Join the Catskill Conservation Corps and the Trail Conference’s Catskills Trail Crew on the Kaaterskill Falls Trail as we work to improve this trail.For more info and to sign up to help visit: http://catskillconservationcorps.org/2015/05/06/help-improve-the-kaaterskill-falls-trail-on-june-15-2015/
News
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4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon
Join the Catskill Mountain Club for the 4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon.'Tis the Season, and we’re planning our annual “Feed the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail. Join us on Sunday December 13 at 12 noon. Meet at the Andes Rail Trail on Cabin Hill Road, just outside the village. Bring something that will feed the birds, to hang on the tree in the field just passed the boardwalk. We’ll spread cheer amongst ourselves and at the same time help to soften the extreme hardness of the Catskill winters.After the hike we will enjoy snacks at the newly restored Train Station. Bring something to share (holiday treats, snacks, goodies, drinks).Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.RSVP to aroberti@catskill.net
Nov. 21 - Dec. 13 | Regular Deer and Bear Hunting Season for 2015
New York's rifle hunting season for deer and bear begins on Saturday, November 21 and ends on Sunday, December 13. This is followed by a week of muzzleloading and crossbow hunting from December 14 until December 22. Opening weekend is always the busiest for hunters.The CMC suggests that you hike in areas where hunting is prohibited or unlikely during this season. The Delhi Trails, the Andes Rail Trail, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, the Marbletown O&W Rail Trail and the Walkway Across the Hudson are good choices. Much of Minnewaska State Park Preserve is free of hunting. Other nearby state parks with no hunting are Robert V. Riddell near Oneonta, Mills-Norrie near Staatsburg and Highland Lakes near Middletown. Check nearby state park regulations here and also check properties held by land conservancy organizations.If you are hiking in the Catskill Forest Preserve, choose your route wisely. Hunting is rare on many of the Catskill High Peaks. Look for trails that are steep and avoid relatively flat areas and/or areas that are readily accessible by motor vehicle. Be aware that many DEP properties allow hunting. Check here. The CMC urges all hikers to wear blaze orange caps and/or vests when hiking. It is a good idea to hike in groups in order to increase visibility and draw attention to your presence in the woods. Be observant, be careful and be safe.• Avoid hiking close to dawn and dusk when hunters are more likely to be in the woods. Weekends are the busiest time.• Wear blaze orange – hats, pack covers, jackets, etc. Do not wear white, which can be mistaken for the flash of a deer’s tail.• Don’t forget about orange for your pets as well.• Stay on trails. Don't bushwhack in areas open to hunting at this time of year.• Hike where deer, and therefore hunters, are less likely to be found. Don’t hike in areas that you know are popular with hunters.• If you hear hunters or gunshots, announce in a loud voice, “Hikers on Trail”.
Great Start to Lark in the Park 2015
The first day of the Catskills Lark in the Park 2015 was rainy and raw, causing some events to be postponed or cancelled. The would-be Pepacton paddlers headed instead to Woodchuck Lodge with hopes of clearing weather and a late afternoon paddle after getting an up close look at many wonderful birds. We didn't get to paddle, but we had a great time seeing and learning about Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls, Screetch Owls, Red Tail Hawks, Broad Wing Hawks and Kestrels. A couple of us even got a turn holding owls!The weather couldn't have been nicer for Sunday's events....here are a few pictures from the bird program and the Shavertown Trail Hike. Here is Annie Mardiney, Wildlife Rehabilitator with a few of her charges:
The Shavertown Trail
The Catskills Lark in the Park is Under Way!
During the 10 days from October 3 thru October 12, the Catskill Mountain Club along with our partners, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, host the 2015 Catskills Lark in the Park. The premier annual event celebrating the outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Catskills, as well as lectures and other events exploring diverse topics about the history of and conservation efforts in the Catskills, the Lark in the Park offers over 50 events to hikers, paddlers, cyclists and so many others.Join us for these ten days of fall color adventure. To check the schedule and register for our events, visit CatskillsLark.org.
We've entered the double digits in the Catskills All Trails Challenge!
Congratulations to our Catskills All Trails Challenge Finishers!
| #1 David White |
| #2 Ralph Bressler |
| #3 Carol White |
| #4 Mike Dwyer |
| #5 Ellen Dwyer |
| #6 George Grzyb |
| #7 Laura Smith |
| #8 Ken Morgan |
| #9 Mark Petrie |
| #10 Tom Martone |
| #11 Jim Bryden |
| #12 Laurel Bryden |
| #13 Heather Rolland |
| #14 Rick Taylor |
| #15 Steve Emanuel |
If you'd like to know more about this great milestone of Catskills Hiking, read more .....
Saturday August 8th, 2 pm, Hike the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur
Join the Catskill Mountain Club on an Andes Community Day walk on the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur. The hike begins at 2pm to give participants time to enjoy the parade, fun, food and other goings on around Andes for Community Day.The group will walk on the railbed portion of the trail and will then separate into two groups, one continuing on the Bullet Hole Spur and another returning to the trailhead.2 miles round trip for railbed only portion, 4 miles round trip for rail trail and Bullet Hole Spurt.No advanced registration necessary -- just show up at the trailhead on Cabin Hill Road at 2:00 pm.DIRECTIONS: Meet at the train depot on Cabin Hill Road/CR 2 just past the flashing red light in downtown AndesLearn more about the Trail
Very Limited Access to Kaaterskill Falls
The DEC is currently working to improve public safety at Kaaterskill Falls after several deaths in recent years. They ask that you avoid going to the Falls entirely this summer.The Laurel House Road Trail and parking area will be closed for the remainder of the summer and fall. You can still access the falls from 23A however the trail past the wooden fence is closed, anyone found either past the fence or on the Laurel House road side will be ticketed by the DEC.This is to allow the DEC to build new stairs and other improvements that will make Kaaterskill Falls a safer and more enjoyable experience for all. Please give the DEC and contractors the space they need for yours and their safety. Work should be completed by the end of the work season, keep checking the trail update page for the latest information.More details on the work and the closures can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/102427.htmlOur friends at the Watershed Post have compiled a list of other great places to visit --10 Catskill Mountain Waterfalls to VisitPlaces to swim in the CatskillsAnd we have our own list of 20 Favorite Hikes as well as a more complete list of Outdoor Activities by Catskill Region -- Hiking, Cycling, etc.
POSTPONED - Hike Ashokan High Point
Come walk the Ashokan High Point Trail and hike along the Kanape Brook on your way to the great views at Ashokan High Point. Elevation of 3080 feet makes this mountain a hundred highest. The hike is approximately 7 miles and is strenuous. Come discover this lovely trail with me in Summer and maybe we will get to pick berries together!Bring lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 quarts). Wear moisture wicking clothing and good hiking shoes. Well behaved dogs are permitted.You can register by phone or email by Friday, July 10th . After that please use PHONE ONLY. Must leave a reachable contact phone for use on evening before/ morning of hike with your name to be registered on hike, please.Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com Phone 845- 216-2021.Directions: NYNJTC Catskill Trail Map 141 - Kanape Brook. Trailhead is on Peekamoose Road (CR 42), best accessed from SR 28 to 28A, to West Shokan, then to Rte. 42/Watson Hollow Rd. going West. From SR 17 take Liberty exit to 55/ 55A, on to Rte. 151 and Peekamoose Road (CR 42).
Monday, June 15 - From our friends at the Catskill Conservation Corps
Help Improve the Kaaterskill Falls Trail on June 15, 2015
Join the Catskill Conservation Corps and the Trail Conference’s Catskills Trail Crew on the Kaaterskill Falls Trail as we work to improve this trail.For more info and to sign up to help visit: http://catskillconservationcorps.org/2015/05/06/help-improve-the-kaaterskill-falls-trail-on-june-15-2015/The Finger Lakes Trail in the Catskills - Talk and Hike! June 6th
On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6th at 1:00pm, Rick Roberts, Catskill Mountain Club President and Catskill Maintenance Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) will be at Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, NY to present an overview of the 90-mile section of the trail as is makes its way through the Catskills.The talk will touch on the history of the 570-mile FLT, the governing body of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and the highlights of the FLT in the Catskills, starting near the Cannonsville reservoir and ending near Slide Mt. Items to be handed out will include maps of the Catskill portion of the FLT, information cards, and copies of the Finger Lakes Trail News.To reserve a seat, call Lisa at 845 439 5507. Directions available at www.morgan-outdoors.com. This free public event is sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Club, with support from Morgan Outdoors.Following the talk Rick will lead a 2.5 mile hike to Split Rock along the FLT section comprising the Mary Smith and Pelnor Hollow Trails. This hike is relatively easy with only one steep section as we near the Split Rock overlook. The hike will start at the Mary Smith trailhead on Holliday/Berry Brook Rd. at approximately 2:30 pm.Morgan Outdoors will lend Leki hiking poles at no cost to the first 6 people who reserve them in celebration of National Trails Day.
May 29th, 11 am. Grand Opening and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail. Location: Intersection of NYS Rte 10 and NYS Rte 268 on the Cannonsville Reservoir, 12 miles west of Walton on Rte 10. The hike is a 7 mile loop with strenuous sections and an elevation gain of 1000'.
Saturday, May 9, 2015 1:00 PM - Community Fit Day Hike
Join CMC Board Member Amy Beveridge for a Community Fit Day Hike.Delhi, NY, Hike the Delhi Trails, Bulldog Run Loop (2.3 miles) This hike is geared toward everyone from the beginner to avid hiker. The terrain is a moderately difficult; hikers should expect two strenuous short inclines to start and a wooded path with trees lining both sides of the trail for most of the way. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear sturdy footwear, comfortable clothes, and bring a bottle of water. Leave no trace rules (If you carry it in, you carry it out) will be reviewed prior to the hike and obeyed during the event. This hike is part of Delhi’s Community Fit Day. A donation for the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society is strongly encouraged. Suggested items for donation include: paper towels, non clumping cat litter, cash/check.R.S.V.P to Amy Beveridge at (607) 278-5461 or email albeveridge04@gmail.com.For more information about Community Fit Day Details visit http://www.clasiladies.com/community-fit-day.html.For details and a map of the Delhi Trails, click hereMeet at 1 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Andes Road/Rt 28, Delhi, NY
Fun morning watching birds!
An intrepid group of bird enthusiasts turned out for the spring bird watching hike on the Andes Rail Trail. The highlight: we were treated to many flashes of the ruby crown of the Ruby Crowned Kinglet. The full list of the birds sighted and heard is available in this checklist. Thank you Andy Mason for a great morning!Andes birdwalk Checklist 4-26-2015
May is Schoharie Watershed Month -- with lots of events to celebrate
Now in its sixth year, Schoharie Watershed Month (May) offers a series of free events to celebrate the region’s beauty and natural resources. Presented by Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District and New York City Department of Environmental Protection -- and in partnership with many area organizations and individuals -- the events will focus on water quality and watershed appreciation throughout the Schoharie Basin.There are plenty of great events and workshops. Of particular interest to CMC members might be:Saturday, May 23rd - Paddle the Schoharie Reservoir! Catskill Outback Adventures will provide kayaks and canoes and lead this trip from Snyder’s Cove on opening weekend. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact Michelle Yost (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com.Saturday May 30th - Hike Bearpen Mountain. 9 AM - 2 PM. Join Peter Manning for this 7-mile hike with panoramic views of the Schoharie Watershed. Moderate - Difficult. Bring lunch. Registration required by 5/29: localtouristpqm@gmail.com (Rain date: May 31st).Saturday May 30th - “The Schoharie Basin and Its Ice Age History” Bob and Johanna Titus tell the story of how glaciers shaped the Schoharie Basin and created its most scenic views. 6 PM at the Mountaintop Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls. The Tituses gave an entertaining and informative presentation at a CMC dinner a couple of years ago -- this talk is sure to be great.Read More Here. For complete activity listings with descriptions, updates, sponsors, and other details please visit www.catskillstreams.org or contact the Schoharie Watershed Program of Greene County SWCD at (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com.
Sunday, April 26th, 8 AM - Bird Watching Hike on the Andes Rail Trail
Join us as we host Andy Mason of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail!The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. has scheduled a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail for Sun. April 26. Returning spring migrants including warblers, thrushes, flycatchers as well as resident species can be expected. Participants should meet at the Depot St. trailhead at 8 a.m. The walk will last approximately two hours.For further information, contact Andy Mason, (607) 652-2162, AndyMason@earthling.net.Andy will be speaking at the Andes Round Table on April 1st, giving us a preview of the birds we will see when spring finally does arrive
CATs Challenge Updates
Now that our harsh Winter of 2015 seems over, hikers are preparing for getting into the woods. We have had several recent inquiries about the Catskills All Trails Challenge that we think many hikers might like to know about.Several people have asked if hikers must complete road walks when trail segments connect via a road route. The answer is no. The CATs Challenge is to hike the hiking trails.Some people have wondered about multi-use trails. CATs hikers must hike multi-use trails when one of the designated uses is hiking. You do not need to hike trails that are designated for cycling, equestrian or snowmobile use.Due to some recent changes to the trail system in the Bluestone Wild Forest, our list of trails has been updated. (You can download it on the CATs page.) The Jockey Hill - Wintergreen Ridge Trail succeeds the Jockey Hill Trial. The entire trail is marked yellow. The distances for the three Onteora Lake Trails (red, blue and yellow) have been adjusted, but the trails remain the same. The most recent map is available on the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbswf.pdfWe will begin posting hikes on some of the less well known and used Catskill Park trails shortly. Please join us for the fun of these explorations in search of sights and features seldom seen.If you have questions about the CATs Challenge, please email them to activities@catskillmountainclub.org. or ask them in the comments section at the bottom of the CATs page. We are happy to clarify any issues and know that many people will find the answers useful.Happy hiking!
Celebrate National Walking Day with a walk on the Andes Rail Trail -- Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 -- No Foolin'!
The Catskill Mountain Club is celebrating National Walking Day by taking a lunchtime walk on the Andes Rail Trail. Come and join us!Various Delaware County organizations are also celebrating -- find out more by visiting the GetOutAndWalk.org website.
