Catskills All Trails Challenge: Adding the New Overlook Mountain Trails

There are two recent additions to the trail system on Overlook Mountain. The Meads Meadow Trail and the Overloop Trail provide new easy to moderate hikes that loop north off the Overlook Spur Trail, which has been extended to the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area. Together they add 1.8 miles of new trails. Going forward, those trails are being added to the list of trails that must be hiked in order to complete the All Trails Challenge requirements. With their inclusion their are now 347 miles of designated hiking trails that must be hiked to receive your cetificate, patch and shirt. More Happy Hiking!Overlook Mountain Wild Forest map.

Announcing the First Annual CMC Picnic | Saturday, July 28, 10 AM - 5 PM

The CMC's first annual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 28 at Belleayre Beach in the heart of the Catskills. The picnic, which is open to CMC members and their guests, will feature local hikes, games, swimming and paddling. Hikes to the summit of Belleayre or at Rochester Hollow will start the day, beginning at 10 AM and returning to the lake in the early afternoon. Snacks, yard games, swimming, paddling (boats and boards can be rented on site) and fishing (NYS license required) will be available all day.  After the hikes we'll have a picnic, with hamburgers, hotdogs and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the CMC (vegetarian options will be served). All parties should bring a dish to share. You may bring beer and wine (not allowed on the beach). Not a current member?  Join or renew below. We hope to see you there!What you need to know:Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a state owned and operated facility in the village of Pine Hill. It features a beach, rental kayaks and lifeguards on duty. It serves as the trailhead for the Giggle Hollow Trail. 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. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Lunch at 2:00 PM.Registration is required by July 23^rd.  (Click the link to go to the registration page.)Park Entrance Fee: $14 per car with up to seven passengers, or $5 per person if you walk in. (Parking outside the gate is limited.)Paddling rental fee: $15 per hour, or bring your same-day steam cleaned boat. (Click here for a list of approved steam cleaners.) PFDs required.What you'll need: If you're hiking, bring good hiking shoes and comfortable clothing, plenty of water and a snack. Hiking poles are suggested.Swim suits, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired. A dish to share. Organizers will ask for a side dish, a dessert or a salad.Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Belleayre Lake is on Friendship Manor Road and is visible from SR 28 in Pine Hill. Coming from the east it is just before the entrance into Pine Hill. From the west on SR 28 it is 1 mile past Galli-Curci Road (to Belleayre Ski Center) in Highmount.

Map and Compass Workshop: Essential Knowledge | Sunday, July 15, 10:00 AM

Many hikers have become reliant on their gps unit or their smartphone to navigate in the mountains. They work great until they don't, then you're up a creek without a paddle unless you have these millenia old tools. They only weigh a couple of ounces, so don't be concerned about adding to your burden. They are among the most valuable tools you will carry.  Knowing how to use them can save your day, or even save your life.CMC Board member Will Soter is a NYSDEC licensed guide. This free hands on Map and Compass class will cover the basics of reading a map, plotting a course on a map, following a course in the field, recording a path of travel, and locating yourself on the map.Participants should bring a baseplate compass.Leader:  Will SoterBring:  good hiking shoes, baseplate compass, water.Group size is limited to 20, so register early.Registration required:  by July 12.To register:  contact Will at upstateadventureguides@gmail.comDirections:  Meet at the Palmer Hill trailhead located between Margaretville and Andes, just off SR 28 on Finkle Rd.

Andes Rail Trail Gets Some Big Improvements

April 10, 2018Parking has always been a bit tricky for visitors to the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur, but no longer. There has been a great improvement to the parking situation thanks to the Town of Andes, landscaper Mel Bellar and CMC board member Ann Roberti. The entrance to the Trail and to the historic train station has been opened up and improved so that parking is now available adjacent to the trailhead. The trailhead itself has a newly redesigned entrance. The parking area was paved with crushed stone by LaFever Excavating. While there, they generously donated work to improve a long existing drainage problem on the trail. The CMC thanks all those involved in these projects for a great job.

Volunteer with the CMC! You'll Love It (and so will We).

Do You Have Some Time to Spare? Love to Pitch in on a Community Project? Looking for a Good Excuse to Get Out of the House (and Into the Woods)? We've Got You Covered!We admit it. We've got big eyes. We look around at all of the great things happening in the Catskills and we want to jump into the action. But, alas, we could use lots more help. Here's what's coming up. See something that appeals? Just get in touch with us and we'll tell you how you can help.

1. We're going to be building a brand new trail as soon as the thaw allows. It's on a cool site with historical features and significance, and it's in easy walking distance of the 100 year old Ashokan Reservoir with its great views, multi-use paths, bald eagles and all of that water, which is, of course, the point.
2. We'll be relocating a portion of our Shavertown Trail due to a logging operation that will harvest the many ash trees on the parcel that are threatened by emerald ash borer, a destructive invasive species. Let's face it, the cut won't be pretty even if the beetles are. We aim to fix that.
3. Did we mention trails? Well, we have four others that are going to need a little maintenance after the trials of winter. Maybe you think we're weird, but to us this is fun. See for yourself!
4. We'll let you in on a little secret. We're planning our first ever club picnic. We need help organizing it. You know..... food, games, hikes, the works. So if you like to party, this may be for you. But don't tell yet. And for heaven's sake, don't mention it on social media. This isn't another Woodstock Festival.
5. If you have professional skills that we might benefit from and you are willing to donate your services, please let us know. We occasionally need advice with membership drives, fundraising, legal questions, promotional material design, web design, sign making and more.
6. We have other needs as well, including volunteer representation at local street fairs and similar events and help keeping trailheads and visitor centers supplied with the guide to the CMC's trails, a brochure with trail descriptions and maps. If you live in New York City or northern New Jersey and could help us place our trail brochures in popular outfitters like Campmor, Tents and Trails, etc. we would like to work with you to make that happen.
7. Did we mention trails? We are going to be maintaining the trails at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center. This job differs from our other trail maintenance in a couple of ways. First, the trails are mostly ADA accessible trails, so they are easy walks. Second, the CIC is a busy place and it will get busier. As a result, the trails will need to be checked once a month and crew members will need to be on call to clear a downed tree or other trail blocking object within a week. The total length of the trails is about one mile, so the time spent per visit should be relatively short.

Volunteering is easy. Just go to our email list and register your name and email address, then check the category of service you'd like to provide. You can be more specific in the field provided for a description of your interests, if you like. Another option is to email us at info@catskillmountainclub.org.

Read All About It in the The CMC's Winter 2018 Newsletter

Winter 2018 NewsletterHave you come home from a winter hike to find that a tick has attached itself to you!? Maybe you've been out on a little adventure on the trails and found yourself on your butt more times than you care to remember. Read our review of traction devices and you'll soon be prepared for another, safer outing. These articles and much more are yours to read by clicking here. Subscribe to our mailing list to get future newsletters and CMC updates in your mailbox automatically. Just give us your name, email address and mailing address and you'll be kept informed about CMC happenings. We promise not to flood your inbox.Of course, our favorite option would be that you become a CMC member. Our modest membership dues are what we rely on to make the wheels go 'round. And you get some nice perks with your annual membership. Check it out. Thanks.

Catskills All Trails Challenge: De-listing the Jockey Hill Trails

After careful consideration, the CMC has decided to de-list the Jockey Hill Trails as a hike required to qualify for the Catskills All Trails Challenge certificate of completion. Like the Elm Ridge trails in Greene County, which were never listed as required hikes, Jockey Hill trails are multi-purpose and are designed with the needs of mountain biking users in mind. The Department of Environmental Conservation has indicated that the trail system at Jockey Hill will be expanded to serve those needs. These additions further change the hiking experience through the design of trails that form multiple loops. Similar improvements have been made at Elm Ridge, and the CMC applauds the decision of the DEC to expand mountain biking opportunities in the Catskill Park. However, such trails are not conducive to a satisfying hiking experience.To those who have already hiked Jockey Hill in its current configuration, we say congratulations. We hope you enjoyed your explorations there. Feedback from some CATs hikers, along with consultation with the DEC about the expanded system have informed our decision. Of course, any hiker is more than welcome to explore both Jockey Hill and Elm Ridge. Until the current supply of CATs Challenge tee shirts runs out, Jockey Hill will continue to be listed on the shirt. It will be removed from the published list of required hikes. As this development illustrates, the trail system in the Catskill Park in dynamic. New trails are sometimes added and old trails are sometimes rerouted or abandoned. We appreciate input from our members and friends and look forward to hearing from you as you continue the quest. Thanks for participating and for spreading the word about the Catskills All Trails Challenge and the wonderful trails and features that are discovered with each hike!

Catskill Park Day 2018: A Call to Action

 In only a few days the CMC and its Catskill Park Coalition partners will go to Albany for our annual Catskill Park Day. We'll meet with our elected representatives, including the Governor and members of the legislature, to press for action on the policy priorities we have identified for 2018.If you are not able to travel with us to Albany for Catskill Park Day, there's a way to speak up and speak out right from the comfort of your home or office. By raising your voice, you amplify our message and add power to its effectiveness.You can either send Governor Cuomo a brief letter of support for the priorities of the Catskill Mountain Club and its Catskill Park Coalition partners, or you can call the Governor's office and give a brief message of support.Below are the specific requests made by the CPC for 2018. Simply glance at them, pick one or two that resonates with you and place your call telling the assistant who answers what you would like the Governor to support.If you prefer to write a note, we have provided a link to the form used by the Governor's office. You can simply copy and paste the message we have written below or edit it to suit your preferences.We have had good results over the past several years and anticipate continued success with support from folks like you who love the Catskills and care about its future.Thank you for your efforts!Phone number of the Governor's office: (518) 474-8390   Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pmLink to the Governor's email system: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-formSample letter:Dear Governor Cuomo,I am writing today to respectfully ask that you give your support to the priorities for the Catskill Park and region as expressed by the Catskill Mountain Club and its fellow members of the Catskill Park Coalition.The Catskill Park is one of our nation's great natural assets, encompassing hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine wilderness and sparkling clean waters. It is home to huge communities of rare wildlife and to one of the most diverse forests in the world. And it is one of New York's greatest outdoor recreational areas, along with the Adirondack Park.Please support the continuing improvements to the Catskills environment and Park infrastructure that allow members of the public to experience the great outdoors in all its glory in a way that is both safe and sustainable.Sincerely,

Overlook Mountain: New Parking Area and Trail Will Relieve a Big Problem

December 19, 2017The DEC opened the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area on McDaniel Rd. today. A new trail system explores the Magic Meadow parcel, and the new connector trail leads to the existing trail to the summit and fire tower.Severe overuse has long plagued hikers with parking problems that resulted in dangerous conditions on the road for hikers and drivers alike. A downloadable map is available on the CMC website here: Overlook Mountain new parking & trails.

New: Catskills Trail Conditions Reports from the Catskill Interpretive Center

The Catskill Interpretive Center has added a very valuable service for visitors who hike in the Catskills. The weekly updated trail condition reports offer vital news about all sorts of hazards and problems that hikers might encounter. Things like washouts, trail obstructions, weather related conditions and other related info can be found in one convenient spot. Check out the CMC Facebook page on Thursdays for a link to the new reports, or visit the Catskill Interpretive Center's trail conditions webpage.The CMC is an operating partner of the Catskill Interpretive Center. To support out work there, please consider donating to or joining the CMC. Thank you.

CMC Annual Dinner fun for all

Attendees enjoyed the company, fine food and the informative talk by Tom Davidock of the NYC DEP. Raffle Prize Winners! First Prize: Beth Waterman, who chose the snowshoes to replace her old style wooden snowshoes Second Prize: Jack McShane, who chose the Jack Mesick limited edition print. Jack is getting quite a collection of Jack Mesick prints, as he has won these twice in the past. Third Prize: Edie Mesick, kayak 

September 30th through October 9th -- Catskills Lark in the Park

Visit the Lark website for events during the 10 days of Catskills Lark In the Park -- events are being added continually....

We have a new "Wildflowers of the Catskills" page!

Visit our newly expanded page covering Wildflowers of the Catskills.We now list over 130 species and cover the seasons from early spring through fall. With Spring arriving and a new year of blooms on the way, what better way to enjoy them than to get prepared by familiarizing yourself with them? Our page is set up for quick reference and it focusses on the flowers you will see right here in the Catskills! Check it out.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CMC’S 2016 SEASON

STEWARDSHIP- The CMC annually maintains five CMC trails totaling 20 miles and seven DEC trails totaling nearly 25 miles. In 2016, 36 trail maintenance hikes were conducted totaling 750 volunteer hours, all headed by the Club’s VP , Wendell George.TRAIL BUILDING- Since 2011, the CMC has built 5 new hiking trails on lands owned by NYC DEP as well as Delaware Academy. The newest trail, that to the former fire tower on Bramley Mountain near Delhi NY, was opened on July 29th . The opening ceremony was attended by nearly 40 hiking enthusiasts, local, state and City officials and followed by a hike to the summit.The five CMC trails have been very popular since their openings. Over the past year nearly 5600 hikers have signed-in on these trails. Approximate counts by trail are:

• Delhi Trails – over 1000 visitors in 2016
• Palmer Hill Trails - 1300 in the last year
• Shavertown Trail - 1200 in the last year.
• Andes Rail Trail & Bullet Hole Spur- 1500 in the last year
• Bramley Mountain Trails - 600 hikers from opening day thru December

This year the CMC produced a brochure/map highlighting these five trails. The brochure is being distributed at all CMC trailheads as well as various informational kiosks and at the Catskill Interpretive Center in Mt. Tremper. The maps of the five CMC trails can also be viewed on our website from the Where to Go menu.CMC EVENTS- CMC members led over 40 Hikes, paddles and other CMC events in 2016 that were enjoyed by 400+ participants. In addition CMC members are leading over 25 events for this year's Catskill Lark in the Park. Upcoming hikes and other CMC events can be viewed on the CMC website at Upcoming Events.ADVOCACY - The CMC is involved with several organizations advocating for outdoor recreational concerns affecting the Catskill area.The Catskill Park Coalition is a partnership of many Catskill organizations, all concerned with outdoor recreation and related public land concerns. Each February the Coalition members travel to Albany for Catskill Park Awareness Day, advocating for increased funding for outdoor recreation, conservation and tourism related issues. In 2016 the Coalition succeeded in obtaining $500,000 dedicated for use within the Catskill Park. Part of this allocation is being used for the creation of a new comprehensive recreation plan as well as various infrastructure improvements. In addition, the continuation of the NYS Ranger Academy was stressed as well as the hiring of 2 assistant Forest Rangers, both which were granted. Also, $994,000 was asked for and allocated for the Catskill Interpretative Center, which opened on NYS Rte 28 in Mt. Tremper in July of 2015. The funding will allow for the building of a full scale old style fire tower, a fire warden’s cabin, a picnic pavilion, an amphitheater and new road side signage.Information on the 2017 Awareness Day can be viewed at catskillcenter.org/awareness-day/.The Catskill Park Advisory Committee -  The Committee is a group of local government representatives, agencies and  area organizations representing the various communities and user groups of the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed. The purpose of the Committee is to provide assistance, advice and guidance to the NYSDEC, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and other land managers in the management of the New York State Forest Preserve, the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed. The CMC is a charter member of this Committee and meets with it on a quarterly basis.STAFFING of the Maurice Hinchey Catskill Interpretitive Center (CIC) - The CMC is one of five operating partners for the CIC and provides part of the volunteer staff operating the center 363 days a year. In all,  CMC members volunteered over 600 hours for its operation in 2016. The CIC opened in July, 2015. catskillinterpretivecenter.org.CMC DONATIONS -  $1000 to Summit Stewards Program - Summit Stewards patrol the summit areas of Giant Ledge/Panther, Slide, Wittenberg, and Cornell mountains during the summer hiking period. They work closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and address the unique concerns of these peaks to the hikers they encounter. See Summit Stewards.$1000 to the Catskill Interpretive Center - The CIC is the Catskills Tourist Information Center.LARK IN THE PARK 2016- Last year was the 12th annual Lark in the Park and featured 50 separate events over 10 days from October 3rd to the 12th and was enjoyed for nearly 750 attendees. For this year’s 2016 program we had 60 events , many being held by 19 Catskill Based organizations such as Mountain Keeper, Catskill Rec. Center, Trout Unlimited and the 3500 Club. The CMC has been the main driving force of this annual event celebrating the creation of the Catskill Park. CMC members have spent over 200 man hours, planning and leading events. See catskilsllark.org.CATSKILL ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE- In 2014 the CMC created this unique opportunity for hikersto receive recognition for the hiking of all 87 trails and 350 miles of Catskill Park Trails. This year wehad 15 hikers complete the Challenge bringing the total to 32. For more on the Challenge go tohttps://catskillmountainclub.org/the-all-trails-hiking-challenge-redlining-the-catskills.SOCIAL MEDIA- The Board of Directors of the CMC sees the use of the various social media platforms as vital for the future dissemination of CMC information, news, advocacy issues as well as trail conditions and hiker safety concerns. The CMC currently uses FaceBook for communicating with CMC members.CMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS- The CMC Board meets every other month in Arkville, NY to discuss Club business, outdoor recreational issues, interface with other Catskill organizations and governments entities, plan events and review financial concerns During 2016 the all volunteer Directors spent on over 2000 man hours on club business.

IT'S HUNTING SEASON, SO WHERE CAN YOU HIKE?

Hiking During Hunting Season

Each year the popular deer and bear hunting seasons mean that everyone who goes into the woods in the Catskills needs to be aware, be alert and ALWAYS BE DRESSED IN ORANGE (dogs included). Whether you are on forest preserve, state forest or NYCDEP lands, the early two week bear hunting season and the regular three week fall deer and bear season, during which hunters are permitted to use rifles, are a time for added care.  Check here for annual season updates:  https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65231.html

Alternatives where hunting is not permitted do exist. Most are not within the Catskills proper, but all are close enough to make a day trip practical. It is advisable to wear orange even when hiking on these trails. The added precaution affords peace of mind.
Listed below are 21 great places to get outdoors where hunting is not permitted. We suggest that you consider exploring new territory or revisiting your favorites. Happy Trails!

Andes Rail Trail/Bullet Hole Spur (in Andes)
Bear Mountain State Park (near West Point)
Black Creek Preserve (near Esopus)
Delhi Trails (in Delhi)
Ferncliff Forest & Fire Tower (Rhinebeck)
Harriman State Park (near Harriman)

High Banks Preserve (near Ulster Park)
Highland Lakes State Park ***(near Middletown)
Israel Wittman Sanctuary (Saugerties)
Mills-Norrie State Park (near Staatsburg)
Minnewaska State Park Preserve* (near New Paltz)
Riddell State Park (near Davenport/Oneonta)
Sloan Gorge Preserve (Saugerties)
Snake Rocks Preserve (Woodstock)
Thacher State Park** (near Voorheesville)
Thorne Preserve (Woodstock)
The Willows at Brandow’s Point (Athens)
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (Kingston to Gardiner)
Walkway Over the Hudson & 
Franny Reese State Park (can be combined) (Poughkeepsie/Highland)
Zena Cornfield (Woodstock)

The North-South Lake Day Use Area is one place in the Catskill Park where hunting is not permitted. Be aware that the area does not include Kaaterskill Falls or the Escarpment Trail to the south of the intensive use area. It does extend on all trails north to Badman Cave.

*No bear season. For deer seasons, no hunting in the vicinity of hiking trails – check map here: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaMinnewaskaHuntingMaps.pdf

**Hunting allowed in a some areas. See map for details: https://parks.ny.gov/…/ThacherThacherStateParkHuntingMap.pdf

***Archery hunting only allowed Monday - Friday. See map for details. https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/HighlandLakesHuntingMap.pdf

$500,000 in Newly Released Funding Announced for a Catskills Comprehensive Recreation Plan and More

November 3, 2016   The Catskill Park Coalition, of which the CMC is a founding member, has successfully lobbied Albany for funds to support the Catskills since its founding four years ago. $500,000 has just been released for a variety of projects that will improve planning and public access. Read about the CPC's latest success in this Watershed Post article. We will be in Albany again this February with our Coalition partners to speak to our government leaders about the needs of the Catskill Park and the region. 

SUNY Delhi Students Work to Maintain Trails in the Western Catskills

On October 26 a group of SUNY Delhi students, led by Professor David DeForest of the Division of Applied Science and Recreation, maintained sections of the Mary Smith Trail and the Pelnor Hollow Trail from Berry Brook Road to Split Rock. The group cleared several blowdowns and lots of blackberries, etc. that had grown into the trail, making this area difficult to pass through.The CMC would like to thank all participants for coming out on a chilly day and showing some love for the path to the spectacular Split Rock view.

DEC Announces Start of Early Bear Hunting Season - Sept. 10-25

In southeastern New York, including the Catskills, the early bear season runs from September 10 - 25. The early bowhunting season for bears will open in the entire Southern Zone on October 1, followed by the regular firearms season beginning November 19.For more about hunting in New York visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7857.html

CMC Receives the 2016 Alf Evers Award for Excellence

We are very pleased and proud to have received the prestigious 2016 Alf Evers Award for Excellence from the good folks at the Catskill Center. The presentation occurred during the Annual Summer Gathering at the Catskill Center's offices in Arkville, NY.As an organization that greatly values cooperation and collaboration, we salute the Catskill Center for its continuing leadership in our region, and we thank them for recognizing the CMC for playing a constructive role in the work at hand.Following are remarks made by Catskill Center Executive Director Jeff Senterman at the presentation.The Alf Evers Award for Excellence from the Catskill Center is presented to an individual or organization for their distinguished service to the Catskill region.We are blessed in the Catskills to have so many individuals and groups who • work hard to be stewards of our natural resources • educate visitors about the proper use of the great outdoors • and who have a sense of community spirit to improve our region.One such group is the Catskill Mountain Club.Founded in 2004 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Catskill Park.The early Catskill Mountain Club, which included many Catskill Center staff grew and evolved since it’s founding to become committed to efforts to ensure sustainable and safe outdoor recreation on public lands throughout the Catskill region.Today the Catskill Mountain Club strives to raise public awareness and appreciation of the Catskill region, something they rightly describe as “America’s First Wilderness”The Catskill Mountain Club offer dozens of guided hikes, paddles, snow shoe excursions, bike trips and more all over the Catskills.Offering visitors and residents amazing opportunities to get out and experience all that our Catskill Mountains have to offer.But the Catskill Mountain Club isn’t only taking advantage of our region’s vast outdoor recreation resources, they are doing something to help ensure they are available for generations to come!The Catskill Mountain Club stresses and promotes volunteer stewardship of our Catskill Park and public lands by getting their hands dirty!They have constructed five new trails in the Catskills over the last four years - an amazing accomplishment, especially when considering at least some of those trails have been on New York City Department of Environmental Protection lands!Those five trails… • The Andes Rail Trail • The Delhi Trails • The Palmer Hill Trail • The Shavertown Trail • And most recently • The Bramley Mountain TrailRepresenting almost 20 miles of new trails, the Catskill Mountain Club is offering the public more options and leading the way on opening DEP lands for public recreation!When not building trail, the Catskill Mountain Club maintains miles of hiking trails throughout the Catskill Park for the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationThey offer workshops and take part in events that highlight • The natural and human histories of the Catskills, • The issues that are affecting the health and preservation of the Catskills • And teach the skills that are needed to safely enjoy our great outdoors!They join with others of the Catskill Park Coalition to knock on doors in Albany, helping to ensure that the Catskill Park is represented and receives ongoing support.Members of the Catskill Mountain Club even find time to help staff the Catskill Interpretive Center where their expertise on everything outdoors comes in handy to educate visitors to the Park!All this and the Catskill Mountain Club is an all-volunteer grass roots led organization - SIMPLY AMAZING!The Catskill Mountain Club is helping to lead the way towards a sustainable outdoor recreation based economy that while utilizes our vast and beautiful open spaces, while teaching our visitors and park users the value of the region and how to protect it for posterityAs a former member of the Catskill Mountain Club’s Board of Directors, I am truly honored and humbled to have had the chance to be part of this amazing organization and the amount of work that that the members of this organization have put in since my time is astounding!For their work • Protecting our natural resources • Raising awareness and appreciation of our Catskills • Leading activities across the public lands of our region • Working with DEP to increase public access to watershed lands • Building almost 20 miles of new trails • Maintaining miles of Catskill Park hiking trails and • Staffing the Catskill Interpretive CenterAnd most importantly for their love of the Catskills and their ability to protect and preserve the regionI am pleased to present the Alf Evers Award for Excellence to the Catskill Mountain Club in recognition of their leadership in creating and expanding opportunities for the public to enjoy and understand the unique beauty and remarkable nature of our Catskill region.They have made a true impact across the region and it gives me great joy to present this award to • Rick Roberts, the President of the Catskill Mountain Club • Wendell George, the Vice-President of the Catskill Mountain Club • And all members of the Catskill Mountain ClubTHANK YOU from the Catskill Center and from the Catskills!

Announcing Our New Trails Brochure!

August 1, 2016    To celebrate the opening of our fifth trail this past Friday, located on Bramley Mountain, we have published a brochure called "A Guide to the Trails" that provides a map and description of each trail. The full color brochure will be available at each trailhead, at several village kiosks, at the Catskill Interpretive Center and at other locations that distribute tourism information.With the guide, you'll be able to hike each of our trails with confidence. The trail maps show contours at 20' intervals, show notable features and indicate where trailheads are located, making it easy to find your way. Pick one up and keep it in your car or with your pack. You'll always be prepared!You can also download our trail maps to your iPhone or Android device for free. Look for links to the Avenza App and directions for how to get the maps in the Where To Go menu on this site.