Browse: Home » wgcmc

wgcmc

Connect with the CMC

Email Us, Visit our Facebook Page

Trail Maintenance on the Dry Brook Ridge and German Hollow Trails | Saturday, May 21, 2022 @10AM

Follow Laura Battelani, CMC Board Member and David Lucas, volunteers for NY/NJ Trail Conference as they maintain their adopted trails. Join us on our Spring Trail Maintenance Hike on Dry Brook Ridge in Margaretville New York. We will drive to the Hill St. trail and climb approximately 1500 feet in a moderate climb and do light work clearing the trail and making sure things are tidy on Dry Brook Ridge. We’ll hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 years old bog, to arrive to a beautiful lookout of the Pepacton Reservoir from almost 3500 ft. of altitude. We will relax and have mid-day lunch at the overlook, with beautiful western views of the Western Catskills.
In the afternoon, we will return on the German Hollow Trail, maintaining along the way. Pack lots of water and your lunch and snacks. Wear comfortable layers. Bring a hat and bug spray and rain gear if weather is changeable.
Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes. If you also want to help with the cleaning of the trail, bring hand tools, clippers, loppers and foldable saws if you have them and gloves and eye protection.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Continue reading →

May 8, 2022 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Smith Pond Trail Temporarily Closed

The Smith Pond Trail is closed until further notice. Due to a construction project that will address drainage issues near Rte. 28, the trailhead to the Smith Pond Trail is being used as a staging area.  As soon as the work allows, the trail will be reopened.  For those who are working on the CMC Hiking Trails Challenge, the requirement to hike the Smith Pond Trail is temporarily suspended. You may submit applications without hiking this trail. After we announce its reopening, It will be required hiking again for new applicants. Thanks for your cooperation.

March 1, 2022 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

High Use Issues Have Been Rising in the Catskills

April 18, 2021     Usage of the Catskill Park and its facilities has grown tremendously for the past several years.  During the pandemic of 2020-21, the growth only increased as folks everywhere turned to the great outdoors for a safe space to seek recreation.  As the pandemic winds down, we anticipate a sustained increase in Park visitorship and in use of our trails, other infrastructure and wild places throughout the Catskills.

The rise in usage has resulted in crowded parking lots, illegal roadside parking and an exponential increase in garbage being left behind by park visitors at high use areas like Kaaterskill Falls, Kaaterskill Clove and Colgate Lake.  To help mitigate these problems, parking regulations have been expanded and strictly enforced. Dozens of volunteers have been helping park staff and trail stewards clean up after the heavy traffic of weekend visits.  Please be responsible and pack out what you pack into these beautiful natural environments.

Another effect of increased usage is seen on the trails themselves. Foot beds are widening far beyond the acceptable width, trampling adjacent plant life and contributing to erosion. Hikers should stay on the trail, avoid walking side-by-side and pass other hikers carefully, yielding where possible and maintaining single file at all times.  It is up to us to protect the Catskills wilderness and preserve it for future generations. To do so, it is important that we cooperate in practicing sustainable use that benefits us all.

Always follow Leave No Trace principles when recreating in conserved natural places wherever you go.

How to hike safely now

There’s danger out in nature too – ticks are serious business …read more

 

July 30, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Thanks to our business supporters.

Please consider them when you are shopping for goods and services in the Catskills!

July 30, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

2021 CMC Events Calendar

 

AUGUST 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

8 AM

Long Path – Peekamoose to Upper Cherrytown

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

9:30 AM

Cabot Mountain, Little Pond, hike and paddle

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

© calendarlabs.com

Covid-19 Guidelines: Wear a mask while congregated in the parking lot or at other sites. Hike single file, following social distancing protocols. Avoid carpooling except with members of your household. Use your own pen when signing in, or use hand sanitizer.

Note: As vaccination rates rise, risks decrease. We will phase out these guidelines when rates improve significantly. In the meantime, please protect others and yourself by following these simple, CDC endorsed guidelines.

Continue reading →

July 30, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Cabot Mountain, Little Pond, hike and paddle | Friday, August 27, 2021 @ 9:30 AM

Little Pond from Cabot Mountain

We will hike Cabot Mountain on the Touch-Me-Not trail section of the Finger Lakes trail in the Western Catskills. This moderate hike at a relaxed pace, will be a traverse of 4.5 miles with a short shuttle. It will end at Little Pond State campground where we will have an after-hike picnic and have an opportunity to rent kayaks on site. You’re also welcome to bring your own boat. Come for just the hike or stay for the whole day. It’s up to you. If you are paddling, a PFD is required. Sorry, bringing your pooch is not practical for this outing.

Event Duration:  4.5 miles, 4 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

Continue reading →

July 30, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Long Path – Peekamoose to Upper Cherrytown | Monday, August 9, 2021 @ 8 AM

Vernooy Falls

 

This hike starts with a steep climb up Bangle Hill from Peekamoose Rd, gaining over 1100 feet in 1.1 miles. After the initial climb, the remainder of the hike is relatively level, dropping about 600 feet over 6.4 miles to Vernooy Falls, then dropping another 500 feet in the last 1.7 miles. If the weather cooperates we’ll stop for a swim at Vernooy Falls.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 9 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

 

Continue reading →

July 30, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Mongaup Loop with Willowemoc and Sand Pond Hundred Highest | Monday, July 19, 2021 @ 8 AM

Starting at the suspension bridge over the scenic Beaver Kill, we’ll hike to Mongaup Pond via the Mongaup – Hardenburgh Trail. We’ll return via the Mongaup – Willowemoc and Long Pond Beaver Kill Ridge trails. Along the way, we’ll summit 2 Catskill Hundred Highest mountains: Willowemoc (3220 ft) and Sand Pond (3057 ft).

 

Event Duration:  18 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading →

July 12, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Trail Maintenance on Dry Brook Ridge and German Hollow | Friday, June 18, 2021 @ 10AM

Follow Laura Battelani and David Lucas, CMC members, while they inspect trails on the Pakatakan Mountain in Margaretville, NY. It will take approximately 6 hours. Bring water and food. wear sturdy sneakers or boots. dress in layers to accommodate for weather conditions. bring hand tools, gloves, eye protection if you would like to help with clipping, light sawing, weed whacking etc.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Continue reading →

May 18, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Paddle on West Branch Delaware River | Saturday, May 22, 2021 @ 10 AM

Kayak or Canoe from Delhi Village launch to Hamden Launch. Approximate 7 miles. Participants to provide their own water craft.  Vehicles will be shuttled by carpool from Delhi to Hamden.

Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

Continue reading →

May 5, 2021 wgcmc 2 Responses ,

Pepacton Range: Finger Lakes Trail, from Berry Brook Rd to Alder Lake | Monday, June 28, 2021 @ 8 AM

View south from Middle Mountain

This hike includes 3.3 miles of the Mary Smith trail, and all of the Middle Mountain and Touch-Me-Not Trails, all of them co-aligned with the Finger Lakes Trail.  Crossing the eastern and mid-sections of the Pepacton Range, the hike traverses four peaks, including Middle and Cabot Mountains, both just under 3000 feet. With views of Little Pond, Long Pond and Alder Lake, this is a scenic and interesting hike on little traveled trails.

Event Duration:  13 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

Continue reading →

May 5, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

2021 CMC Past Events Calendar

 

JANUARY 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

© calendarlabs.com

 

 

FEBRUARY 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

1

2

3

4

5

6

© calendarlabs.com

 

 

MARCH 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

28

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

© calendarlabs.com

 

APRIL 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

© calendarlabs.com

MAY 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

11 AM

Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike in Kelly Hollow

2

3

8 AM

Dry Brook Ridge from Mill Brook Rd. to Margaretville

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

10 AM

Bramley Mountain Hike with Village of Delhi Bicentennial Committee

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

10 AM

Paddle on the West Branch Delaware River

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

10 AM

Trail Maintenance on Dry Brook Ridge and German Hollow

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

© calendarlabs.com

 

JUNE 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

11 AM

Paddle the Pepacton

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8 AM

Pepacton Range: Finger Lakes Trail, from Berry Brook Rd to Alder Lake

29

30

1

2

3

© calendarlabs.com

JULY 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

8 AM

Mongaup Loop with Willowemoc and Sand Pond Hundred Highest

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

© calendarlabs.com

 

April 23, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

SUNY Delhi Students Work on the Bulldog Trails at Delaware Academy

SUNY Delhi students volunteered with the CMC to join in Community Service Day activities in Delhi. Part of the Village of Delhi Bicentennial celebration, the crew worked on maintenance of the Bulldog Trails on Delaware Academy lands. The day’s vols were 4-year veterans of the CMC/SUNY Delhi collaboration. We are so proud to work with these great students on a project that serves the Delhi and Catskills hiking communities.

 

Thanks to Dominic Croce, Amber Garcia, Ryan Ford, Logan Grasso and Fletcher Nisbet!

April 23, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Bramley Mountain Hike | Saturday, May 15 @ 10 AM

Enjoy a 3.5 mile loop hike on Bramley Mountain. The hike will go through an abandoned quarry 1.9 miles to the summit which was the site of a fire tower. See the remnants of the fire tower, learn about its history and about the current project to rebuild it. The top of the mountain features wide-open views of the Delaware River Valley and the Western Catskills.

The trail is moderately difficult, and we will be hiking at a leisurely pace. Hike will start at 10:00AM at the Bramley Mountain Trailhead on Glen Burnie Road.

Sign up by May 8th with John Sandman at sandmajm@delhi.edu. Please put Bramley Hike in subject line.

This hike is sponsored by the Delhi Village Bicentennial Committee and by the Catskill Mountain Club. Rain date May 16.

Covid-19 Guidelines: Wear a mask while congregated in the parking lot or at other sites. Hike single file, following social distancing protocols. Avoid carpooling except with members of your household. Use your own pen when signing in, or use hand sanitizer.

Note: As vaccination rates rise, risks decrease. We will phase out these guidelines when rates improve significantly. In the meantime, please protect others and yourself by following these simple, CDC endorsed guidelines.

April 23, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Dry Brook Ridge, Mill Brook Rd to Margaretville | Monday, May 3, 2021 at 8 AM

DBR from Dry Brook Valley

Meet 8:00 at hike finish in Margaretville: https://goo.gl/maps/HEiNyk3n3h42.
We’ll leave cars there and drive to the DEC parking area on Mill Brook Rd. to start the hike: https://goo.gl/maps/sSwf7RH81L72
This hike is mostly on the Dry Brook Ridge trail, but we’ll take a short, optional, bushwhack detour to the Dry Brook Ridge summit.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 8 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

Continue reading →

April 21, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Work at the Delhi Trails

April 21, 2021     This past year has been a time change for the Delhi Trails. First, a logging operation began that forced the closing of the northern section of the Gribley Trail last fall and was then suspended for winter. It will resume soon. Watch for an announcement of the temporary closing of the trail.

Second, the southern section of the Smith Pond Trail was closed due to the wishes of the private landowner, who had previously permitted it.  We are currently working on a rerouting that will include two sections. One section will return to the Smith Pond kiosk on Rt. 28.  A spur will connect to the parking lot at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Hikers will be able to hike a loop and return to either of the parking areas. (Please do not park in the church lot during Sunday services.)  Overflow parking is available at the Sheldon Drive parking lot on the north side of Delaware Academy.

Third, later this year we will reroute part of the Gribley Trail so that the hiking trail is not co-aligned with the snowmobile trail. By doing so, we will create a safer and better experience for snowmobilers and for hikers.

Happy Hiking.

April 21, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

CMC WIll Resume In-person Events Schedule on May 1st

April 8, 2021     After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, we are happy to restart our in-person event schedule. The Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike in Kelly Hollow is always popular. Check it out and register early as space is limited.
We will continue to follow social distancing protocols, with masks on in the parking lot and optional on the trails. Please maintain safe distancing at all times.
We discourage carpooling unless occupants are from the same household, or have all been vaccinated.  We will not arrange carpooling at this time.

 

April 18, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

CMC Comments on Proposed Pumped Storage Project in the Catskill Park

                                  

 

An Unacceptable Proposal

We want to call your attention to a proposed energy development here in the Catskills that is audacious and concerning. Premium Energy Holdings of California has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to begin a preliminary study for a project that would build a dam in the Catskill Park. The resulting reservoir would be the source of water that would be released periodically to generate electricity by turning turbines that would be installed below ground level. The water would be drawn and pumped up from NYC’s Ashokan Reservoir. In addition, power lines would need to be installed. Interestingly, the company, Premium Energy, did not notify the NYCDEP, the controlling agency, of their plans to file for a permit. Nor did they explore the idea with any other Catskills entity, apparently. They have demonstrated a lack of respect for the Catskill Park, the watershed and for local communities that suggests a warning for how they will proceed if they receive a permit.
Three possible sites for the dam have been proposed. Each would create major impacts on Catskills communities, the protected lands of the Catskill Park, important infrastructure, Catskills fisheries and, of course, on water quality in the NYC watershed supply system. Each would flood approximately 200 to 300 acres and require a dam of over 2000 feet in length.

While we support all responsible efforts to create alternative means of producing electric energy, those efforts must take into account the effects on communities and on conserved areas that are vital to the ecological health and well being of our planet. The Catskill Park, America’s First Wilderness, is such a place. Established by New York State and protected by the state constitution as “forever wild’, it deserves and must receive the highest degree of protection possible. The Premium Energy project would cause permanent and irreparable harm, and, therefore, it must be rejected.

It is the CMC’s opinion that the proposal is without merit and that FERC should deny the application. We encourage individual citizens; to express their opposition by posting a comment with FERC by using this link: https://ferconline.ferc.gov/QuickComment.aspx. Comments are due no later than April 12.

For more information, you can read comments by the Town of Olive and from other sources here: https://town.olive.ny.us/news/ferc-proposal-for-the-ashokan-pumped-storage-hydro-facility/

VIDEO:  Ashokan Pumped Storage Project Informational Meeting by the Town of Olive

April 10, 2021 wgcmc 2 Responses ,

Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike at Kelly Hollow | Saturday, May 1st at 11:00 AM

Spring Beauties

What better way to begin the restart of CMC in-person events than with our Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike at Kelly Hollow?  This perennial favorite comes when the forests are springing back to life, with budding trees and early wildflowers galore.

This a chance to find and identify the beautiful Spring ephemeral wildflowers which are so named because they appear in early spring when they flower and fruit and then die back, all in a short period before the trees have had a chance to leaf out. Most hikers never see these flowers because they wait for late spring or summer to get into the woods. We will look for Trillium, Spring beauties, Trout Lily, Hepatica, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman’s Breeches, Jack-In-The-Pulpit and many others. We may also find some early mushrooms and ramps.

Kelly Hollow is one of the most beautiful short trails in the Catskills with rocky streams and waterfalls. It has a combination of coniferous and deciduous forests with a lovely abandoned beaver pond near a lean-to at the top. The trail is an easy to moderate loop of about 4 miles. Bring lunch and/or snacks to have at the lean-to (there is a privy nearby.)

We will continue to follow social distancing protocols, with masks on in the parking lot and optional on the trail. Please maintain safe distancing at all times.

Event Duration: About 3 hours

Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Continue reading →

April 9, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response ,

New Requirements for the 4 Seasons and Grid Programs Begin March 21st

March 12, 2021   Beginning on March 21st, the first day of spring, the requirements for completing the 4 Seasons 140 and Catskills Grid 420 programs will reflect the closure of Doubletop and Graham Mountains to public access by replacing them with Dry Brook Ridge (3465′) and Mill Brook (Ridge) Mountain (3465′), respectively. Both replacements are only 35′ lower than the official high peaks and are in the same Western Catskills region as Doubletop and Graham.  Unlike the trailless peaks they replace, both Mill Brook Mountain and Dry Brook Ridge can be traversed on trails. By adopting them for our program, we have chosen to avoid encouraging increased hiking on other trailless peaks.  Our choice also aligns the new requirements with those of the Catskills All Trails Challenge.

After March 20th, hikes to the summit of South Doubletop will no longer qualify for the Catskills 4 Seasons 140 program. In no event should any hiker climb either Doubletop or Graham Mountains as they are on private property and have been closed to the public by the landowner, effective January 14th. Trespassers are subject to prosecution.

March 12, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Smith Pond Trail section closed and a Delhi Trails change in permitted use.

Due to a recent decision by one of the property owners who has generously allowed the Smith Pond trail to cross their property, the southern trailhead on Arbor Hill/Back River Rd. is now permanently closed to the public. Please do not trespass. We will remove the kiosk as soon as weather conditions allow. In the future, we will redesign the trail. For now, hikers may enter at the northern trailhead on Rte. 28, opposite the Delaware Academy. The trail is closed past the bridge, so turn around at that point and retrace your path. Please do not proceed beyond the bridge onto closed private property.
On the Delhi Trails across the highway, a snowmobile trail has been authorized by the school board that is co-aligned with some sections of the hiking trail. It is marked accordingly, so be aware that you may encounter snowmobilers. The trail is closed to snowmobile use during school hours, M-F from 7 AM until 3 PM.
As soon as we have complete information of the new trail’s route, we will post it here and on the webpage: https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/delhi-trails-mt…/
February 14, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Recent Updates to the Catskills All Trails Challenge Tally Sheet

February 10, 2021    The NYS DEC has recently opened the Red Hill Fire Tower Trail, a 1.4 mile addition that is combined with an older 0.6 mile section of trail to lead to the fire tower from Denning Road. The remainder of the the old trail from Dinch Road, 0.8 miles from the intersection, has been named the Dinch Road Connector.

Earlier, the DEC incorporated an old snowmobile trail into the Vernooy Kill Falls Trail, increasing its length to 3.5 miles.  There is a small trailhead in Greenville in addition to the one on Upper Cherrytown Rd.

February 12, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Catskills All Trails Challenge Update

December 19. 2020    We’re adding a trail section to the list of required hikes! The Vernooy Kill Falls Trail was extended by DEC to be coaligned with the snowmobile trail that goes from Vernooy Falls to Greenville. The section is about 1.8 miles long and there is a small parking area at the Greenville trailhead. The trail is an easy hike and is marked Red. We will update the documents on the CMC webpage.

 

January 17, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Doubletop and Graham Mountains are Closed to Public Access

January 14. 2021     Please note that both Doubletop and Graham Mountains are now closed to public access effective immediately.
The private landowners have generously allowed public access for many years. They have decided that recent trends of increased usage by hikers are having a significant negative effect on the wilderness character and ecology of these trailless mountains. Due to their long held concerns for conservation of wilderness, they will end access for all members of the public. As of today, hikers who encroach on these private lands will be in violation of laws against trespass and subject to enforcement measures, including arrest.
Our Catskills Grid and Catskills 4 Seasons programs will designate changes to the required peaks in concert with the decisions made by the Catskill 3500 Club for their list of qualifying hikes. Those new designations should be finalized and available in a few weeks. As of today, no future hikes of either Graham or Doubletop will be accepted as qualifying hikes for the CMC’s two programs.

January 17, 2021 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Announcing a Temporary Partial Closure on the Delhi Trails

February 25, 2021   Update:  The logging operation has been suspended until June. As a result, the entire Gribley Trail is temporarily reopened.
Please note that a recent decision by the Delaware Academy School Board allowed snowmobile use of a section of the lower Gribley Trail. Please use caution when hiking with children or with dogs.
December 23, 2020  Update:  Due to severe weather related conditions, logging has been temporarily halted.  The reopening of the trail will be affected by this, possibly delaying it for several weeks.  Please continue to avoid the area until all work is completed.

 

November 17, 2020    We have just learned that the section of the Delhi Trails from the Sheldon Drive trailhead to the intersection of the Gribley Trail and the Frightful’s Falls Trail will be closed effective immediately for about 5 weeks due to a logging operation on Village of Delhi property. For your safety and that of the loggers, please do not use this part of the trail for any reason.
All other trails remain open to the public, including the Gribley Trail to the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot trailhead, the Bulldog Run Trail, the Frightful’s Falls Trail and the Smith Pond Trail.
We will announce the reopening when the work has been completed.
November 30, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

CMC Trails Featured in The Reporter

October 6, 2020   “The Hiker’s Guide to the Catskills”,  a recently published article in The Reporter, features the CMC trails and lots of other useful info and news about hiking in the Catskills from the CMC, the NYSDEC and the NYCDEP.

Click on the images to expand the view.

 

 

 

October 6, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

CMC Announces Three New Hiking Programs with Patches

October 6, 2020   The CMC is excited to add three new hiking programs that, when completed, will earn qualifiers a beautiful  embroidered patch and a certificate commemorating their achievement.

In honor of opening the sixth trail built by the CMC since 2012, we are founding a new hiking program for hikers who qualify by hiking each of the trails built by the club.  (A seventh trail will open in 2021, but hikers are free to apply based on completing each of the existing six.)  These trails have been designed to appeal to most hikers, both novice and expert. They are on some of the most beautiful  lands in the Catskills, are easy to moderate in difficulty and are located near major highways and villages.

Two of these programs are being adopted by the CMC, which will assume sponsorship of the Catskills 4 Seasons 140 and the Catskills Grid 420 programs from the Rip van Winkle Hikers.  After decades of service to the Catskills which included organizing hikes, maintaining trails and working through membership in the Catskill Park Coalition to bring our issues to Albany, the Rips decided to dissolve the club as of the end of 2019.  Among their legacies are these two hiking programs that have earned the respect of serious hikers in our region.  The CMC is proud to ensure that these programs will continue into the future.

Find out more about these programs, about the Catskills All Tails Challenge and about each of the trails on their pages on the CMC website.

 

 

Note:  Previous 4 Seasons qualifiers can receive the newly redesigned patch free of charge by contacting the CMC at info@catskillmountainclub.org.

October 6, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

A Guide to the CMC Trails 2nd Edition is available now!

August 8, 2020    The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Catskill Mountain Club Trails has just been published. You can find it at the trailheads, at the Catskills Visitor Center and at several area merchants.

In the Guide you will find maps, descriptions and trailhead locations for all of the trails.  Updated information for the Morris Hill Trail, which is still under construction, will be in an upcoming revision.

To view and download the Guide, click this link.

Note:  For best results use 11″ x 14″ paper.

 

August 8, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

How the Pandemic is Affecting Our Annual Events

July, 3 2020    In keeping with recommendations and requirements intended to keep us all safe during the Covid-19 crisis, the CMC has decided that we will not offer our Annual Picnic nor our Annual Dinner in 2020.

We continue to evaluate the situation as we think about offering outdoor recreational events again.  At this time, the resurgence of cases in the country is of great concern.  It remains important to recreate locally, to socially distance when in groups and to wear masks when in close contact or when passing unrelated parties.  We recommend stepping off trail to allow others to pass.  We will continue to monitor developments. Like everyone, we look forward to resuming normal activities as soon as possible.

Be safe.

July 19, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Ashokan Quarry Trail Opens to the Public

July 18, 2020    Yesterday we and our partners, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, opened the new trail officially. Also in attendance was a representative from the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, which supplied a grant to pay for interpretive signage. Unfortunately, in an abundance of caution we were not able to invite the public to the ceremony. While it’s always fun to have a big event, the important thing is that the trail is finished and that you are invited to hike it whenever you can!

The two mile trail begins just off Rte. 28A about 0.2 miles west of the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. There is a dedicated parking area just 100 feet into the woods. From there follow the blue markers and yellow directional signs. Just before making the turn towards the top of the old Yale Quarry, a source of rock during the construction of the reservoir, pass the ruins of an old stone building that was used to store explosives. There are sweeping views of the Catskills, including four high peaks, from the high, open ledges along the top of the quarry wall. The path is through a mixed forest of hardwoods and pine, with a 200′ foot section passing through dense mountain laurel.

Be sure to check out the remnants of the railroad loading zone on a short spur trail near the southern end of the main loop trail. A large seasonal vernal pool fed by water falling from the quarry walls is an added point of interest in spring. Although It retains water year round, it becomes very low in summer. As you return to the parking lot, pass through an interesting area with large mounds of tailings that line both sides of the trail.

This is an easy hike with about 200 feet of elevation gain.
For more information and to print a map and trail guide visit:
https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/wh…/ashokan-quarry-trail/

July 19, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

The ART begins at the restored Andes Train Station. The easy- moderate out and back hike totals four miles. It follows the old rail bed for about 0.8 miles until ending at private property. This scenic section overlooking the Tremperskill Valley is flat and wide with a few short detours provided for use in wet conditions. Along the way are several nice viewpoints, including one over a beaver pond dammed up on the creek by the resident beavers.

From there the trail turns west (right) uphill onto the Bullet Hole Spur, which climbs the slopes of Hemlock Knoll. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with some short but fairly steep ups and downs.

After a short distance, the trail turns north (right) and after about 0.1 miles makes a sharp switchback to begin climbing a steeper section. This section passes some nice rock formations and glacial erratics in a mixed hardwood forest.

The height of land is reached in about 0.2 mile. The trail then begins a descent soon coming to a lovely fern glade. Just past the glade is a stone wall. The trail makes a sharp turn south before coming to a step-up and crossing the wall.

Directly ahead lies a large spruce plantation. The trail continues straight ahead following a row through the trees before coming to nice views of the adjacent field and the hills beyond. At this point it bears slightly right and descends towards a beautiful grove of old hemlocks.

After crossing the ruins of another stone wall the trail again swings right and loops through the hemlocks. The Bullet Hole Creek (on private land) can be heard and glimpsed to the left side of the trail.

As you walk through the hemlock forest pay careful attention to the markers. You will come to a place where the trail turns north (right). Going straight enters private lands. The trail soon crosses a largely flattened stone wall before reclimbing the hill through the spruce trees and returning to the step-up stone wall crossing. From this point retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

© Catskill Mountain Club (Publish for non-commercial distribution with attribution. Otherwise, contact for permission.)
May 18, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Spring 2020 CMC Newsletter

The Spring edition of the CMC News is available here.  Check it out for stories about Earth Day, news about the Club and about recreational opportunities in the Catskills region.  Learn more about where to hike during the pandemic, about the signs of spring in nature and learn about a yoga exercise that will help you be a better hiker.

April 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Spring 2020 Coronavirus Edition Newsletter

Find out what you need to know about current hiking conditions in the Catskills during the pandemic, tips for hiking safely at this time and more stories about the Catskills.  Click here to view the newsletter.

April 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

CMC EVENTS CALENDAR

Photo courtesy of Bill Palmer, Palmer Hill Photography.     

 

February 2020

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
1

7:45 AM

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe
2 3 4

9 AM

Catskill Park Day 2020

 5

Postponed

Hike Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose

 6 7 8
9 10 11 12

7:30 AM

Hike Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide

 

 13 14 15

7:30 AM

Hike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) and Hunter
16 17 18 19 20

7:30 AM

Hike North Dome & Sherrill

 21
22
23

10:00 AM

Frick Pond Snowshoe

 24 25 26

7:45 AM

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe

 27 28 29

7:30 AM

Hike Panther via Giant Ledge
 

 

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com

Continue reading →

March 2, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Doubletop, Graham, & Balsam Lake | Wednesday, March 4, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Dry Brook Valley from Doubletop Mountain

We’ll hike about 10 miles, over 3 Catskills high peaks: Doubletop (3874′), Graham (3868′), and Balsam Lake (3729′), with a total ascent of about 3300′. Our route includes easy trails, and both easy and challenging bushwhacks.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack

 

Continue reading →

March 2, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Panther Mountain | Saturday, February 29, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Panther and Giant Ledge

We’ll hike Panther via Giant Ledge out and back from the Rt. 47 hairpin. With its spectacular views, Giant Ledge is one of the top destinations in the Catskills and will be far less crowded during winter.

Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate – Difficult

 

Continue reading →

February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike North Dome and Sherrill | Thursday, February 20, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide and Panther from North Dome

This (mostly) bushwhack will summit 2 Catskill peaks: North Dome (3605′) and Sherrill (3558′). This is the perfect time of year to hike these trailless peaks. There’s a great southerly view from the ledges on North Dome.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack

 

Continue reading →

February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) & Hunter | Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

View from Buck Ridge Lookout on Westkill

This (mostly) trail hike will summit 3 Catskills peaks: Westkill (3898′), SW Hunter (3753′), and Hunter (4030′), the Catskills second highest upon which sits the highest fire tower in New York.

Event Duration:  15 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

Continue reading →

February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Hike | Wednesday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:30 AM

Overlook seen from Slide

We’ll hike the Burroughs Range, summiting Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide. With lots of great views along the way, the one from Wittenberg is one of the nicest in the Catskills.  Expect lots of ups and downs as we climb three of the high peaks, including the tallest in the Catskills.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

Continue reading →

February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

2020 Past Events Calendar

 

 

January 2020

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
1  New Year’s Day

8:00

First Day Hike at Ashokan High Point

 

 

 2 3 4

7:45 AM

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe
5 6 7  8 9

9 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike/Snowshoe

 10 11
12

 

 13 14 15

7:45 AM

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe

 16 17 18
19

10 AM

Ashokan Quarry Trail First Hike

 20 21 22 23

7:30 AM

Vly, Bearpen & Halcott  Hikes

 24 25
26 27 28 29

Hike Westkill Mountain

 30 31
February 8, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Frick Pond Snowshoe in the Catskills | Sunday, February 23, 2020 @ 10 AM

Frick Pond is a lovely winter snowshoe in Sullivan County in the Catskills.

Woods are varied in flora and have lovely views. Elevation gain small. Distance will depend on snowfall amounts and wind which will determine inner or outer loop hike selection.

DRESS WARM and bring fluids and snacks.

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

 

 

Continue reading →

February 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Westkill Hike and Snowshoe | Wednesday, January 29, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Hunter Mountain and its fire tower from Westkill

We’ll hike Westkill from the last parking area on Spruceton Rd. The out and back will visit Diamond Notch Falls and Buck Ridge Lookout along the way to Westkill’s 3898′ summit.

Event Duration:  6.8 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

 

 

 

Continue reading →

January 25, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Announcing the Formation of the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower

Bramley Mountain Fire Tower and cabin c. 1950

January 21, 2020    The newly formed Friends of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower group held its first meeting on the evening of January 6th at the O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. The Friends were formed to organize the reconstruction of the fire tower that was decommissioned by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 1970 and removed in 1975. The tower was purchased by Pete Clark, who meticulously stored the tower’s parts right down to the nuts and bolts in his barn. It is well preserved as a result. Three years ago Tom Clark, the current owner, approached the Catskill Mountain Club with an offer to allow the tower to be restored if the CMC could lead the effort. With the formation of the Friends group, the effort to raise funds and complete the resurrection of the tower has officially begun.

In 2008 the NYC Department of Environmental Protection acquired the Bramley Mountain parcel and in 2016 the DEP allowed the Catskill Mountain Club to build a trail to the summit. The trail has been very popular with the public, drawing over 1500 hikers a year, some of them from as far away as Europe and Africa. Now, with the support and cooperation of the Town of Delhi and of the DEP as well as widespread support in Bovina, Hamden, Kortright, Andes and other local communities, the CMC has formed the Friends of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to move the project to completion.

For more information, to donate to the Friends, to volunteer and to sign up for the email contact list click here.

January 21, 2020 wgcmc 1 Response , ,

Vly, Bearpen & Halcott Hikes | Thursday, January 23, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

From Vly Mountain

We’ll hike/snowshoe Vly and Bearpen in the morning, eat lunch, and then hike/snowshoe Halcott in the afternoon

Event Duration:  12 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

 

 

 

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike/Snowshoe | Thursday, January 9, 2020 @ 9:00 AM

We’ll hike/snowshoe to Kaaterskill High Peak (Ascent 1700′, Elevation 3652′). Our route will include trails, easy bushwhacks with opportunity to practice compass skills, fun scrambles, spectacular views and 2 plane crash sites.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult, Bushwhack

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe | Saturday, February 1, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Blackhead Range

We’ll hike/snowshoe four Catskill High Peaks: Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole. This long, difficult trail hike will reward us with several fantastic views. Total ascent will be about 4700′.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe | Wednesday, January 15, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Blackhead Range

We’ll hike/snowshoe four Catskill High Peaks: Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole. This long, difficult trail hike will reward us with several fantastic views. Total ascent will be about 4700′.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe | Wednesday, February 26, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak from Plateau

Here’s another chance to hike/snowshoe 4 Catskills peaks, Plateau (3835′), Sugarloaf (3783′), Twin(3650′), and Indian Head (3573′) with challenging scrambles and fantastic views.

Event Duration:  10 miles;  10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe | Saturday, January 4, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak from Plateau

We’ll hike/snowshoe 4 Catskills peaks, Plateau (3835′), Sugarloaf (3783′), Twin(3650′), and Indian Head (3573′) with challenging scrambles and fantastic views.

Event Duration:  10 miles;  10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading →

December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Ashokan Quarry Trail First Hike | Sunday, January 19, 2020 @ 10 AM

Vista including the Burroughs Range

We’re happy to announce a soft opening First Hike on the new Ashokan Quarry Trail to introduce you to it!  Afterwards, the trail will be open to the public for hiking according to NYCDEP regulations. (You can find those in our Skills and Info menu.)  In Spring the DEP and CMC will welcome the public with an official opening ceremony.

The AQT is located on the Acorn Hill Parcel in Olivebridge. The quarry was one of several used in the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir. Interpretive signage has been installed along the route.

Only two miles long and with an easy climb to the rim of the quarry, the AQT offers an easy hike with historic interest and fabulous views stretching from Ashokan High Point to North Dome and Ticeteneyck Mountains. Features include abandoned infrastructure, the long quarry, a lovely mountain laurel path, and a mixed hardwood and white pine forest.

Map by Liz Cruz       Click to open in a separate window and print.

 

The trail is located 0.2 miles west of the Promenade parking lot which provides access to the dam and its fabulous views over the reservoir.  Located south of the reservoir, the AQT will eventually be linked to the new Ashokan Rail Trail via the Promenade.

There is a parking lot at the trailhead, just off Rte. 28A. When full, please use the promenade lot.

Event Duration:  2 miles, 2 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

 

Continue reading →

December 6, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,