Sustainable and Safe Hiking Practices During the Pandemic and Beyond

Simple Rules to Help Everyone Stay Safe

During the Pandemic:

• Stay close to home.  Driving to distant sites increases the likelihood of spreading the disease.
• Keep a 6 foot distance between you and other hikers (except those in your household)
• If you are not feeling well, stay home.
• Do not expect to use any bathroom or other facilities.
• Do not share equipment except with members of your household.
• Take care when signing in to use your own pen or sanitize your hands immediately after signing. Only have one party member sign in per group.
• Do not share rides except with members of your household.
• Leash your dogs and practice social distancing rules with them.

Guidelines for all times:

• Avoid high use areas or go at off times.
• If the parking lot is full, visit a different location. For visitor safety and the safety of others, do not park on roadsides and only park in designated parking areas.
• Alert others as you pass or step to the side to let other hikers pass.
• Be sure to sign in at the registration box.
• Practice tick prevention and check for ticks after your outing at all times. Tick borne diseases are always possible and can cause serious illness.

We are thankful to first responders and essential workers. Please show your appreciation by maintaining a six foot distance from others while shopping and by wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of the virus. The virus can be transmitted days before symptoms appear, as well as by asymptomatic people shedding the virus.

How the Pandemic is Affecting Our Annual Events

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.

Ashokan Quarry Trail Opens to the Public

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 200 feet of elevation gain.For more information and to print a map and trail guide visit:https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/wh…/ashokan-quarry-trail/

Spring 2020 CMC Newsletter

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.

Spring 2020 Coronavirus Edition Newsletter

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.

Announcing the Formation of the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower

January 21, 2020    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.

16th Annual Lark in the Park | October 5th - 14th, 2019

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

Delhi Town Council Supports the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project

July 30 2019   The Catskill Mountain Club is happy to announce that the Town of Delhi has passed a resolution in support of the CMC's efforts to restore the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to its former home on the mountain's summit, overlooking vast areas of the Catskills. The tower, originally raised in 1950, was decommissioned and then removed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 1975. At that time, the Clark family of Delhi bought the tower, removed it, and has stored it in a barn since then, well protected from the elements. We are grateful to the Clarks for their generous offer to lease the tower to the Town for $1 so it can be placed on the summit again. This is an exciting development that will provide a great new recreational destination in the western Catskills and benefit the communities of Delhi and Bovina with the business of the many hikers who will visit the tower.Bramley Mountain is the site of the well-loved Bramley Mountain Trail, built by the CMC in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and opened to the public in 2016. Currently, the trail attracts over 1500 hikers a year. The CMC estimates that visitorship will more than double when the fire tower opens.The CMC looks forward to working with the NYCDEP, the NYSDEC and the Town of Delhi to finalize the agreements needed to proceed and then begin the task of raising the necessary funds for the project.The CMC is dedicated to improving access to outdoor recreation in the Catskill region. We believe that the communities we serve, including outdoor recreation enthusiasts and the local towns and villages that host public recreational lands, benefit from the presence of conserved lands and waters in many ways, including improved personal happiness, physical health and more robust local economies.Many Catskills residents have spoken enthusiastically in support of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project.  Tom Clark, a Delhi resident and owner of the fire tower said,  “As a child I have fond memories of climbing to the top of Bramley Mountain, going to the fire tower and looking out over the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is my hope, that the once tower again stands on Bramley Mt., that children and others can make the great memories of it that I have been privileged to have.”Matt Krzyston, a member of the  Delhi Town Council and an early supporter of the project said,  "I am grateful for the CMC and their contributions to the Town of Delhi. Their volunteer efforts are a rare and beautiful thing. Their hiking trails have been a perfect addition to our community. The fire tower will be a crowning jewel."Ray Pucci, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce commented,  “The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce applauds the start of this collaborative relationship between the Town of Delhi and the Catskill Mountain Club.  Restoring such unique attractions as fire towers create more reasons for visitors to choose Delaware County as a destination."Hope Knapp, President of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce, had this to say,  "We at the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce are extremely happy that the fire tower on Bramley Mountain has been approved. We look forward to the start of this project. The fire tower will be an amazing attraction to Delhi and will have a positive effect on our community and small businesses."Also in support was Laurie Rankin, Director of the NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association.  “I was very pleased to hear of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement so that the CMC can move forward with their efforts to return the original Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to its home. The nearby Catskill Fire Tower Project has been in existence for over 20 years and contributed greatly to not only a hikers experience and education, but also to the local economy.”Reflected Rick Roberts, President of the Catskill Mountain Club,  “I, too, remember climbing to the top of Bramley Mountain as a kid and visiting the tower. I was in wonder as to just how the builders got it up the mountain. With luck, I hope to be around to witness its re-erection and to see just how those workers achieved that original build.  I also look forward to seeing how the local public responds to the restoration of this historic structure.”  

News about the CMC in the Oneonta Daily Star

The CMC was featured in the Oneonta Daily Star recently.  We are grateful for the recognition of our work on behalf of outdoors enthusiasts and of the communities of the Catskills that benefit from the great recreational assets of our region.

Oneonta Daily Star

Go take a hike

Catskill Mountain Club's trails encourage folks to get outdoors

• By Allison Collins Contributing Writer

Jul 19, 2019

Photo contributed by the CMC - The Pepacton Reservoir as seen from the  Shavertown Trail.

Since 2012, members of the Catskill Mountain Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004, have been designing, building and maintaining user-friendly, close-to-home hiking trails throughout the Catskill region.CMC Executive Director and Margaretville resident Wendell George said the roughly 250-member group is working on building its sixth trail with plans for a seventh next year. The Shavertown Trail, the club’s first build and first collaboration with the New York City Department for Environmental Protection, opened in 2012 in Andes. The group has created about 20 miles of trails.According to catskillmountainclub.org, the Shavertown Trail “offers families and novice hikers … a spectacular view after only 1 moderately strenuous mile.” Trail features include a “lovely pond” and view of the Pepacton Reservoir, with a round-trip distance of about 2 miles.The site says the CMC’s Palmer Hill Trail, its third construction and second DEP partnership, promises “spectacular views for most of its 3.7-mile length.” The Palmer Hill Trail crosses meadows, Bryant’s Brook, historic stone walls and farmhouse foundations, but has a trailhead two miles from Andes and nine from Margaretville, with parking available at the Finkle Road scenic overlook.The approximately 4-mile Bramley Mountain Trail, on DEP property in the towns of Delhi and Bovina, takes hikers to a 2,817-foot summit with views of the mountain’s former fire tower, an abandoned bluestone quarry, caves and peaks of the western Pepacton Range. The trailhead is on Glen Burnie Road in Delhi.The club’s trail building, George said, epitomizes its mission to make outdoor exploration accessible.“We’re trying to offer the general public the opportunity to discover outdoor recreation in the Catskills that is not motorized,” he said. “We want to introduce people to what the Catskills have to offer, so we’ve built these five trails. It takes a season to build a trail; typically, we’re able to get them open by July, but we would’ve started working on them the previous fall.“We’ve generally put trails close to communities, like we did in Andes and Delhi, and next year’s trail will be in Arkville,” George said. “Part of the reason for building the trails closer to communities was to make it easier for people to go hiking. If you have to get in the car and drive 40 minutes to a trailhead, it limits the opportunity to do it. But if there’s a trail right in your hamlet like there is in Andes … or this trail we’re going to build in Arkville, people have a much greater opportunity to go out and hike.”The soon-to-come Arkville-area trail, he said, will likely open in September because of lengthy research required for interpretive signage.“The trails that we’ve built are more introductory-type trails,” CMC board member and Andes resident Anne Roberti said. “That was our focus. There are a lot of trails in the Catskills more suited to strenuous hikers — 35 mountains over 3,500 feet — but there weren’t a lot near towns that were not so hard. We envisioned trails that people could bring small children to or older adults that aren’t up to walking straight up a mountain.”During the design and building phases, George and Roberti said, planners also focus on how to keep hikers engaged.“Going out and laying a trail, there are certain guidelines you want to follow so that it’s not too steep, you minimize erosion and give people a scenic route,” George said. “So we explore around to find the most interesting features — whether that’s rock outcroppings, quarries or waterfalls — and design a trail that visits those kinds of places.”“When the DEP is involved, it can take a little bit longer because they have to issue permits, but the thing that takes the longest is actually laying out the trail,” Roberti said. “We visit numerous times to get a sense of where the best place is. We want to make it sustainable so that there’s no erosion, (ensure) it’s easy enough to walk on and maintain and that it passes interesting things. That’s a big part of what we’re doing when laying it out — looking for what’s fun to see.”The club’s work to facilitate such forest forays, members said, has been met with enthusiasm.“It takes a while to get your message out there and get known, but we have a lot of support,” George said. “Over 8,500 people last year hiked on trails we’ve built … and just this past year we’ve established a relationship with SUNY Delhi. We have a crew of students that take care of the Bramley Mountain Trail and we’re looking to expand that relationship, so we’re definitely in a period of growth and change.”“People love them,” Roberti said. “Some people hike these trails every single day. When I’m out working on them and see people using them, it makes me feel great. It warms my heart to see them making such good use of it and … when people use the outdoors, they’ll protect it more and that’s important.”As an extension of its mission, George said, the group introduced the “Catskills All-Trails Challenge” four years ago.“We started a program to hike all the designated hiking trails in Catskill Park, which is 347 miles, and that’s really starting to catch on,” he said. “We started a Facebook group for it just a couple of months ago and it’s got 380 members, so there are a lot of folks out there that like this idea.”“There are lots of places in the park and Delaware and Sullivan counties … with a lot of trails that simply don’t see a lot of use,” he continued, so this (challenge) is a way to encourage people to explore the park, learn more about it and spread that use around.”A commitment to trail building, George said, goes beyond construction.“Maintenance is a huge part of our program,” George said. “Going out and maintaining these trails, that’s the long-term thing. We have crews of people who do it, but recently we’ve been looking for people willing to adopt specific trails and take care of those on their own, because we’re getting to a place where there’s a lot of work to do.”“We go out twice a year, usually in spring and late summer, and cut trees that have blown down or tall grasses and blackberry bushes that have grown into the trail,” Roberti said. “We also put up trail markers if they’ve gone missing during the winter. We’re always looking for additional volunteers.”The pros of opening and maintaining trails, George and Roberti said, are many and worthy.“We realized that there was a big economic benefit to a community when there are trails close to town,” Roberti said. “You get people coming to stay or have lunch that day.”“We live in this place and we want these lands to be protected for the health of the planet and our own health,” George said, “but we also recognize that the people here need to make a living. When people come up here … you’re attracting people that go to restaurants and stay in bed and breakfasts, so there’s a benefit to the economy.”“The benefits to public health are really tremendous,” he said. “And not just physical health; we’ve all known for years that we should do more physical activities, but the benefits to mental health when people get out and in nature are also tremendous. That is widely recognized as being an important way of helping people cope with the stress of life, so that’s important to us.”

Second Annual Members Picnic | Sunday, August 11, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

🎵 Summer's here and the time is right for picnicking in the park!  🎵       At North-South Lake, that is!

It's time for our Annual Members Picnic!  Join us on August 11th from 10 to 5 at the South Lake pavilion for food, games, hikes, swimming, paddling and just a plain old good time chatting with like minded lovers of the great outdoors.Your club will provide free hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You bring a dish to share.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.Not a current member? Join or renew below.Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Lunch at 1:00 PM.Registration is required by August 6th.  Click here to go to the registration form. There is a day use area entrance fee to the facilities, and if you want to paddle you'll need to rent or bring your own kayak or canoe.First thing in the morning, we'll depart on one or two easy hikes to one of the amazing attractions along the Escarpment. Sunset Rock, Inspiration Point and Kaaterskill Falls are all possibilities.For those who prefer not to hike, choose from several other options.   Afterwards, we'll return to the pavilion for a cookout followed by a few more hours of relaxing, swimming, boating or playing a friendly yard game or two.What you'll need to bring:If you're hiking, bring good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing and plenty of water. Hiking poles are suggested.  Bring swim suits, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired.Bring a dish to share. Organizers will ask for an appetizer, a side dish, a dessert or a salad.  Please see the registration form.Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDriving directions:   From SR 23A in Haines Falls turn north onto North Lake Drive and bear right at the Twilight General Store, continuing to the entrance gate.Make your reservations here: https://catskillmountainclub.org/cmc-annual-picnic-registration/

Views from the Watershed | July 13th and August 3rd, 10 AM - 4 PM

The CMC is excited to announce that tickets for the much anticipated "Views from the Watershed" tours of the NYC Catskill and Delaware watersheds are now available for purchase. Tour dates are Saturday, July 13th and Saturday, August 3rd.

Led by watershed educator and artist Lize Mogel and featuring special guests including historians Diane Galusha, Marianne Greenfield, the DEP's Adam Bosch and CMC Executive Director Wendell George, the all-day bus tours will explore the landscape, history, and politics of the NYC water supply in the Catskills. Hear stories of the water system from the multiple perspectives of people who live and work in it, and who manage it. These tours are a great opportunity for newer or part-time residents of the Catskills and for visitors to learn more about the past, present, and future of how water shapes their environment.The tour begins and ends at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper. With stops at the Ashokan and Pepacton Reservoirs and sites in between, the tour will visit several points of interest as it winds through the scenic Catskill Park. Be sure to bring a camera! Lunch will be available for pre-purchase to be eaten at a stop along the way.These tours are supported in part by an education grant awarded by the Catskill Watershed Corp. to the Catskill Mountain Club.For more information visit Walking the Watershed.

Outdoors Day at the Catskills Visitor Center | June 8th, 9:30 AM

Hike the Tanbark Trail with the CMC.

This moderate hike is about 2 miles long.    We'll meet at the CVC at 9:30 and travel together to the trailhead from there.  The hike should last about two hours and along the way we'll visit two nice viewpoints.  After the hike we'll come back to the Visitor Center for refreshments and to participate in the festivities there.Please bring something to drink. Dress for comfort and wear good hiking shoes. Hiking poles are suggested.This event is limited to 15 hikers.  Please register by contacting wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or by calling 845-586-6273.More about Outdoors Day.

The Catskills All Trails Challenge Gets a Facebook Group

April 24, 2019    With the growing interest in the Catskills All Trails Challenge (CATC), we have created a Facebook group dedicated to the folks who are hiking the Challenge. The page gives you a place to connect with one another, share information and advice about the trails, ask questions, make plans, share routes, find hiking and carpooling partners and post pictures and descriptions of your adventures on the trails of the Catskill Park.Anyone who has hiked or is interested in hiking the All Trails Challenge is welcome to join the group.  You'll need a Facebook account to join.  Simply go to the following link and ask to join. Catskills All Trails Challenge on Facebook.We welcome all hikers who share our values of good stewardship of the Catskill Park. We endorse Leave No Trace principles and compliance with the rules and regulations written by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in order to protect the Catskill Forest Preserve, which was created to protect these lands as "Forever Wild" by an Amendment to the New York State Constitution.  These regulations include limited hiking group sizes, with a legal limit of 20 without a special permit.  We suggest a limit of 12 to limit impacts on sensitive and endangered plant communities, and to preserve the quality of the wilderness experience.  For more, visit our page Recreational Use Regulations for the Catskill Park Forest Preserve.

Visit the CMC at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo | Saturday, March 30, 2019

Catskill Park Day | Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Two weeks from tomorrow on Tuesday, February 5th the CMC and our many partners in the Catskill Park Coalition will head up to Albany on Catskill Park Day. Our purpose is to talk to legislators, the governor and officials at the DEC about the recreational needs of our region, including stewardship of the Catskill Park, aid to our communities, protection of our environment, conservation and many other things that impact on the health and quality of our area's great outdoor spaces.Click here for a summary of our goals and how you can help advance them, even if you can't go to Albany. Find the contact info for your legislators and for the Governor and give them a call or write a letter supporting our requests. And please join us on February 5th as we make our case to our state's leaders. Thanks in advance for helping to protect and improve the Catskill Park!For more info, contact us at wendell@catskillmountianclub.org.Register to go, get contact info and find a sample letter here.Follow on Facebook here.

Download a copy here:

Final+2019+Catskill+Park+Coalition+Priorities

Regular Big Game Hunting Season Begins Soon - Hike Safely at These No Hunting Locations

Note:  For an updated post see here.November 15, 2018   Beginning November 17th and lasting through December 9th, the popular regular deer and bear hunting season means 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 three week period during which hunters are permitted to use rifles is a time for added care.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 16 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)Mills-Norrie State Park (near Staatsburg)Minnewaska State Park Preserve* (near New Paltz)Riddell State Park (near Laurens/Oneonta)
Thacher State Park** (near Voorheesville)
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)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/parks/attachments/Minnewaska2017HuntingMapMinnewaska.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0c-LusE0CwKNafcBrJidoc2K73nagbtsEll1HXmv4a3iyKKLo-aSllsJY**hunting allowed in a some areas. See map for details: https://parks.ny.gov/…/ThacherThacherStateParkHuntingMap.pdf

It's time for the CMC's ANNUAL DINNER and RAFFLE! | Sunday, October 14, 5 PM

This year's party will take place on Sunday, October 14 at the Emerson Resort's Catamount Restaurant in Mount Tremper. We'll begin at 5 PM with a chance to talk to fellow members and guests while munching appetizers and enjoying a beverage from the bar. You can enjoy the views of Tremper Mountain while listening to the Esopus Creek from the expansive deck. Following the three course dinner, we'll hear noted guide book authors Russell Dunn and Barbara Delaney give a presentation based on the recently published book Rambles to Remarkable Rocks, the perfect introduction to some new destinations for Catskills hikers. Russ is well known for his Catskill Region Waterfall Guide and other titles covering hiking in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson River Valley, as well as the Taconics and Berkshires.

This year's raffle offers another great line up of prizes including two Osprey day packs, a Thule kayak roof rack, snowshoes, artwork by naturalist Jack Mesick and a day rental for two of a kayak for a run down the East Branch of the Delaware. You do not have to be present to win, so purchase your tickets online or at the dinner. All proceeds go to help support the CMC's work.Get your RAFFLE tickets here: https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/2018-raffle-dinner-prizes/Make DINNER RESERVATIONS here: https://catskillmountainclub.org/e…/tickets-for-annual-dinner  

The First Annual CMC Picnic was a Perfect Way to Spent a Beautiful Summer's Day!

We had a great day for the first Annual CMC Picnic yesterday. The weather quickly warmed up and the skies stayed sunny for most of the day, making for a great day to swim or just sit at the beach. We all agreed that Belleayre Beach was a perfect place to get together. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities well kept and the lake and surrounding mountains are a great setting. We had some good corn hole and bocce ball matches, and a great hike at Rochester Hollow to begin the day. With Rick Roberts, CMC president, at the grill, the burgers and hotdogs were excellent eating with lots of great homemade side dishes and plenty of desserts to top it all off.

With great company, it was a nice way to spend a summer's day. We hope to see many more of you at next year's festivities!

Accessible Outdoor Recreation Destinations in and around the Catskills

Most of us take for granted the almost endless opportunities we have to get out into the great outdoors. Whether we're hitting the trail, casting for trout, paddling, or going rogue by 'whacking our way into the unknown, we know well how important that chance to connect with nature is. And we appreciate it deeply.For some of us, getting that feeling isn't so easy. Our friends and family members who have limited mobility need and deserve resources that can accommodate them so they can get out and experience that connection with nature, too. The Americans with Disabilities Act has encouraged the development of infrastructure to make getting out easier. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, other governmental agencies and even some non-governmental organizations have accessible facilities all around the Catskills, including trails, fishing areas, water access points, picnic pads, camping pads, pavilions and restrooms. Recent improvements have been completed at Kenneth Wilson Campground, a DEC facility in the Town of Woodstock and the DEC has filed notice for comments on a plan to improve and add to the accessible facilities at the North-South Lake Campground near Haines Falls. Accessible attractions also include iconic spots like Kaaterskill Falls and the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. For travelers, easy to get to trails and other amenities can be found at the Catskill Interpretive Center in Mt. Tremper.Here are links to pages that list where many of these facilities are located.NYSDEC Accessible Recreation Destinations listed by county.Accessible Catskills Hiking, Camping and OutdoorsNYS Parks – search by the park name or location and look for the "Amenities and Activities" section.Ashokan Rail Trail

Boot-brush Unveiling and Hike at the Shavertown Trail | Friday, July 13, 10:30 AM

DEP TO UNVEIL BOOT BRUSH STATION AND HOST COMMUNITY HIKE AT SHAVERTOWN TRAIL IN DELAWARE COUNTY

Boot brush, designed to combat invasive species, is among the first in the Catskills

DEP will also co-host community hike at Shavertown on July 13 with Catskill Mountain Club

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will co-host a community hike and unveil its new boot-brush station at the Shavertown Trail near Pepacton Reservoir on July 13. The event, which is free and open to all, will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Catskill Mountain Club and DEP will lead the hike, which will take participants along a new section of the trail that was recently constructed by volunteers. The event will begin at the trailhead on County Route 1 in Andes, just north of its intersection with Route 30. DEP this month installed a boot-brush station at the trailhead to help minimize the spread of invasive species. The station is among the first of its kind in the Catskills. It includes a mounted brush on which hikers can clean their boots, information to help identify several invasive species that are approaching the region, and a gravel pad that is intended to trap any seeds that might get brushed off. The boot-brush station will help prevent the spread of many types of invasive species, especially invasive plants such as bittersweet and barberry. Invasive plants cannot move far on their own. Even wind-dispersed seeds generally do not blow too far. Most new infestations are started by people who unintentionally move the seeds through recreational activities such as hiking, hunting or fishing. That’s why boot-brush stations are becoming more common throughout New York, especially in the northern and western parts of the state where outdoor recreation is popular. DEP will unveil the new brush station by co-hosting a hike with the nonprofit Catskill Mountain Club (CMC). The hike will be just more than 2 miles. It will take participants along a recently finished portion of the Shavertown Trail that was built by CMC volunteers. The new section runs about two-thirds of a mile through the woods, winding its way around the mountain to a pond that includes a beautiful view of Pepacton Reservoir. Hikers could previously reach that pond by following an old woods road that was part of the trail, but that road has been closed while DEP finishes an ongoing forestry project. The woods road and new trail will be used to create a loop hike once the forestry project is complete. Thousands of local residents and visitors have enjoyed the Shavertown Trail since DEP and CMC partnered to open it in 2013. More information about the trail, including driving direction, can be found on the CMC website by clicking here. DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of high-quality water each day to more than 9.6 million New Yorkers. This includes more than 70 upstate communities and institutions in Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties who consume an average of 110 million total gallons of drinking water daily from New York City’s water supply system. This water comes from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the City, and the system comprises 19 reservoirs, three controlled lakes, and numerous tunnels and aqueducts. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 scientists, engineers, surveyors, watershed maintainers and other professionals in the watershed. In addition to its $70 million payroll and $166 million in annual taxes paid in upstate counties, DEP has invested more than $1.7 billion in watershed protection programs—including partnership organizations such as the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Watershed Agricultural Council—that support sustainable farming practices, environmentally sensitive economic development, and local economic opportunity. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program with $19.4 billion in investments planned over the next decade that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nycwater, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/nycwater.