Sunday, September 20, 9 AM - Hike Belleayre Ridge from Lost Clove
Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series: This hike covers the entire Lost Clove, Cathedral Glen and Belleayre Ridge trails and a small portion of the Pine Hill-West Branch trail.Join co-leaders Laura Sanford and Tom Martone for a 5.6 mile thru hike of the Belleayre Ridge. We’ll climb up to the ridge by hiking the Lost Clove Trail. Once on the ridge, we’ll pass two lean-tos and the site of a former firetower on east summit of Belleayre Ridge. Our lunch and rest spot is at the end of the Belleayre Ridge Trail where a ski lift terminates and Sunset Lodge provides a nice location for a restful lunch with mountain views to both the north and south. Optionally, a short out and back hike can get us to the true summit of Belleayre Mountain (3,420’) which is a Catskill 100 Highest Peak. After lunch we will backtrack across the ridge, and finally, we’ll follow the entire length of the Cathedral Glen Trail and finish in Pine Hill.
The hike is moderately difficult due to descending some steep sections on the Cathedral Glen trail. The climb from Lost Clove is steady but moderate. Most of the hiking will be on mostly level terrain along the Belleayre Ridge. We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but terrain can be uneven and rocky. Hiking poles can be helpful. We will hike at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.The weather in September in the Catskills can vary widely. Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers. A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm. It can be breezy up on the exposed areas of the ridge.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).
As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must. A hat, sunscreen and bug repellent may make the day more enjoyable.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Friday September 18, 2015. In your email, let us know the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles from the start and end points.NYNJTC Map 142 – Northeastern Catskills
NYNJTC Catskill Hiking Trail ConditionsWe’ll meet at the large parking area next to the Pine Hill Community Center which is at 287 Main St, Pine Hill, NY 12465 at 9am and then we’ll carpool over to the Lost Clove Parking Area to start the hike.