How to Become a NY Downstate 28er

STEP 1: Hike the 28 required peaks

Hike each of the 28 required downstate mountains. Go at your own pace and take as long as you want. Be safe and use good judgment when heading out into the mountains. Above all, HAVE FUN exploring the Lower Hudson Valley, and please share your journey with friends. We love seeing and hearing about your 28er adventures too! Email or tag us on Instagram (#NYDownstate28er) and Facebook your trip reports and pictures. It'll make our day!

Note: If you've hiked any of the 28er peaks prior to the creation of this challenge, they will still count toward your 28er challenge completion.

STEP 2: Register your 28er completion

STEP 3: Pay your registration fee

A Few Simple Rules:

You must hike on foot or ski to the top* of each of the mountains yourself. Driving or biking to the summits does not count for this challenge.
Know and obey all posted landowner rules and regulations. Be a good steward of these special lands.
For Winter 28er credit, all mountains must be climbed between December 21st and March 21st

*The true summit of Breakneck Ridge is off-trail 0.65 miles north of the Red-Blazed Breakneck Bypass Trail and 0.40 miles north of the Blue-Blazed Cornish Trail. You do NOT need to go to this true summit. Bushwhacking is discouraged by the park, and there’s nothing of note up there anyway. For this challenge, hiking to the vista halfway between the Breakneck Bypass and Cornish Trails will suffice and count for a successful “summit”.

After submitting your registration, head to the NY Downstate 28er Shop to pay your registration fee. This fee covers the cost of your commemorative 28er patch, finisher certificate, and shipping. Once we verify your registration and payment, you'll be added to the official 28er Finisher Roster, and your patch and certificate will be shipped to you. We use USPS First Class Mail whenever possible, and items typically arrive in 3-5 business days, but please allow up to two weeks for your items to arrive.

Once you've successfully hiked the 28 required summits, submit your 28er Registration by using the link to our online form below. You only need to register for each challenge once. The information you provide will be referenced for eligibility of finisher patch purchases.