This is 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 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.

Howard Raab passed away in February of this year. He was a member of the CMC board of directors, a trail maintainer and builder, a hike leader and a dear friend to many in the Catskills. He organized the first ephemeral wildflower hike in Kelly Hollow in 2011 and led it annually. We continue the tradition in his honor. This year’s hike will be led by Wendell George and Ann Roberti, CMC Board members.

The trail is an easy to moderate loop of about 4 miles. Participants need to bring lunch, and/or snacks, drinks to have at the lean-to (there is a privy nearby), waterproof footwear, proper clothing, and insect repellent. This event is limited to 12 people so please register early. Registration is required by May 10. Register by contacting the leader at – wendell@catskillmountainclub.org. Leave a phone number in case of a need to contact you on short notice. If you must cancel, please notify us so others can take your place.

Addt’l info: Leashed or well-behaved dogs are welcome. Questions about event may be directed to leader via email.  In case of steady rain, the hike will be moved to Monday, May 12th. If in doubt, call before 8:30 am on Sunday. (# provided when you register).

We will meet at the trailhead at 10:30 am. The Kelly Hollow Trail is located on Millbrook Road in the town of Middletown, NYNJ Trail Conference map #142, F-5,6.

GPS Coordinates: 42.078879, -74.650613

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F3yVzH1pawcuCABW9

Directions to trailhead: From State Route 28, turn south across from the old stone school house (this intersection is two miles west of Margaretville and one mile east of the 28/30 split at Dunraven). Then turn immediately right onto NYC reservoir road (BWT10) for 3.7miles. Turn left onto Millbrook Road and continue for 5.3 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right (second entrance).