Join Al Purdy for a seven-mile outing to these neighboring summits in the Catskill Park. The hike is expected to take six hours and is ranked as difficult. The loop will be completed in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at the Rider Hollow Trailhead, then following the Oliverea-Mapledale, Pine Hill-West Branch and Mine Hollow Trails.  

Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink, winter clothing layers, microspikes, poles, and snowshoes (to the trailhead, as a precaution.) Note, although conditions are currently quite dry, there are some stream crossings, so if it rains bring trekking poles and gaiters, as well as dry shoes and socks for the ride home. Registration is required for this hike and must be completed by November 29. The hike is limited to 12 people, so please register early by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Driving directions: To reach the Rider Hollow Trailhead from the east, take State Route 28 39 miles west from the traffic circle at Exit 19 (Kingston) of the NYS Thruway to Galli Curci Road at Highmount and turn left. (This is the same turn for the Belleayre Ski Center.) Proceed 4.95 miles on Galli Curci Road (Ulster Co. Hwy 49A) (becomes Todd Mtn. Rd.) and turn left onto Rider Hollow Road. Continue to the end of the road (2.1 mi.) to the trailhead.

From the west, take State Route 28 to Dry Brook Road (1.2 miles east of Margaretville) and turn right, following the signs for Dry Brook Ridge. Take Dry Brook Rd. 4.7 miles and turn left (following signs for Rider Hollow) onto Todd Mountain Road. Continue less than a half mile and turn right onto Rider Hollow Rd. Continue 2.1 miles to the end of the road/ trailhead.

GPS Coordinates for Rider Hollow Trailhead: 42.10201, -74.51694

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/imXo6WHnQLoGd1iDA