Join this trail hike to the summit of Panther Mountain (3724') via Giant Ledge. This is a 6.6-mile hike is rated moderate-difficult. We will move at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed), and the outing is expected to take five hours. There are great views from Giant Ledge and Panther. Participants need to bring water/ sports drink, lunch, snacks, insect repellent, and proper clothing. Hiking poles are also recommended.

This event is limited to 12 people, and registration is required. Register by contacting Marv Freedman before April 22 at marvfreedman@gmail.com Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader.

To reach the Giant Ledge Parking Area, take State Route 28 to Big Indian and turn south on Ulster County Route 47. Take Route 47 7.3 miles to the sign for parking area on right (at the hairpin turn). GPS coordinates for parking area/ trailhead: 42.02630, -74.40355

Beginning in Pine Hill, we will enjoy a 6.5-mile counter-clockwise hike over varied terrain. We’ll follow the Cathedral Glen Trail, traverse the Belleayre Ridge, hike the Pine Hill–West Branch Trail, then follow Woodchuck Hollow Road and the railroad tracks to conclude. Hikers should bring lunch/ snacks, food/ beverage, poles, gaiters, microspikes, raincoat, and extra layers just in case.

This outing is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required by April 19. To register, contact Al Purdy at  Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. This hike is rated as difficult due to the steep incline up Cathedral Glen. The duration of the hike is four-to-five hours. Dogs are not permitted. Steady rain or any other severe weather event will postpone the hike.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston), turn right onto State Route 28 west and follow it for 33.2 miles. Turn left onto South Main Street (entrance to Pine Hill), continue for 0.4 miles and turn left onto Bonnie View Avenue. Proceed .50 miles and the unmarked parking area where we’ll meet will be on your left. This lot holds about five cars. If it's full, there is an additional lot farther up the road.

From Route 28 west, the entrance to Pine Hill Road (on right) is .56 miles after Highmount/ turn to Belleayre Ski Center. After turning onto Pine Hill Road, go .67 miles to Bonnie View Ave and turn right. Proceed .50 miles and the unmarked parking area where we’ll meet will be on your left. This lot holds about five cars. If it's full, there is an additional lot farther up the road.

GPS Coordinates: 42.13629, -74.48920

This is a moderate-difficult bushwhack and trail hike to Kaaterskill (3652') from Byrne Road via Hurricane Ledge. We will visit spectacular views, two plane crash sites, and take challenging scrambles. The hiking pace will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) with short breaks. This hike is six miles and is expected to take five hours. Hikers should bring water/ sports drink, lunch/ snacks, sturdy boots, proper clothing, insect repellent, a headlamp; and hiking poles are recommended. Fit beginner hikers are welcome.

The event is limited to 12 registrants and registration is required before April 13. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Dogs are permitted only with the permission of the event leader. We will meet at Huckleberry Point parking area off of Platte Clove Road. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave most cars here, and will caravan to Byrne Road to start our hike.

Directions: To reach the trailhead from State Route 23A in Tannersville, take South Main, stay left on Spruce (becomes Platte Clove Rd.) and at 1.5 miles stay left on Platte Clove Road and continue another 5.2 miles and the trailhead/ parking area is on the left. (Go slow in Platte Clove. Do not miss turn!!)

From Route 23A west, take a right on Bloomer Road (.6 miles after the 23A/ 214 jnctn). Just after a mile stay to the right at the yield signs and onto Platte Clove Road (Co. Hwy. 16). Continue to the point that is 6.3 miles and you will see the Long Path parking area (meeting place) on your left.

Note: Platte Clove Road, east of the trailhead is a seasonal road and may not be open for the season on April 15

Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.

Beginning at the parking area along Jessop Road outside of Willow, we will ascend the Willow Trail 1.6 miles to the junction with the Warner Creek Trail, turn left and walk the 2.2 miles to the Tremper Mountain Summit and Fire Tower. We will then return along the same route with an expected total time of about four hours. This will be a brisk-paced hike at a pace of 2+ mph, with 20+ min. break at the fire tower. With an elevation gain of approx. 1500' and 7.6 miles in distance, this hike is rated Moderate-Difficult.

Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, plenty of water/ beverage. Microspikes if needed; clothing layers/ change of layers; hiking poles if preferred; sturdy hiking boots. This hike is limited to 12 registrants, and registration is required by/ on April 11. To register please contact Peter Manning at Peter@catskillmountainclub.org (preferred) or (607) 832-4413. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions: From State Route 28 turn onto State Route 212 and proceed 4.1 miles to Willow and then turn left onto Van Wagner Road. Go a short distance then turn left onto Jessop Road. Proceed just over one mile and the trailhead will be on your left.

From Bearsville, take State Route 212 5.4 miles to Willow and turn right onto Van Wagner Road. Go a short distance then turn left onto Jessop Road. Proceed just over one mile and the trailhead will be on your left.

GPS Coordinates of Trailhead: 42.07804, -74.24305

NOTE: The poor-weather date is the following day: Sunday, April 14 9AM. If the event is postponed to April 14 an email will be sent to registrants on April 12.

This one-way, 11-mile hike will visit West Kill Mountain (3898’), North Dome (3605’), and Mount Sherrill (3558’). This hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take 10 hours. We will hike at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) with steep climbs and short breaks. There are nice views from West Kill and North Dome, and an optional detour (adds about 1 mile) to visit the abandoned school bus on Sherrill. Hikers should bring water/ sports drink, lunch/ snacks, sturdy boots, proper clothing, a headlamp; and hiking poles are recommended.

The event is limited to 12 registrants and registration is required before April 13. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com  Dogs are permitted only with the permission of the event leader.

Directions: We will meet at the Shaft Rd parking area off Route 42 in Lexington. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave most cars here and will caravan in a few cars to the West Kill parking area, near the end of Spruceton Road to start our hike.

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 3.75 miles and Shaft Road is on the right; take the gravel road through the hedgerow and the parking lot is on the right.

From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 7.7 miles and turn left onto Shaft Road. Take the gravel road through the hedgerow and the parking lot is on the right.

GPS Coordinates: 42.16509, -74.40876

Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.

This one-way hike will traverse three Catskill High Peaks: Blackhead (3940'), Black Dome (3994'), and Thomas Cole (3953'). Rated moderate-difficult, this 7.3-mile hike is expected to take six hours. We will hike at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) with steep climbs, and short breaks. Hikers should bring water/ sports drink, lunch/ snacks, sturdy boots, proper clothing, a headlamp; and hiking poles are recommended.

The event is limited to 12 registrants and registration is required before April 11. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Dogs are permitted only with the permission of the event leader.

We will meet at the end of Barnum Road. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave most cars here and will caravan to the parking area near the end of Big Hollow Road to start our hike.

Directions to Barnum Road: From NYS Thruway (87) Saugerties/ Exit 20, turn right on 32 North for six miles and keep straight onto NY-32A. Take NY-32A for 0.6 miles, bear left onto NY-23A. Take Route 23A for 5.5 mi. and turn right onto Co. Hwy 25. At 2.8 mi. stay right onto Co. Hwy 23C; in another four miles turn right onto Co. Hwy 40. In 1.1 mi. turn right onto Hauser Rd for 0.5 mi./ end. Turn right onto Barnum Road and trailhead parking is 0.4 mi. Google address is 323 Barnum Rd., East Jewett NY, 12424. GPS Coordinates are 42.26399, -74.17666

Join Marv Freedman on this tour of the Dry Brook Ridge (3465’) with beautiful views. This moderately-paced (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed), 12.5-mile hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take 10 hours. Hikers should bring water/ sports drink, lunch/ snacks, proper clothing, sturdy boots, insect repellent, a headlamp; and hiking poles are recommended.

The event is limited to 12 registrants and registration is required before April 8. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Fit beginner hikers welcome. Dogs are permitted only with the permission of the event leader.

To reach the Huckleberry Brook Trailhead from the east, take State Route 28/30 1.9 mi. miles west from Fair St. Margaretville and turn left (across from the stone schoolhouse).   (From the west, take State Route 28/30 east 1.2 miles from the junction of State Routes 28 & 30 at Dunraven and turn right.  Following the signs for the Huckleberry Loop, turn left. In a short distance at the top of the hill, turn right onto Huckleberry Brook Road; then in one-third of a mile, stay to the right and the trailhead is 1.25 miles on the left, right next to the road. GPS Coordinates of trailhead: 42.11281, -74.65129

Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.

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.)

This a 12-mile trail hike and bushwack to SW Hunter (3753'), Hunter (4030'), and Rusk (3686') at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed), with short breaks. This hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take ten hours. Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink, sturdy shoes, proper clothing, hiking poles (recommended), a headlamp, and insect repellent. This event is limited to 12 participants and registration is required before April 4.  To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Dogs are permitted on this hike with the permission of the event leader.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 7.3 miles then turn right on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.6 miles to the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot on the left.

From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 4.1 miles then turn left on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.6 miles to the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot on the left.

GPS Coordinates of Spruceton Trail Parking Lot: 42.18437, -74.27219

Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.

This hike, which visits three 3900’ peaks, begins at the trailhead at the end of Big Hollow Road. We will ascend along the red trail to Lockwood Gap and then take the yellow trail to the summit of Blackhead Mountain. After returning to Lockwood Gap, we will ascend the red trail to Black Dome and then hike over to Thomas Cole Mountain. Retracing our steps, we will return to the trailhead for overall totals of 7.8 miles, 2600’ of elevation gain, and 4-5 hours. This hike is rated as difficult, and we will be moving at a pace of 1.5 – 2 miles per hour.

Participants need to bring lunch/ food, snacks, and sufficient water-hydration drink (at least 2L). Please pre-hydrate and calorie load the day before the hike and please bring electrolytes. Bring proper gear, including extra layers, hats and gloves, a puffer, outer shell, rain pants, any cold-weather gear you usually carry. Required: Hillsound Trail Crampons or Kahtoola Microspikes, and snowshoes (probably not needed, but have them for the bushwhack, just in case). Also required: a headlamp in good working order/extra batteries - two headlamps is better. A battery pack to recharge your phone, gps, headlamp is highly recommended. Also bring tick repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses Please verify that your gear is in good working order before you leave home. Gaiters can be very helpful in snow and wet conditions. Poles can be helpful for going up/down steep slopes and are practically a must with snowshoes.

This hike is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required by April 2.  To register, contact Anne Rubin by email at annaswartz@netscape.net Dogs are permitted on this hike with the permission of the hike leader.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 21 (Catskill) follow signs for Route 23 West (to Windham). Once on Route 23, go 20.5 miles (see signs for Big Hollow hiking and Maplecrest) and turn left onto Greene Co. Hwy 65. Go .8 of a mile on 65 and turn left onto Co. Hwy. 65A, which becomes Co. Hwy 40. Continue on 40 until the stop sign in 1.85 miles (with hiker wayfinding signs). Turn left onto Big Hollow Road and continue to DEC Trailhead at end (approx. 4.25 miles).

GPS Coordinates 42.28908, -74.11548

5646 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest, NY 12454

We will hike to Vly (3541') and Bearpen (3587') at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) along unofficial trails and snowmobile trails, with short breaks. There are great views from Bearpen. This is a moderate-difficult, seven-mile hike that is expected to take five hours. Fit beginners are welcome. Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink, sturdy shoes, proper clothing, hiking poles (recommended), and insect repellant.

This event is limited to 12 participants and registration is required before April 1. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Dogs are permitted on this hike with the permission of the event leader.

Directions: Parking is limited at the trailhead, so we'll meet in the parking area across from the Highmount Post Office at 8 Galli Curci Road, in Highmount NY, just off of Route 28 and at the base of the Belleayre Ski Center. From the east, Highmount is located 37 miles west of the NYS Thruway Exit 19 on Route 28 at the top of the hill. From the west, Highmount is located 8.2 miles east of the village of Margaretville at the top of the hill.

GPS Coordinates for parking lot at Highmount: 42.146809, -74.49486

Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.

This is a four-mile out-and-back moderate hike to the summit of Red Hill, which has a fire tower! It's a great hike no matter what, and if you're engaged in the NYS Fire Tower Challenge for 2024, and you haven't gotten to Red Hill yet, this is a chance to do so. We will proceed at an accommodating pace and take a lunch break at the summit. Participants should bring lunch/ food, water/ beverage, proper clothing and equipment, sunscreen, insect repellent, and micro-spikes if icy.

This event is limited to 12 registrants, and the deadline to register is March 28. Register by emailing hike leader Peter Manning at Peter@catskillmountainclub.org (preferred) or via phone (607) 832-4413. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Severe weather cancels; notification of cancelation will be via email the night before the hike.

Directions: From State Route 28 at Big Indian, take Ulster County Highway 47 south for 20.6 miles (becomes Sul. Co. Hwy 157) to the stop sign near Claryville. Turn left onto Denning Road and proceed 2.8 miles and the sign at the trailhead parking will be on your right.

From State Route 55 just west of Grahamsville, take the Claryville Road (Sul. Co. Hwy 19) for 7.4 miles and the sign at the trailhead parking will be on your right.

GPS Coordinates: 41.93520, -74.52925 (address 2205 Denning Rd., Claryville, NY).

Hike Bramley Mountain

Join us for a First Day of Spring hike to the summit of Bramley Mountain, future site of the Catskills' newest fire tower. This moderately difficult hike passes through a quarry before passing a number of impressive rock outcroppings. The summit offers panoramic views to the high peaks and the mountains that form the Pepacton Range on the south side of the reservoir. We will hike at a moderate pace and take time to have lunch and enjoy the views when we reach the summit.

This four-mile hike is expected to take four hours. Participants should bring lunch/ food, water/ beverage. Dress in layers of moisture wicking fabrics and wear good hiking shoes. Bring ice traction devices and snowshoes, depending on conditions. Hiking poles are recommended. Maps are available at the trailhead.

Hikers must register by March 17 by contacting leader Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or (845) 514-6959. The event is limited to 12 people. Dogs are permitted with the leader’s permission.

Meet at the northern trailhead. The trailhead is located on Glen Bernie Road in Delhi, seven-tenths of a mile south of the intersection with County Rt 18, or 3.3 miles north of SR 28. Take State Rt. 28 to Glen Bernie Road (4.7 miles east of Delhi; 7.6 miles west of Andes). After turning on Glen Bernie, go 3.3 miles to the trailhead on the right. From County Hwy 18, take Glen Bernie Road .7 miles and the trailhead is on the left.

GPS Coordinates 42.2993, -74.8360

Additional Information: Dogs must be well behaved around people and other dogs. Be prepared to leash when approaching other parties.
Hike is subject to cancellation or postponement due to hazardous weather conditions.

Comments: Questions about this event and registrations can be directed to: wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-514-6959. Provide your contact information for use on the morning of the hike in case there is a change in plans. Please be sure to notify the leader asap if you need to cancel your registration.

Take an 8.8-mile hike on these remote and seldom used trails in 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.

We will be hiking the Onteora Lake Loop, the Red Eft Trail, and the Bluestone Loop Trail -- all needed to complete the Catskill All Trails Challenge. This is a moderate, 7.8-mile loop that is expected to take four to five hours. This event is limited to 12 participants and registration is required by February 23. To register, contact Al Purdy Albertpurdy1@aol.comm or (845) 489-2332. Hikers should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, sturdy hiking boots, winter layers, microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, and trekking poles. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions: From NYS thruway Exit 19 at Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 West and follow for 3.8 miles to the Onteora Lake parking areas upper lot. From the west on Route 28, the left turn to Onteora Lake, marked with brown and white signs, is .85 east of the traffic light at the Stewart’s Shop in West Hurley.

Conditions permitting, drive up the dirt road to the interior/ upper parking lot for Onteora Lake. GPS coordinates: 41.9815 - 74.0855

Here is a moderate four-mile out-and-back hike in the lesser-known Western Catskills. Al Purdy will lead hikers from the Little Spring Brook approach to the Split Rock Overlook and the junction of the Pelnor Hollow and Mary Smith Trails. This hike begins at 8:30 AM is expected to take three to four hours. In addition to food/ snacks and water/ beverages, hikers need to bring snowshoes, microspikes, trekking poles, gaiters, layers of winter clothing. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. This hike is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332 by February 16.

Directions:

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 West and follow for 46.4 miles. Turn left onto route 30 follow for 19.9 miles. Make a left onto route 206 (Cat Hollow Road) and follow for 4.9 miles. Turn left onto Little Spring Brook Road follow 1.2 miles to the parking area on your right across from the turnaround.

From Route 17 Roscoe exit, take Old Rte 17/ Route 206 north for 6.1 miles (from Main St. Roscoe) and turn right onto Spur Road which becomes Little Spring Brook Road. Follow for 1.2 miles to the parking area on your right across from the turnaround.

GPS Coordinates: 42.02788 -74.87786

This 8.2-mile hike begins and concludes in McKenley Hollow. Rated as difficult, the outing is expected to take six hours. Participants need to bring lunch, winter clothes, sturdy boots, microspikes, gaiters, as well as snowshoes, poles, and a snow shovel. The event is limited to 12 hikers, and registration is required by January 12. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 Kingston, take Route 28 West for 31 miles and turn left onto Ulster County Route 47 in Big Indian. Follow 47 for 2.9 miles and turn right onto McKenley Hollow Road. Go 0.8 miles and the parking area is on the left.

From Route 28 West, Big Indian is 4.1 miles east of Highmount (Belleayre Ski Center). Turn right onto 47 and follow directions to McKenley Hollow above.

GPS Coordinates: 42.07038, -74.47395

207 McKenley Hollow Rd, Shandaken, NY 12410

Join Al Purdy on this 6.7-mile out and back hike along the Monguap-Hardenburgh Trail to the junction with the Long Pond-Beaver Kill Range Trail. Beginning at 8:30 AM on Sunday, February 4, this hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take four hours to complete. This outing may be ideal for Catskill All Trails aspirants looking to complete the network of trails in this area of the mountains. Participants should bring lunch, water/ drink, as well as clothes for a winter hike, snowshoes, microspikes, treking poles, gaiters, and extra layers of clothes. Participants must register for this hike by February 2 by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Please note, this hike is limited to 12 people and dogs are not permitted.

Directions from NYS Thruway, Kingston/ Exit 19. Turn right onto State Route 28 West and follow for 46.3 miles and turn left onto State Route 30. After crossing the reservoir bridge at 8.3 miles, turn immediately left onto Board of Water Supply (BWS) Road # 8 and follow for 1.9 miles. Stay to the right – this becomes Barkaboom Road. From here, continue 6.3 miles to the terminus of this road. Turn left onto Beaver Kill Road and travel 7.4 miles. The parking area/ trailhead is on the right. GPS coordinates of trailhead: 42.01256, -74.62335 Note, travel on Cross Mountain Road (a different route than described above) is not recommended at this time of year.

From State Route 17, Livingston Manor exits, go west on Old Route 17 and less than one mile from the Route 17 overpass (just west of Liv. Manor) turn right onto Beaverkill Road. Take Beaverkill Road (which begins as Sullivan Co. Hwy 151/ becomes Ulster Co. Hwt 54 at 8 miles) for 18.3 miles and the parking area/ trailhead is on the right. GPS coordinates of trailhead: 42.01256, -74.62335

Join Al Purdy for this 6.35 moderate-difficult hike that will include the Loggers Loop and Big Rock Trail, as well as sections of the Flynn and Quick Lake Trails. The outing is expected to take four hours, and participants must register by January 5. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Hikers need to bring lunch, warm clothes, sturdy boots, micro-spikes, gaiters, a headlamp, as well as snowshoes and poles. This hike is limited to 12 registrants and dogs are not permitted.

Directions: From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.

From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a "red caboose" on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.

From the NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) turn right onto Route 28 west, go one-half mile and turn right onto US 209 south. Take 209 south for 25 miles and turn right onto State Route 55 in Napanoch. Take 55 West for 16.1 miles and turn right onto Sullivan County Hwy 19 (Claryville Road). Go 2.7 miles and turn left onto Hunter Rd. Take Hunter Rd. for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Willowemoc Rd. Take Willowemoc Rd. for 3.6 miles and turn right onto Mongaup Rd. for 2.7 miles. Continue straight onto Beech Mountain road 0.3 miles to the Frick Pond parking area.

GPS Coordinates: 41.95171, -74.70711

This 8.2-mile hike begins and concludes in McKenley Hollow. Rated as difficult, the outing is expected to take six hours. Participants need to bring lunch, winter clothes, sturdy boots, microspikes, gaiters, as well as snowshoes, poles, and a snow shovel. The event is limited to 12 hikers, and registration is required by January 12. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 Kingston, take Route 28 West for 31 miles and turn left onto Ulster County Route 47 in Big Indian. Follow 47 for 2.9 miles and turn right onto McKenley Hollow Road. Go 0.8 miles and the parking area is on the left.

From Route 28 West, Big Indian is 4.1 miles east of Highmount (Belleayre Ski Center). Turn right onto 47 and follow directions to McKenley Hollow above.

GPS Coordinates: 42.07038, -74.47395

Join CMC for a seven-mile round-trip hike to West Kill Mountain from Diamond Notch. In partnership with NYSDEC we continue the tradition of welcoming the new year with a Catskill Mountain hike. This challenging trail route will take us to the summit of West Kill (3880’) and the nearby lookout points. With an elevation gain of 1785 feet, this hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take five-to-six hours. Participants should be prepared for wintery trail conditions and bring microspikes and snowshoes, as applicable. Hikers should be experienced in cold weather mountain outings and will need to bring proper gear and supplies, including layered and extra clothing, sturdy warm boots, gaiters, sunglasses, as well as food/ snacks, and water/ beverage/ thermos. We will pause at Buck Ridge Lookout for lunch.

The hike is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Please register by December 30 by contacting Peter@catskillmountainclub.org or (607) 832-4413. Extreme weather or trail conditions will cancel. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 7.3 miles then turn right on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the trailhead on the right, almost to the end of the road.

From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 4.1 miles then turn left on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the trailhead on the right, almost to the end of the road. Note, this parking lot is on the right just past the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot (which is on the left). Do not park at the end of the road; that is a snow plow turnaround.

Diamond Notch Parking Lot GPS Coordinates: 42.18240 -74.26955

Take this 7.4-mile out and back hike along the Black Dome Range Trail.

Beginning at 8:30 AM at the parking area on Barnum Road, this hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take approximately six hours. To register for this hike contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332 by December 22. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, gaiters spikes, poles, and headlamp. Have snowshoes with you. This hike has a maximum of twelve hikers, and dogs are not permitted. Severe weather will postpone the hike.

Directions: From NYS Thruway (87) Saugerties/ Exit 20, turn right on 32 North for six miles and keep straight onto NY-32A. Take NY-32A for 0.6 miles, bear left onto NY-23A. Take Route 23A for 5.5 mi. and turn right onto Co. Hwy 25. At 2.8 mi. stay right onto Co. Hwy 23C; in another four miles turn right onto Co. Hwy 40. In 1.1 mi. turn right onto Hauser Rd for 0.5 mi./ end. Turn right onto Barnum Road and trailhead parking is 0.4 mi. Google address is 323 Barnum Rd., East Jewett NY, 12424. GPS Coordinates are 42.26399, -74.17666

This 10-mile hike, rated as difficult, will include sections of the Mongaup-Hardenburgh Trail, the Long Pond-Beaverkill Range Trail, and the Mongaup-Willowemoc Trail. The hike is expected to take six-to-eight hours. Participants must register by December 15. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. The event is limited to 12 participants. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, bright winter clothes/ layers, sturdy hiking boots, spikes, poles, gaiters, snowshoes, and head lamp. Though this is a trailed route, the hike may involve some route finding.

Directions: From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Turn right onto Mongaup Pond road for 1.1 miles to the Mongaup Pond Parking Area facing the lake.

From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a “red caboose” on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Turn right onto Mongaup Pond road for 1.1 miles to the Mongaup Pond Parking Area facing the lake.

From the NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) turn right onto Route 28 west, go one-half mile and turn right onto US 209 south. Take 209 south for 25 miles and turn right onto State Route 55 in Napanoch. Take 55 West for 16.1 miles and turn right onto Sullivan County Hwy 19 (Claryville Road). Go 2.7 miles and turn left onto Hunter Rd. Take Hunter Rd. for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Willowemoc Rd. Take Willowemoc Rd. for 3.6 miles and turn right onto Mongaup Rd. for 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Turn right onto Mongaup Pond road for 1.1 miles to the Mongaup Pond Parking Area facing the lake.

GPS Coordinates: 41.95829, -74.69112

Join Al Purdy for a longer hike in the Willowemoc State Forest. The hike is rated difficult not for the terrain but for the distance (14.5 miles). The hike will visit the three water bodies and is ideal for those looking to complete the Catskills All Trails Hiking Challenge. This hike is expected to take eight hours, and participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, proper clothing, bright colors for hunting season, headlamp, sturdy hiking boots, and microspikes (snowshoes should be in your car).

The hike is limited to 12 registrants. The registration deadline in November 25. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions:

From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.

From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a “red caboose” on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.

From the NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) turn right onto Route 28 west, go one-half mile and turn right onto US 209 south. Take 209 south for 25 miles and turn right onto State Route 55 in Napanoch. Take 55 West for 16.1 miles and turn right onto Sullivan County Hwy 19 (Claryville Road). Go 2.7 miles and turn left onto Hunter Rd. Take Hunter Rd. for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Willowemoc Rd. Take Willowemoc Rd. for 3.6 miles and turn right onto Mongaup Rd. for 2.7 miles. Continue straight onto Beech mountain road 0.3 miles to the Frick Pond parking area.

GPS Coordinates: 41.95171, -74.70711

Additional Notes: Hike begins at 8:30. At Quick Lake we will be over seven miles from the parking area, so make sure you have everything you think you may need with you. Most of the elevation gain will be on the return trip from Quick Lake to the parking area.

This is an 11.6-mile hike from Platte Clove to Overlook Mountain and back. The day’s journey will include the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, Codfish Point, and Echo Lake. Rated as difficult, this hike is expected to take eight hours. The hike requires registration by Friday, November 17 and is limited to 12 people. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, headlamp, sturdy boots, and proper clothing, including bright orange clothing. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. To register contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332.

The hike begins at the parking area at 2425 Platte Clove Rd, Elka Park, NY 12427. From the NYS Thruway Saugerties Exit 20 NORTH turn left onto NYS Route 212, cross the Thruway, and then turn right onto right onto NYS Route 32 North. (Follow directions below.) From the NYS Thruway Saugerties Exit 20 SOUTH, turn right onto NYS Route 32 North and follow the directions below.

From Exit 20 follow NYS Route 32 North for 5.8 miles. Then continue straight onto NYS Route 32a for 1.9 miles. Turn left at the light onto NYS Route 23a for 6.5 miles to South Main Street in Tannersville (see brown-and-white signs for Devil’s Path). Turn left onto South Main and continue to Railroad Ave. Turn left and continue onto Platte Clove Road (County Hwy 16). From the sharp bend to the left (intersection with Bloomer Road, with signs for Long Path), continue 5.2 miles and the short driveway to the parking area (marked Long Path) is on the left. Meet here and be ready to go at 8:30. GPS Coordinates: 42.13387, -74.08188

Join us on this 5.9-mile out-and-back hike to the Balsam Lake Fire Tower. Along the way we’ll do some trail maintenance and discuss peoples’ interest in leading events for the CMC in 2024 and the Club’s guidelines for leaders. This hike is considered moderate, and we’ll break for lunch at the summit.

Registration is required and the hike is limited to 12 people. To register, contact Peter Manning by Saturday, November 11, 5PM at Peter@catskillmountainclub.org or (607) 832-4413. Bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, proper clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

The hike will begin at 9 AM at the Dry Brook Ridge Parking Area on Millbrook Road, 8.25 miles from Arkville. To reach Arkville from the NYS Thruway (Kingston Exit 19), take Route 28 west for 42 miles. Following the brown-and-white directional signs for Dry Brook Ridge, turn left on Dry Brook Road and go six mile; turn right on Millbrook Road and go just over two miles and the parking area will be on your right.

To reach Arkville from Delhi, take Route 28 south for 25 miles, follow brown-and-white directional signs for Dry Brook Ridge by turning right onto Dry Brook Road, then follow directions above.

GPS Coordinates for Dry Brook Ridge Parking Area: 42.07036, -74.57387

This counter-clockwise loop will begin at 8:30 AM the end of Spruceton Road. Participants will visit Diamond Notch Falls, Geiger Point, Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, Colonels Chair, and the John Robb Lean-To. This 10.5-mile trail hike is rated as difficult and will take six-to-eight hours. Hikers need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, proper clothing — layers, extra jacket, good hiking shoes, and a headlamp or flashlight.

Registration is required by 10/27. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. This hike is limited to 12 people, so register early! No dogs are permitted on this hike. Severe weather will cancel the hike.

Directions:

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 7.3 miles then turn right on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the trailhead on the right, almost to the end of the road.

From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 4.1 miles then turn left on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the trailhead on the right, almost to the end of the road.

GPS coordinates: 42.18240, -74.26955

This 9-mile hike begins at the Kanape Brook Trailhead and features a loop path that includes the summit of Ashokan High Point (3080’). Rated as difficult, there is 2150 feet of elevation gain and the overall journey is expected to take six hours.

Space is limited to 12 hikers, so please register early. Participants must register by November 3. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ drinks, a headlamp, layered clothing/ rain/ snow protection, sturdy hiking boots, microspikes, a headlamp (preferred) or flashlight, and bright clothes for hunting season. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Severe weather will postpone the hike.

To reach the Kanape Brook Trailhead from the Kingston/ Exit 19 of the NYS Thruway, follow State Route 28 west for 16.3 miles to Boiceville. Turn left onto Route 28A, follow for 3 miles, turn right onto Watson Hollow Road (Co. Hwy. 42) and follow for 4.1 miles to the Kanape Brook Parking Area on the right (821 Watson Hollow Road West Shokan, NY, 12494). GPS coordinates of Kanape Brook PA: 41.93579, -74.32827.

From the west on Route 28, Boiceville and the intersection with 28A is located 1.7 west east of the Catskills Visitors Center and 6.4 miles east of Phoenicia (intersection of State Routes 28 and 214). From Boiceville, follow the directions above to reach the Kanape Brook Parking Area (GPS coordinates: 41.93579, -74.32827.)

Hike this out-and-back journey along the beautiful Millbrook Ridge Trail to the spectacular summit views from the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. This hike is rated difficult for its length (13.8 miles/ approx. 8 hours), but we will travel along trails the whole way. Stops include the Beaver Meadow Lean-to, the Beecher Lake Overlook, and of course the fire tower.

Space is limited to 12 hikers, so please register early. Participants must register by October 20. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ drinks, a headlamp, layered clothing/ rain protection, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp (preferred) or flashlight, and bright clothes for hunting season. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 at Kingston, take State Route 28 west to 45.5 miles past Margaretville. Less than 2 miles past Margaretville, turn left and a quick right onto BWS Road No. 10 and continue for 8.3 miles. Turn left onto Barkaboom Road (toward Big Pond and Little Pond) and continue 6.2 miles to the stop sign. Turn left onto Beaverkill road for 1.4 miles; then turn left onto Alder Road for 2.2 miles. Turn right onto cross mountain road for 100 ft. and follow the dirt road to the parking area for Alder Lake. (*Note: do not follow directions to take Cross Mountain Road.)

From Route 28 North, go south to Andes, make a right and then bear left onto Delaware County Highway 1 (following signs for Shavertown). Reach the stop sign at just under 8 miles, turn right, go over the reservoir bridge, and turn left onto BWS Road No. 8. At 1.9 miles stay to the right and from this point continue 6.2 miles to the stop sign. Turn left onto Beaverkill road for 1.4 miles; then turn left onto Alder Road for 2.2 miles. Turn right onto cross mountain road for 100 ft. and follow the dirt road to the parking area for Alder Lake.