Two Lakes and the Mountain House of the Catskills, William Henry Bartlett (1838).

Join Al Purdy on a tour of the escarpment and the famous pair of sky lakes. This nine-mile, highly scenic route begins and concludes at the Scutt Road Parking Area. Along the way hikers will visit the Layman Monument, Sunset Rock, Inspiration Point, Boulder Rock, the site of the former Catskill Mountain House, and North-South Lake. Rated as moderate-difficult, this hike is expected to last about eight hours.

Hikers need to be prepared for winter conditions and bring lunch/ snacks, water/ drink, warm and layered clothing, sturdy winter hiking boots, snowshoes, gaiters, microspikes, and trekking poles if desired.  

Hikers must register to participate in this event, which is limited to 12 people. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332 by December 13. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Note, trail conditions will dictate the pace of our hike; and severe weather will postpone the hike.

Directions: To reach the Scutt Road Parking Area take State Route 23A (4.9 miles west of Palenville; 2 miles east of Tannersville traffic light) to North Lake Road (Co. Hwy. 18). Take this road 2.2 miles and see the small sign for the access point (just before the state campground entrance), turn right, and the parking area is on the right.

GPS Coordinates: 42.20063, -74.05816

Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zZ3n7x7ZZ4YS3uFo9