM Hiking Event

WINDHAM – The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) hosted its Warriors in Motion® (WIM) hiking event this week, welcoming five wounded veterans to the northern Catskill Mountains. Over the course of three separate hikes, the group trekked a total of 10.7 miles and climbed more than 1,550 feet.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve participated in a program with the ASF, and this hiking program has not disappointed,” said WIM participant James Whitaker. “It was great—everyone was able to spread out, go at their own pace, get into nature and get a little exercise.”

The veterans arrived at ASF’s Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon, where they met staff and volunteers over lunch. After a briefing on the week’s itinerary and Leave No Trace hiking practices, the group headed to their first hike at the Mountain Top Arboretum in nearby Tannersville. They explored the Spruce Glen trail during a 4.2-mile hike that began with heavy rain but ended in bright sunshine, illuminating the colors of the surrounding forest.

Following the hike, the veterans checked into their hotels and later returned to ASF for a catered dinner.

On Wednesday morning, the ASF shuttle picked the group up at 9 a.m. and brought them to the Big Hollow Road Trailhead in Hensonville. From there, participants hiked to either the Batavia Kill Lean-To or Acra Point, navigating steep, rocky terrain. In total, the group covered 5.5 miles. Toward the end of the hike, some veterans cooled off in a nearby stream, embracing the tranquility of the Catskills.

That evening, the group enjoyed dinner at Zicatela’s Bar and Restaurant in Windham, followed by a game of mini golf at Windham Theatre.

The final hike took place Thursday morning at Pratt Rock in Prattsville. Though short, the steep trail led the group past historic rock carvings to a scenic overlook of the Schoharie Creek and surrounding mountains. The event concluded with a barbecue lunch back at the ASF lodge and a reflection on the week before the veterans departed.

“Us veterans have a tendency to stay at home and separate ourselves from the world, so when we have events like this, it’s nice,” Whitaker said. “It brings us together and gives us a sense of comfort where we can be ourselves and get some exercise in the outdoors.”

The hiking event was the second of eight Warriors in Motion programs ASF will host this summer. The next WIM event is scheduled for June 24–26 and will feature a backpacking excursion for participating veterans.

Through grants and private donations, ASF provides participants with all necessary equipment, meals, lodging, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos, and printed and digital maps—at no cost to the veterans.