“The Hiker’s Guide to the Catskills”, a recently published article in The Reporter, features the CMC trails and lots of other useful info and news about hiking in the Catskills from the CMC, the NYSDEC and the NYCDEP.
Click on the images to expand the view.
The CMC is excited to add three new hiking programs that, when completed, will earn qualifiers a beautiful embroidered patch and a certificate commemorating their achievement.
In honor of opening the sixth trail built by the CMC since 2012, we are founding a new hiking program for hikers who qualify by hiking each of the trails built by the club. (A seventh trail will open in 2021, but hikers are free to apply based on completing each of the existing six.) These trails have been designed to appeal to most hikers, both novice and expert. They are on some of the most beautiful lands in the Catskills, are easy to moderate in difficulty and are located near major highways and villages.
T
wo of these programs are being adopted by the CMC, which will assume sponsorship of the Catskills 4 Seasons 140 and the Catskills Grid 420 programs from the Rip van Winkle Hikers. After decades of service to the Catskills which included organizing hikes, maintaining trails and working through membership in the Catskill Park Coalition to bring our issues to Albany, the Rips decided to dissolve the club as of the end of 2019. Among their legacies are these two hiking programs that have earned the respect of serious hikers in our regio
n. The CMC is proud to ensure that these programs will continue into the future.
Find out more about these programs, about the Catskills All Tails Challenge and about each of the trails on their pages on the CMC website.
Note: Previous 4 Seasons qualifiers can receive the newly redesigned patch free of charge by contacting the CMC at info@catskillmountainclub.org.
August 8, 2020
The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Catskill Mountain Club Trails has just been published. You can find it at the trailheads, at the Catskills Visitor Center and at several area merchants.
In the Guide you will find maps, descriptions and trailhead locations for all of the trails. Updated information for the Morris Hill Trail, which is still under construction, will be in an upcoming revision.
To view and download the Guide, click this link.
Note: For best results use 11″ x 14″ paper.
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 18, 2020
Yesterday we and our partners, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, opened the new trail officially. Also in attendance was a representative from the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, which supplied a grant to pay for interpretive signage. Unfortunately, in an abundance of caution we were not able to invite the public to the ceremony. While it’s always fun to have a big event, the important thing is that the trail is finished and that you are invited to hike it whenever you can!
The two mile trail begins just off Rte. 28A about 0.2 miles west of the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. There is a dedicated parking area just 100 feet into the woods. From there follow the blue markers and yellow directional signs. Just before making the turn towards the top of the old Yale Quarry, a source of rock during the construction of the reservoir, pass the ruins of an old stone building that was used to store explosives. There are sweeping views of the Catskills, including four high peaks, from the high, open ledges along the top of the quarry wall. The path is through a mixed forest of hardwoods and pine, with a 200′ foot section passing through dense mountain laurel.
Be sure to check out the remnants of the railroad loading zone on a short spur trail near the southern end of the main loop trail. A large seasonal vernal pool fed by water falling from the quarry walls is an added point of interest in spring. Although It retains water year round, it becomes very low in summer. As you return to the parking lot, pass through an interesting area with large mounds of tailings that line both sides of the trail.
This is an easy hike with about 150 feet of elevation gain.
For more information and to print a map and trail guide visit:
https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/wh…/ashokan-quarry-trail/
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.
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Bill Palmer, Palmer Hill Photography.
February 2020
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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
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
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
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
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
January 2020
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8:00 First Day Hike at Ashokan High Point
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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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Event Duration: 11 miles, 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
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
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
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