The carriage roads in Minnewaska Stage Park and Preserve are beautifully maintained for hiking, biking and xc skiing. The views from Castle Point along the Shawangunk Ridge are spectacular. Although the ‘Gunks are only a few miles east of the Catskills, they are an entirely different geological formation with a distinctly different plant community, including dwarf pines. The Wallkill River Valley to the east is an important migration route for raptors and other birds. Join us for a hike in this nearby area.
Historic Rochester Hollow follows a stream for awhile on an old woods road towards the former site of the Colonel Rochester estate. Along the way is a memorial plaque to Catskills’ native son, naturalist and widely read author John Burroughs.
The hike to Huckleberry Point is one of the most satisfying in the Catskills, While it’s a short and moderately difficult trail, it’s in one of the most famously rugged parts of the Catskills, beginning at the Devil’s Kitchen and reaching its stunning destination on the escarpment ledges high above the deep valleys below. The breathtaking views of the ancient mountains of the eastern Devil’s Path Range will make you thankful you came, whether you’ve been before or not. Truly a bucket list hike. We’ll sit for awhile and enjoy the views while we picnic.
Event Duration: 4.8 miles, 4 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Leader(s): Deanna Felicetta
Bring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Have appropriate footwear. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!!
Registration required by November 5th. Use registration form below to register.
Group size is limited to 12 so register early.
Fee: No
Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.
Additional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!
Questions about this event can be directed to: felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.
Driving Directions:
From Exit 20 of the NYS Thruway: Go west 2.1 miles on CR 212 to Blue Mountan Rd,/Rte.35. Turn north 1.4 miles to W. Saugerties Rd./Rte. 33 and turn west. Go 1.9 miles to Platte Clove Rd. and continue straight up the clove. Follow for 2.4 miles until you reach the parking area on the right.
From Tannerville: Just west of town, turn onto Bloomer Rd, and follow it as it becomes Platte Clove Rd. for 6.3 miles until you reach the parking area on the left.
This is a long, difficult hike, with no viable bailout route. We’ll encounter steep terrain, dense fir, and blowdown. We’ll begin with a bushwhack to the 4 most remote Catskills high peaks, and finish with a trail hike to 2 others. Several of the peaks have excellent views. At times the bushwhack will be very challenging.
The Lark in the Park is coming soon. As usual, we will host many events over a 10 day celebration of the Catskill Park. Whether you prefer hiking, paddling, cycling, mountain biking, art, science, cultural studies, fishing, service, yoga or more, we’ll have something for you. Wheelchair accessible events included.
After lunch on the deck at Sunset Lodge on Belleayre Ridge
We’ll hike the Lost Clove trail to the junction with the Pine Hill – West Branch trail, turn left, and continue past the site of the former Belleayre Fire Tower to the junction with the Mine Hollow trail. Then we’ll retrace our way back past the Lost Clove trail, and will descend on the Giggle Hollow trail.
This will be a double shuttle hike. First we’ll hike the Little Spring Brook, and Pelnor Hollow trails. Then we’ll start from Berry Brook Rd, and hike West on the Mary Smith trail, repeat a section of Pelnor Hollow, and complete the Campbell Mountain trail.
We’ll hike the Finger Lakes trail from Berry Brook Rd. to the Alder Lake parking area. The route crosses six named summits with a few nice scenic vistas.
This hike over Cabot and Touch-Me-Not Mountains, with a loop to Little Pond is designed for those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge. It completes the following trails on map 144: Campground Trail, Little Pond Trail, and Touch-Me-Not Trail.
