Friday, May 2, 9 AM - Balsam Mountain Trail Maintenance

We'll begin our CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew trail maintenance for 2014 on the Pine Hill-West Branch trail loop over Balsam Mountain, beginning at Rider Hollow.We'll be looking for fallen limbs and trees to cut and remove, cleaning out the leaves from waterbars and lopping off limbs that have protruded over the trail. At this time of year, we'll have the added pleasure of looking for early wildflowers and seeing the views through trees that haven't leafed out yet.We have a nice assortment of tools, but feel free to bring your own favorite loppers and pruners. Folding saws with longer blades may be useful, too.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots and extra socks in case you get wet while crossing streams. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels.Contact: Register by Thursday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 8 AM on Friday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 4.9 miles to Rider Hollow Rd. and turn left/southeast. Drive to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Turn left/east and go .5 mile to Rider Hollow Rd. Turn right/southeast to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.