Meet Your Guides

Brian is the owner and founder of Upstate Hiking, and has been working as a guide in the Catskills since 2018 after leaving the corporate software world. As an avid photographer, Brian both guides and photographs guests on a wide variety of hiking adventures. When not guiding, Brian spends time traveling in his campervan with his dog, Kody, visiting National Parks, and checking countries off the bucket list.

Specialties –

• Northeastern Catskills & Adirondacks
• Waterfall hikes
• Adventure photography
• Ice hiking

Cliff is a licensed hiking, boating & camping guide. He has explored and adventured extensively throughout the Western US, Northeast and across Latin America. After spending most of his early life in the SF Bay Area, he met his wife, Dani, while living as a digital nomad in Puerto Rico, and they have now settled in the Hudson Valley, along with their ridiculously cute goldendoodle, Pancho.

Specialties –

• Hudson Valley, Southern Catskills, Shawangunks
• Longer distance hikes
• Corporate team building
• Dog-friendly routes

Joe Chenier has been guiding hikes across the Catskills for several years after hiking the Catskill 3500s multiple times over. Joe joined the Upstate Hiking team after assisting with an on-trail rescue in 2021. A civil engineer by day, Joe enjoys skiing, kayaking, camping and spending time with his family when not guiding. Whether you’re looking to conquer the Catskills 35 challenge, or tackle one of the many bushwhacks – Joe’s your guy (and guide)!