Trout Lily
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 ramps and some early mushrooms. 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.) This outing will be about three hours in duration. See below to register.
Participants should bring a lunch/ snacks, plenty of water, insect repellant for ticks and blackflies, wear good hiking shoes, and dress in layers of moisture wicking clothing.
Registration is required by May 3 and the hike is limited to 12 people. As this is a very popular event, we suggest that you register early. To register, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or (845) 514-6959. Leashed or well-behaved dogs are welcome.
We will meet at the Kelly Hollow Trailhead at 11:00 am. The Kelly Hollow Trail is located on Millbrook Road in the town of Middletown, NYNJ Trail Conference map #142, F-5,6.
Directions: 2.2 miles West of Margaretville on Rt.28 go left across from the Old Stone School house and then right on the NYC reservoir road (BWT10) for 3.7miles. Then left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right.
GPS Coordinates: 42.07880, -74.65072
Additional info: In case of steady rain, the hike will be moved to Sunday, May 5th. If in doubt, call before 9:00 am on Saturday, (845)-514-6959.