Hike the Mary Smith and Pelnor Hollow Trails

Take an 8.8-mile hike on these remote and seldom used trails in the Pepacton Range of the Western Catskills. Beginning at Holiday/Berry Brook Road, this out-and-back route will take us to the quiet reaches of Pelnor Hollow. This difficult hike is expected to take six hours and may be of interest to those working to complete the Catskills All Trail Challenge. Registration is limited to 12, and hikers must register by March 1. Register by contacting the leader, Al Purdy, at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332.

Participants need to bring lunch/ food, water/ beverage, layers of winter clothing, microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, and trekking poles (recommended). Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

To reach the trailhead from NYS Thruway Exit 19, Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 west and follow for 46.4 miles. Turn left onto State Route 30 and follow for 18.8 miles around the Pepacton Reservoir. Turn left onto Holiday Brook/Berry Brook Road and follow for 2.9 miles to the DEC parking area on your left. (See address in upper left of this post.)