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How the Pandemic is Affecting Our Annual Events

July, 3 2020

In keeping with recommendations and requirements intended to keep us all safe during the Covid-19 crisis, the CMC has decided that we will not offer our Annual Picnic nor our Annual Dinner in 2020.

We continue to evaluate the situation as we think about offering outdoor recreational events again.  At this time, the resurgence of cases in the country is of great concern.  It remains important to recreate locally, to socially distance when in groups and to wear masks when in close contact or when passing unrelated parties.  We recommend stepping off trail to allow others to pass.  We will continue to monitor developments. Like everyone, we look forward to resuming normal activities as soon as possible.

Be safe.

July 3, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , , ,

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

The ART begins at the restored Andes Train Station. The easy- moderate out and back hike totals four miles. It follows the old rail bed for about 0.8 miles until ending at private property. This scenic section overlooking the Tremperskill Valley is flat and wide with a few short detours provided for use in wet conditions. Along the way are several nice viewpoints, including one over a beaver pond dammed up on the creek by the resident beavers.

From there the trail turns west (right) uphill onto the Bullet Hole Spur, which climbs the slopes of Hemlock Knoll. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with some short but fairly steep ups and downs.

After a short distance, the trail turns north (right) and after about 0.1 miles makes a sharp switchback to begin climbing a steeper section. This section passes some nice rock formations and glacial erratics in a mixed hardwood forest.

The height of land is reached in about 0.2 mile. The trail then begins a descent soon coming to a lovely fern glade. Just past the glade is a stone wall. The trail makes a sharp turn south before coming to a step-up and crossing the wall.

Directly ahead lies a large spruce plantation. The trail continues straight ahead following a row through the trees before coming to nice views of the adjacent field and the hills beyond. At this point it bears slightly right and descends towards a beautiful grove of old hemlocks.

After crossing the ruins of another stone wall the trail again swings right and loops through the hemlocks. The Bullet Hole Creek (on private land) can be heard and glimpsed to the left side of the trail.

As you walk through the hemlock forest pay careful attention to the markers. You will come to a place where the trail turns north (right). Going straight enters private lands. The trail soon crosses a largely flattened stone wall before reclimbing the hill through the spruce trees and returning to the step-up stone wall crossing. From this point retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

© Catskill Mountain Club (Publish for non-commercial distribution with attribution. Otherwise, contact for permission.)
May 18, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Spring 2020 CMC Newsletter

The Spring edition of the CMC News is available here.  Check it out for stories about Earth Day, news about the Club and about recreational opportunities in the Catskills region.  Learn more about where to hike during the pandemic, about the signs of spring in nature and learn about a yoga exercise that will help you be a better hiker.

April 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Spring 2020 Coronavirus Edition Newsletter

Find out what you need to know about current hiking conditions in the Catskills during the pandemic, tips for hiking safely at this time and more stories about the Catskills.  Click here to view the newsletter.

April 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

CMC EVENTS CALENDAR

Photo courtesy of Bill Palmer, Palmer Hill Photography.     

 

February 2020

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
1

7:45 AM

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe
2 3 4

9 AM

Catskill Park Day 2020

 5

Postponed

Hike Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose

 6 7 8
9 10 11 12

7:30 AM

Hike Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide

 

 13 14 15

7:30 AM

Hike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) and Hunter
16 17 18 19 20

7:30 AM

Hike North Dome & Sherrill

 21
22
23

10:00 AM

Frick Pond Snowshoe

 24 25 26

7:45 AM

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe

 27 28 29

7:30 AM

Hike Panther via Giant Ledge
 

 

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com

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March 2, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Doubletop, Graham, & Balsam Lake | Wednesday, March 4, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Dry Brook Valley from Doubletop Mountain

We’ll hike about 10 miles, over 3 Catskills high peaks: Doubletop (3874′), Graham (3868′), and Balsam Lake (3729′), with a total ascent of about 3300′. Our route includes easy trails, and both easy and challenging bushwhacks.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack

 

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March 2, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Panther Mountain | Saturday, February 29, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Panther and Giant Ledge

We’ll hike Panther via Giant Ledge out and back from the Rt. 47 hairpin. With its spectacular views, Giant Ledge is one of the top destinations in the Catskills and will be far less crowded during winter.

Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate – Difficult

 

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February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike North Dome and Sherrill | Thursday, February 20, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide and Panther from North Dome

This (mostly) bushwhack will summit 2 Catskill peaks: North Dome (3605′) and Sherrill (3558′). This is the perfect time of year to hike these trailless peaks. There’s a great southerly view from the ledges on North Dome.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack

 

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February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) & Hunter | Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

View from Buck Ridge Lookout on Westkill

This (mostly) trail hike will summit 3 Catskills peaks: Westkill (3898′), SW Hunter (3753′), and Hunter (4030′), the Catskills second highest upon which sits the highest fire tower in New York.

Event Duration:  15 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

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February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Hike | Wednesday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:30 AM

Overlook seen from Slide

We’ll hike the Burroughs Range, summiting Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide. With lots of great views along the way, the one from Wittenberg is one of the nicest in the Catskills.  Expect lots of ups and downs as we climb three of the high peaks, including the tallest in the Catskills.

Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

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February 10, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

2020 Past Events Calendar

 

 

January 2020

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
1  New Year’s Day

8:00

First Day Hike at Ashokan High Point

 

 

 2 3 4

7:45 AM

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe
5 6 7  8 9

9 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike/Snowshoe

 10 11
12

 

 13 14 15

7:45 AM

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe

 16 17 18
19

10 AM

Ashokan Quarry Trail First Hike

 20 21 22 23

7:30 AM

Vly, Bearpen & Halcott  Hikes

 24 25
26 27 28 29

Hike Westkill Mountain

 30 31
February 8, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Frick Pond Snowshoe in the Catskills | Sunday, February 23, 2020 @ 10 AM

Frick Pond is a lovely winter snowshoe in Sullivan County in the Catskills.

Woods are varied in flora and have lovely views. Elevation gain small. Distance will depend on snowfall amounts and wind which will determine inner or outer loop hike selection.

DRESS WARM and bring fluids and snacks.

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

 

 

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February 7, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Westkill Hike and Snowshoe | Wednesday, January 29, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

Hunter Mountain and its fire tower from Westkill

We’ll hike Westkill from the last parking area on Spruceton Rd. The out and back will visit Diamond Notch Falls and Buck Ridge Lookout along the way to Westkill’s 3898′ summit.

Event Duration:  6.8 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

 

 

 

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January 25, 2020 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Announcing the Formation of the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower

Bramley Mountain Fire Tower and cabin c. 1950

The newly formed Friends of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower group held its first meeting on the evening of January 6th at the O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. The Friends were formed to organize the reconstruction of the fire tower that was decommissioned by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 1970 and removed in 1975. The tower was purchased by Pete Clark, who meticulously stored the tower’s parts right down to the nuts and bolts in his barn. It is well preserved as a result. Three years ago Tom Clark, the current owner, approached the Catskill Mountain Club with an offer to allow the tower to be restored if the CMC could lead the effort. With the formation of the Friends group, the effort to raise funds and complete the resurrection of the tower has officially begun.

In 2008 the NYC Department of Environmental Protection acquired the Bramley Mountain parcel and in 2016 the DEP allowed the Catskill Mountain Club to build a trail to the summit. The trail has been very popular with the public, drawing over 1500 hikers a year, some of them from as far away as Europe and Africa. Now, with the support and cooperation of the Town of Delhi and of the DEP as well as widespread support in Bovina, Hamden, Kortright, Andes and other local communities, the CMC has formed the Friends of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to move the project to completion.

For more information, to donate to the Friends, to volunteer and to sign up for the email contact list click here.

January 21, 2020 wgcmc 1 Response , ,

Vly, Bearpen & Halcott Hikes | Thursday, January 23, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

From Vly Mountain

We’ll hike/snowshoe Vly and Bearpen in the morning, eat lunch, and then hike/snowshoe Halcott in the afternoon

Event Duration:  12 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

 

 

 

 

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike/Snowshoe | Thursday, January 9, 2020 @ 9:00 AM

We’ll hike/snowshoe to Kaaterskill High Peak (Ascent 1700′, Elevation 3652′). Our route will include trails, easy bushwhacks with opportunity to practice compass skills, fun scrambles, spectacular views and 2 plane crash sites.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult, Bushwhack

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe | Saturday, February 1, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Blackhead Range

We’ll hike/snowshoe four Catskill High Peaks: Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole. This long, difficult trail hike will reward us with several fantastic views. Total ascent will be about 4700′.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe | Wednesday, January 15, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Blackhead Range

We’ll hike/snowshoe four Catskill High Peaks: Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole. This long, difficult trail hike will reward us with several fantastic views. Total ascent will be about 4700′.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe | Wednesday, February 26, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak from Plateau

Here’s another chance to hike/snowshoe 4 Catskills peaks, Plateau (3835′), Sugarloaf (3783′), Twin(3650′), and Indian Head (3573′) with challenging scrambles and fantastic views.

Event Duration:  10 miles;  10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe | Saturday, January 4, 2020 @ 7:45 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak from Plateau

We’ll hike/snowshoe 4 Catskills peaks, Plateau (3835′), Sugarloaf (3783′), Twin(3650′), and Indian Head (3573′) with challenging scrambles and fantastic views.

Event Duration:  10 miles;  10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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December 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Ashokan Quarry Trail First Hike | Sunday, January 19, 2020 @ 10 AM

Vista including the Burroughs Range

We’re happy to announce a soft opening First Hike on the new Ashokan Quarry Trail to introduce you to it!  Afterwards, the trail will be open to the public for hiking according to NYCDEP regulations. (You can find those in our Skills and Info menu.)  In Spring the DEP and CMC will welcome the public with an official opening ceremony.

The AQT is located on the Acorn Hill Parcel in Olivebridge. The quarry was one of several used in the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir. Interpretive signage has been installed along the route.

Only two miles long and with an easy climb to the rim of the quarry, the AQT offers an easy hike with historic interest and fabulous views stretching from Ashokan High Point to North Dome and Ticeteneyck Mountains. Features include abandoned infrastructure, the long quarry, a lovely mountain laurel path, and a mixed hardwood and white pine forest.

Map by Liz Cruz       Click to open in a separate window and print.

 

The trail is located 0.2 miles west of the Promenade parking lot which provides access to the dam and its fabulous views over the reservoir.  Located south of the reservoir, the AQT will eventually be linked to the new Ashokan Rail Trail via the Promenade.

There is a parking lot at the trailhead, just off Rte. 28A. When full, please use the promenade lot.

Event Duration:  2 miles, 2 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

 

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December 6, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Plateau and Sugarloaf | Friday, December 20, 2019 @ 9:45 AM

Kaaterskill High Peak from Plateau

We’ll hike two Catskills high peaks, Plateau (3835′) and Sugarloaf (3783′), with challenging scrambles and fantastic views.

Event Duration:  6 miles;  5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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December 2, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Hunter, SW Hunter (Leavitt) and Rusk | Tuesday, December 17, 2019 @ 7:45 AM

Hunter Mountain and its fire tower from Westkill

This challenging 12+ mile hike/snowshoe will traverse 3 Catskills peeks: Rusk (3686′), Hunter (4030′), and SW Hunter (3753′), with a total ascent of about 3100′. Our route will be a combination of old roads, herd paths, bushwhacks and trails. We’ll encounter steep difficult terrain, and will be rewarded with great views from the Hunter Fire Tower.

Event Duration:  12 miles; 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack

 

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December 2, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Ashokan Rail Trail End to End | Thursday, December 12, 2019 @ 8:15 AM

From the Ashokan Rail Trail.                 –Courtesy Friends of the ART

The new Ashokan Rail Trail has been met with resounding approval. It will be open for its entire length very soon and we will hike it end to end to celebrate its opening.  Following the north side of the Ashokan Reservoir, the multi-use trail provides great views along its route. These NYCDEP lands were closed to the public except for fishing and hunting until the trail opened a few weeks ago, so we will enjoy the availability of this route following the long abandoned Ulster and Delaware Railroad for the first time in decades.

Event Duration:  11.5 miles, 7 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate, due to length

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November 21, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose Hike | Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 7:45AM

Lone and Table Mountains

This challenging 12+ mile hike/snowshoe will traverse 6 Catskills peeks: Friday (3692′), Balsam Cap (3608′), Rocky (3487′), Lone (3700′), Table (3825′), and Peekamoose (3819′), with a total ascent of about 4500′. Our route will be a combination of old roads, herd paths, bushwhacks and trails. We’ll encounter steep difficult terrain, and will be rewarded with great views.

Event Duration:  12 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult – Bushwhack

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November 21, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

First Day Hike on Ashokan High Point | Wednesday, January 1, 2020 @ 8:00 AM

DCF 1.0

Ashokan Reservoir from Ashokan High Point

Ashokan High Point (3086′) is a prominent mountain in the eastern Catskills overlooking the Ashokan Reservoir and the Burroughs Range. Elevation gain is about 2000′.  Most of hike is relatively easy, but there are some steep pitches. The trail follows the Kanape Brook for more than half the hike.

This hike is co-hosted by the CMC and the Catskills Visitor Center and sponsored by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Event Duration:  7.6 miles, 7 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

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November 17, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike in Riddell State Park | Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 9:00 AM

Robert V. Riddell State Park offers more than 2,000 acres of fields and forested woodlands located in the Susquehanna River Valley. We will hike through the southern section of the park from SR 28 to the Hartwick College Pine Lake Environmental Campus.

NOTE: Hunting is not permitted in Riddell Park.

Event Duration:  4.9 miles, 3.5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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November 17, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike the Delhi Trails | Saturday, November 23, 2019 @ 9:00AM

The Delhi Trails are named for in honor of Jean Craighead George’s beloved books My Side of the Mountain, On the Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful’s Mountain, each set in the Catskills. We will hike a loop consisting of the Gribley and Frightful’s Falls Trails. Be prepared for some steep sections as we ascend to the ridge twice. We’ll have some nice views of the Village of Delhi along the way.

Note: Hunting is not permitted on Delhi Trails lands.

Event Duration:  4.3 miles, 3.5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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November 17, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Fir, Big Indian, Eagle & Balsam Hike/Snowshoe | Wednesday, November 27, 2019 @ 7:45 AM

Balsam summit in winter.

We’ll do a long challenging hike/bushwhack traversing Fir (3629′), Big Indian (3699′), Eagle (3583′) & Balsam.(3607′), with about 3350′ elevation gain. This is one of the longest high ridge hikes in the Catskills. Nice views can be had now that leaves are down.

Event Duration:  12 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult – Bushwhack

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November 13, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike | Saturday, November 30, 2019 @ 8:30 AM

We’ll hike/snowshoe to Kaaterskill High Peak (Ascent 1700′, Elevation 3652′). Our route will include trails, easy bushwhacks with opportunity to practice compass skills, fun scrambles, spectacular views and 2 plane crash sites.

Don’t forget to wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate – Difficult

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November 13, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike | Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 8:00 AM

Blackhead Range from the Escarpment Trail

This 14+ mile hike/snowshoe will traverse Windham High Peak (3525′), Blackhead (3940′), Black Dome (3994′) and Thomas Cole (3953′). We’ll encounter beautiful forests, and spectacular views. Total ascent will be about 4700′.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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November 13, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

2019 Past Events Calendar

January 2019

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
1  New Year’s Day

10:30

First Day Hike in Kelly Hollow

 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10

Postponed due to weather

Dry Brook Ridge Hike/Snowshoe

 

 11 12
13  14 15 16   17 18 19

10:00 AM

Bramley Mountain Hike
20 21

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 22 23 24 25 26
27 28   29 30

Postponed due to weather

Winnisook Lake Mountain Bushwhack

 31

 

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November 3, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Shawangunks – Castle Point Carriage Trail | Postponed

Catskills from Castle Point, Shawangunks

The carriage roads in Minnewaska Stage Park and Preserve are beautifully maintained for hiking, biking and xc skiing. The views from Castle Point along the Shawangunk Ridge are spectacular. Although the ‘Gunks are only a few miles east of the Catskills, they are an entirely different geological formation with a distinctly different plant community, including dwarf pines. The Wallkill River Valley to the east is an important migration route for raptors and other birds. Join us for a hike in this nearby area.

Event Duration:  9 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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October 21, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Rochester Hollow Hike | Thursday, October 24, 10:00 AM

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA    Historic Rochester Hollow follows a stream for awhile on an old woods road towards the former site of the Colonel Rochester estate. Along the way is a memorial plaque to Catskills’ native son, naturalist and widely read author John Burroughs.

Event Duration:  4 miles, 3 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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October 21, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike to Huckleberry Point | Tuesday, November 5, 2019 @ 10 AM

Devil’s Path Range from Huckleberry Point

The hike to Huckleberry Point is one of the most satisfying in the Catskills, While it’s a short and moderately difficult trail, it’s in one of the most famously rugged parts of the Catskills, beginning at the Devil’s Kitchen and reaching its stunning destination on the escarpment ledges high above the deep valleys below. The breathtaking views of the ancient mountains of the eastern Devil’s Path Range will make you thankful you came, whether you’ve been before or not. Truly a bucket list hike. We’ll sit for awhile and enjoy the views while we picnic.

Event Duration:  4.8 miles, 4 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

Leader(s): Deanna Felicetta

Bring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Have appropriate footwear. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!!

Registration required by November 5th.  Use registration form below to register.

Group size is limited to 12 so register early.

Fee:  No

Dogs allowed:  Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.

Additional Information: PLEASE contact  leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!

Questions about this event can be directed to:  felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE!  Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.

Driving Directions: 

From Exit 20 of the NYS Thruway:  Go west 2.1 miles on CR 212 to Blue Mountan Rd,/Rte.35. Turn north 1.4 miles to W. Saugerties Rd./Rte. 33 and turn west. Go 1.9 miles to Platte Clove Rd. and continue straight up the clove. Follow for 2.4 miles until you reach the parking area on the right.

From Tannerville:  Just west of town, turn onto Bloomer Rd, and follow it as it becomes Platte Clove Rd. for 6.3 miles until you reach the parking area on the left.

See NY/NJTC trail map # 141.

October 21, 2019 wgcmc 1 Response ,

Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose Hike | Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 7:45 AM

Table Mountain

This is a long, difficult hike, with no viable bailout route. We’ll encounter steep terrain, dense fir, and blowdown. We’ll begin with a bushwhack to the 4 most remote Catskills high peaks, and finish with a trail hike to 2 others. Several of the peaks have excellent views. At times the bushwhack will be very challenging.

Event Duration:  12 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult – Bushwhack

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September 9, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

16th Annual Lark in the Park | October 5th – 14th, 2019

Lark in the Park view from Giant Ledge

The Lark in the Park is coming soon.  As usual, we will host many events over a 10 day celebration of the Catskill Park. Whether you prefer hiking, paddling, cycling, mountain biking, art, science, cultural studies, fishing, service, yoga or more, we’ll have something for you. Wheelchair accessible events included.

Check it all out at catskillslark.org

September 9, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Belleayre Mountain via Lost Clove and Giggle Hollow | October 2, 2019 @ 8:30 AM

After lunch on the deck at Sunset Lodge on Belleayre Ridge

We’ll hike the Lost Clove trail to the junction with the Pine Hill – West Branch trail, turn left, and continue past the site of the former Belleayre Fire Tower to the junction with the Mine Hollow trail. Then we’ll retrace our way back past the Lost Clove trail, and will descend on the Giggle Hollow trail.

All Trails Challenge hikers take note.

Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

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September 7, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Pepacton Range: Campbell Mountain, Little Spring Brook, & Pelnor Hollow | September 25. 2019 @ 8 AM

View from the Pelnor Hollow Trail

This will be a double shuttle hike. First we’ll hike the Little Spring Brook, and Pelnor Hollow trails. Then we’ll start from Berry Brook Rd, and hike West on the Mary Smith trail, repeat a section of Pelnor Hollow, and complete the Campbell Mountain trail.

Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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September 7, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Pepacton Range: Finger Lakes Trail, from Berry Brook Rd to Alder Lake | Sunday, September 1, 2019 @ 9 AM

Alder Lake

We’ll hike the Finger Lakes trail from Berry Brook Rd. to the Alder Lake parking area.   The route crosses six named summits with a few nice scenic vistas.

Event Duration:  12.7 miles, 10 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Difficult

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August 14, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Pepacton Range: Cabot Mountain, Touch-Me-Not & Little Pond | Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 9 AM

Little Pond from Cabot Mountain

This hike over Cabot and Touch-Me-Not Mountains, with a loop to Little Pond is designed for those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge.  It completes the following trails on map 144: Campground Trail, Little Pond Trail, and Touch-Me-Not Trail.

Event Duration:  10.25 miles, 8 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

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August 14, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Balsam Mountain | Tuesday, September 10, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

Balsam Mountain Vista

At about 5 miles, Balsam is one of the shortest of the 3500 peak hikes. Great views from near the summit.  Plenty of bang for your buck.  A lollypop loop hike with short in-and-out stick at the beginning and end. Somewhat strenuous – about 1600 feet of vertical gain.

Event Duration:  5.2 miles, 6 hours

Level of Difficulty:   Moderate-Difficult

 

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August 14, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike Panther and Giant Ledge to Woodland Valley | Sunday, August 25, 2019 @ 8:30 AM

View From Giant Ledge

We will hike from Fox Hollow to Woodland Valley, crossing Panther Mountain and Giant Ledge. A great ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE EVENT, the hike will cover a lightly traveled Phoenicia-East Branch Trail section that features an impressive staircase constructed in the 1930s by the CCC.

Poor weather must cancel.

Event Duration:  11 miles, 9 hours

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

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August 13, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike to Burnt Knob and Acra Point | Tuesday, August 20, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

Acra Point from the Escarpment Trail

This loop hike is on the Escarpment Trail with great views from both points. Mostly on the Long Path. Approximately 600 ft elevation gain.

Event Duration:  6 miles, 5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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August 13, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Hike to a spur of Mt. Pisgah | Saturday, August 10,2019 @ 8:30am – 10:30am

Mt. Pisgah

Mt. Pisgah is the site of the closed Bobcat Ski Area in Andes.  This hike will visit land originally prepared for a housing development.  It has the remains of paved and gravel roads to the top of the easternmost spur of Pisgah. The land includes abandoned pastures, forest, and a multitude of stone walls, rock piles, a small quarry and cliffs.  The leader is a mycologist and he has found several species of edible mushrooms in recent summer and autumn hikes on this spur, although this year has been dry so far.

Event Duration:  ~2.5 miles; 2 hours

Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

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August 2, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Rochester Hollow Hike | Wednesday, August 7, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Rochester Hollow Trail

Historic Rochester Hollow follows a stream for awhile on an old woods road towards the former site of an estate. Along the way is a memorial plaque to Catskills’ native son, naturalist and widely read author John Burroughs.

Event Duration:  5 miles, 3 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

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August 2, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

Delhi Town Council Supports the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project

Visitors at the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, 1950s

Delhi Town Council Passes a Resolution in Support of the
Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project

The Catskill Mountain Club is happy to announce that the Town of Delhi has passed a resolution in support of the CMC’s efforts to restore the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to its former home on the mountain’s summit, overlooking vast areas of the Catskills. The tower, originally raised in 1950, was decommissioned and then removed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 1975. At that time, the Clark family of Delhi bought the tower, removed it, and has stored it in a barn since then, well protected from the elements. We are grateful to the Clarks for their generous offer to lease the tower to the Town for $1 so it can be placed on the summit again. This is an exciting development that will provide a great new recreational destination in the western Catskills and benefit the communities of Delhi and Bovina with the business of the many hikers who will visit the tower.

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July 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Outdoor Yoga for Kids and Their Caretakers | Thursday, August 1, 2019 @ 11:30 AM

Join Pamela Martin at the Catskills Visitor Center for a free child centered outdoor yoga event.  Ages 4 – 10.  A caretaker must accompany each child during the class and is welcome to participate.  Mats are provided.

What to bring:  water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray

Dogs allowed?:  No

Fee:  None

Directions:  The Catskills Visitor Center is located on SR 28 in Mt. Tremper, approximately 1.2 miles north of Boiceville.

GPS:  42.028408, -74.272997

 

July 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response ,

News about the CMC in the Oneonta Daily Star

The CMC was featured in the Oneonta Daily Star recently.  We are grateful for the recognition of our work on behalf of outdoors enthusiasts and of the communities of the Catskills that benefit from the great recreational assets of our region.

Oneonta Daily Star

Go take a hike

Catskill Mountain Club’s trails encourage folks to get outdoors

  • By Allison Collins Contributing Writer

Go take a hike

Photo contributed by the CMC – The Pepacton Reservoir as seen from the  Shavertown Trail.

 

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July 30, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response , ,

Second Annual Members Picnic | Sunday, August 11, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

🎵 Summer’s here and the time is right for picnicking in the park!  🎵
       At North-South Lake, that is!

North-South Lake from Sunset Rock

It’s time for our Annual Members Picnic!  Join us on August 11th from 10 to 5 at the South Lake pavilion for food, games, hikes, swimming, paddling and just a plain old good time chatting with like minded lovers of the great outdoors.

Your club will provide free hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You bring a dish to share.

The picnic is free for all CMC members, including individuals and families with children up to 18 years old.  Family and significant others who are not CMC members are welcome to attend for a fee of $5 per person.  Kids under 12 are free. Please pay by cash or check at the sign-in table when you arrive.

Not a current member? Join or renew below.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Lunch at 1:00 PM.

Registration is required by August 6th.  Click here to go to the registration form.

There is a day use area entrance fee to the facilities, and if you want to paddle you’ll need to rent or bring your own kayak or canoe.

First thing in the morning, we’ll depart on one or two easy hikes to one of the amazing attractions along the Escarpment. Sunset Rock, Inspiration Point and Kaaterskill Falls are all possibilities.

For those who prefer not to hike, choose from several other options.   Afterwards, we’ll return to the pavilion for a cookout followed by a few more hours of relaxing, swimming, boating or playing a friendly yard game or two.

What you’ll need to bring:

If you’re hiking, bring good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing and plenty of water. Hiking poles are suggested.  Bring swim suits, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired.

Bring a dish to share. Organizers will ask for an appetizer, a side dish, a dessert or a salad.  Please see the registration form.

Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com

Driving directions:   From SR 23A in Haines Falls turn north onto North Lake Drive and bear right at the Twilight General Store, continuing to the entrance gate.

Make your reservations here:
https://catskillmountainclub.org/events/cmc-annual-picnic-registration/

July 25, 2019 wgcmc Leave a response , ,