On top of the world: The Katonah Women’s Hiking Club gains traction

Pam Kleinberg and Geri O'Flaherty atop Anthony's Nose in Cortlandt Manor. Contributed Photo

The Katonah Women's Hiking Club. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 

By ROBERT BRUM

Pamela Kleinberg was chatting with friends a few years ago when talk turned to how great it would be to get a group of women together to hike the trails around northern Westchester.

Out of that discussion the Katonah Women’s Hiking Club was born, launching in September 2021. Most of the hikes, and hikers, are from north of Interstate 287, but the group has no geographic boundaries.

The club’s Facebook page counts 552 members, but Kleinberg said the core group consists of several dozen regulars ranging in age from their 40s to their 60s who show up for the 4- to 6-mile treks, which take place Mondays and occasionally Tuesdays. 

“The one common thread is female camaraderie, spiritual enjoyment of nature, being outdoors on this gorgeous Earth we have, and enjoying the woods,” said the Katonah woman. “We’re not impeded by weather; we hike all year-round.”

It’s easier to find a pace that everyone’s comfortable with on an all-female hike, rather than trying to keep up with men who generally have longer strides and tend to walk faster, said Kleinberg, a retired trail attorney. 

“I think it just makes sense for women to hike with women or next to women because it just seems to be a little bit more compatible physically,” she said. 

Among the group’s regular destinations are Westmorland and Butler sanctuaries in Mount Kisco, Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem, Leatherman’s Loop in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem, Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford and Anthony’s Nose in Cortlandt.

Among Kleinberg’s favorite hikes is the Westchester Wilderness Walk, in the Zofnass Family Preserve on Upper Shad Road, Pound Ridge, a rugged trail featuring hundreds of stepping stones for traversing streams and wetlands. She recalled meeting Paul Zofnass, whose family donated land for the preserve, on a hike with her group. 

“We profusely thanked him for all of his hard work and his dedication to create this amazing place,” she said.

The group occasionally ventures into Putnam County to visit Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands state parks, stopping for lunch afterward in Cold Spring.

Geri O’Flaherty started hiking steadily with the group after she retired in 2024.

“I’ve always liked hiking and this gives me an opportunity to do it on a regular basis and uncover some really phenomenal open spaces in the northern Westchester area,” the Mount Kisco woman said.

Easy to join

The club makes it easy to join up with like-minded hikers for events that are well-planned but with a laid-back vibe, O’Flaherty said. “It’s really not intimidating,” she said. “Nobody’s out there to break records. It’s very welcoming. Pam does a fabulous job.”

As the group hits its stride, talk turns to families, careers and shared interests. 

“There’s always a conversation about ‘What are you watching, what streaming series or movies?’” O’Flaherty said. “A number of the women, myself included, belong to different book clubs, so there’s always an exchange of, like, ‘What are you reading?’ That’s always a topic.”

Prospective members register through the private Facebook page, and are approved based on answers to questions about their hiking experience and availability. There’s no cost to join or participate in the hikes, although some locations may have parking fees.

Once approved, members can access event pages created for each hike that include descriptions and approximate distances. There are no age requirements, and Kleinberg says she’s yet to exclude any women who’s registered. She posts a recap and photos after each outing. 

Kleinberg classifies the hikes as moderately difficult, meaning there’s uneven terrain, elevation changes, rocks and steps. There’s no rock scrambling. The average pace is between a 25- to 30-minute mile, which is about just over 2 miles per hour.

Hiking poles are recommended and microspikes in winter. Participants are advised to wear hiking boots; sneakers are not appropriate. 

Visit facebook.com/groups/345614093912507 to join or for more information.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley.