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PLACE Presents 'So You Want to Hike? An Introduction to Hiking' Course at SUNY Potsdam, Led by Adirondack Guide Jess Heck

New Fall Non-Credit Course at SUNY Potsdam Combines Classroom Instruction with Guided Hike of Goodman Mountain in Tupper Lake

Potsdam, NY (09/09/2026) — Curious about hiking, but not sure where to start? There's a new opportunity this fall to learn the basics, build your confidence and take it to the trail!

SUNY Potsdam's PLACE (Public Learning, Arts and Community Engagement) invites campus and community members to build the skills and confidence to explore the Adirondacks through a new non-credit course designed specifically for beginning hikers, titled "So You Want to Hike? An Introduction to Hiking."

This beginner-friendly fall hiking series is designed for people who have always wanted to hike, but aren't quite sure where to start. Participants do not need to consider themselves "outdoorsy," own a bunch of gear or have any previous hiking experience to join.

Through two two-hour classroom sessions held at SUNY Potsdam in the Performing Arts Center Seminar Room, offered on Monday, Sept. 28 and Monday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., participants will learn the basics of getting started, including what to bring, what to wear, how to plan a hike, trail safety, navigation, the 10 Essentials, Leave No Trace principles and what to expect once they are actually on the trail.

The series will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 10, with a guided hike of Goodman Mountain in Tupper Lake, N.Y. Participants will meet at the Goodman Mountain trailhead at 10 a.m., and put their new skills into practice in a supportive, beginner-friendly setting. The goal is simple: to make hiking feel less intimidating and help more people feel confident taking that first step onto the trail.

Instructor Jess Heck is a New York State licensed outdoor guide and owner of Adirondack Ascent, an Adirondack guiding service. She is Adirondack 46er #17,127 and a member of the New York State Outdoor Guides Association. She serves as NYSOGA's virtual assistant and social media coordinator and as recording secretary for the Adirondack 46ers.

Heck learned to hike as an adult, which is exactly why she loves helping beginners get started. She knows what it feels like to look at the outdoors and think, "I have no idea what I'm doing." Her approach is practical, welcoming and focused on helping people build the confidence to get outside, try something new and realize they are more capable than they think.

Whether participants have been thinking about hiking for years, want to become more comfortable exploring the North Country or simply want to try something new this fall, the course provides an accessible starting point and a community with which to experience it.

Registration is $100, which includes four hours of classroom instruction and the guided Goodman Mountain hike. Advance registration is required, and enrollment is limited to 12 participants to maintain a small-group experience.

Learn more and register: potsdam.edu/events/so-you-want-hike-introduction-hiking

About PLACE (Public Learning, Arts and Community Engagement):

PLACE (Public Learning, Arts and Community Engagement) is SUNY Potsdam's public engagement division, bringing together arts programming, lifelong learning, third party rentals and community partnerships to connect the College's educational and creative resources with the broader community.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Jess Heck takes a selfie from a firetower in the Adirondacks.

New York State licensed outdoor guide Jess Heck takes in the view from the fire tower atop Azure Mountain in the Adirondacks. Heck will lead SUNY Potsdam’s new beginner-friendly hiking course through PLACE this fall. (Photo courtesy of Jess Heck)

Jess Heck takes a selfie while hiking in the woods.

New York State licensed outdoor guide and Adirondack 46er Jess Heck on the trail at Azure Mountain. Heck will lead “So You Want to Hike? An Introduction to Hiking,” a new PLACE non-credit course combining classroom instruction at SUNY Potsdam with a guided hike of Goodman Mountain in Tupper Lake. (Photo courtesy of Jess Heck)

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