Thursday, April 17, 9 AM - Three Peaks via the Long Path: Bangle, Samson and Spencer's Ledge

Join us as we venture off the beaten path. Natures spectacular beauty will greet us even before we arrive at the trailhead. The drive down Peekamoose Rd. is stunning with waterfalls pouring from the valley walls into the creek that parallels  the road. We will follow the Long Path south, and then east up to Bangle Hill.  The first mile or so of the hike will yield the majority of our elevation. Our effort will be rewarded with wonderful views across the valley towards Van Wyck, Table, and Peekamoose. The trail will ease as we turn east, then we will leave the trail behind for a gradual climb to the first of our trailless summits, Samson Mtn.  From here we can expect (weather permitting of course) views to our north and west. After enjoying our stay on Samson we will carry on to the northeast to Spencers Ledge. The views from Spencers Ledge will peek in and out of the trees and open up to the south and east. The overall mileage for the hike varies depending on our course off trail, it should be roughly 9 mi. The terrain is generally gradual with the exception of the first mile.It can be a bit breezy at the top so bring a good wind blocking outer layer. Wear good hiking boots and dress in layers of wicking materials. Bring plenty of water and lunch. No dogs on this hike.For information about this hike or to register please contact Will Soter:Email: Upstateadventureguides@gmail.comPhone: 845-399-9948DIRECTIONS:  From thruway exit 19:Take the exit from the traffic circle for SR 28 west.Follow SR 28 for 16.2 mi.Take left onto Rte. 28A in BoicevilleTurn right on Watson Hollow Rd. (CR 42)Follow CR 42 for 10.7 miParking will be along the road approx. ½ mile past the Peekamoose Mtn.  trailhead, on either side of the DEC campsite.

Fantastic Day at Kaaterskill Falls, Sunset Rock, Inspiration Point

  March 16, 2014  -  Sunday's trip to Kaaterskill Falls and the North Lake area couldn't have been better....see for yourself!    You'll think "Hudson River School" looking at quite a number of the pictures.   Click continue reading to see the slideshow. 

Sunday, April 13, 10 AM - Spring Waterfall Hike in Kaaterskill Clove

Since John Bartram's visit in 1753, Kaaterskill Falls, New York's highest at 260', has been the Catskills most famous waterfall.  Painted by Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand and numerous other members of the Hudson River School and invoked by writers of myth and nature such as Bryant, Cooper and Irving, Kaaterskill is an icon of American Romanticism.Nearby, and so impressive that many visitors never get to Kaaterskill Falls because they are fooled by its majesty into thinking that they have arrived, Bastion Falls sits roadside at the curve in the road near the foot of Kaaterskill's deeply carved gorge. Kindred Spirits by Asher B. Durand - 1849

Midst greens and shades the Catterskill leaps,From cliffs where the wood-flower clings;All summer he moistens his verdant steeps,With the sweet light spray of the mountain-springs,And he shakes the woods on the mountain-side,When they drip with the rains of autumn-tide.But when, in the forest bare and old,The blast of December calls,He builds, in the starlight clear and cold,A palace of ice where his torrent falls,With turret, and arch, and fretwork fair,And pillars blue as the summer air.- from "Catterskill Falls" by William Cullen Bryant After we view these best known of the Catskills' waterfalls, we'll drive up to North-South Lake and hike a 4½ mile long route along the north rim of Kaaterskill Clove. Across the clove we'll be able to see the five major falls plunging off the south rim. With meltwater from the recent thaw, they should all have impressive flows, and with the leaves still off we should be able to see them clearly. Cameras and binoculars are highly recommended.Registration is limited. Wear good boots and be prepared for the possibility of a cold spray. The lower trail will almost certainly be wet, so gaiters may be desirable. We'll eat lunch on the northern ledges of the clove. No dogs on this hike.Contact for information and to register: Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546.NOTE: This hike is subject to postponement based on thaw and weather conditions. If changed, the new date will be Saturday, April 19.Directions: Meet at the parking area on SR 23A in the Town of Hunter, 1½ miles east of Haines Falls and just to the west of the hairpin curve at Bastion Falls.

Saturday, March 8, 9:00 AM - Hunter and Leavitt (SW Hunter)

On this great route, as varied as any, we will climb two of the Catskill's 35 highest.  Hunter, at 4040', is the second highest of our mountains and is topped by one of the five restored fire towers in the Park. Needless to say, the views are spectacular. Leavitt, at 3740' and the most recently designated "high peak", requires a short bushwhack to find its summit. Our loop will take us up the Devil's Path and down the Spruceton Trail for a distance of about 9 miles, including the bushwhack. The hike is strenuous and will take about seven hours.Proper footwear and clothing are a must for this hike. You will likely need snowshoes, microspikes and possibly full crampons. Dress in layers of wicking materials that can be easily taken off and put on. Wear a water and wind resistant outer layer. Hiking poles are suggested. Bring plenty of water or warm beverages and lunch. For more advice about winter hiking read this: https://catskillmountainclub.org/skills-and-info/The group size is limited. Register no later than 6 PM, March 7 with CMC board member Wendell George at: wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, please contact me before 7:30 AM, March 8. Well behaved dogs allowed - please contact me for approval.Poor weather conditions will postpone this hike, so be sure to check your email or call the leader if inclement weather is forecast.Directions: From either SR 28 in Shandaken or SR 23A in Lexington, turn onto CR 42 and go to Spruceton Rd. in West Kill. Turn east and travel 6.7 miles, almost to the end of the road. Note well: the large parking area is on the north (left) side of the road .

Sunday, March 2, 9:45 AM - Alder Lake to the Beaver Meadow

If you just like being out in the snow, this will be one of your favorite hikes. Rambling ups and downs, ruins, a gorgeous lake and a trek to Beaver Meadow. This is a wonderful snowshoe. Bring poles and microspikes.  Plan to bring warm drinks, water and snacks. Dress in warm layers; you may want handwarmers. Well behaved dogs welcome. Call for meeting time.POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions). Limited registration open two weeks before hike. MUST leave a reachable phone #  and full name, please. NO EMAIL after Friday at 6:30 pm, call thereafter at 845 216 2021.Come join the FUN!Contact Deanna Felicetta at:  felicetta.deanna@gmail.com  or (845)216-2021.Directions: From the south/west the best access is old RT. 17 to State Rd 151/152 known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become State Rd 54. From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to 54. At State Road 54 turn left and head NE. On 54 all will travel until reaching Turnwood. Here 54 MAKES A LEFT turn North and becomes Alder Road. Travel a few miles until public road ends at Parking for Mary Smith Trail.Note that in winter park road is Closed, so please do not plan on driving on from this point. Park at Alder Rd Parking.

Saturday, February 15, 10 AM - Cross Country Skiing at Mountain Trails

The Catskills have a great cross country ski area located right in Tannersville. Mountain Trails has 35-kilometers of groomed, track-set trails with a nice variety of terrain and beautiful scenery. All levels of cross country skier can join us--we can break-up into different groups according to skill level.Meet at 10 AM at the main lodge, it’s located on the west end of Tannersville, and plan to spend as much of the day as you would like. Mountain Trails charges a $20 track fee. Ski rentals are available for an additional charge. We will break for lunch at 12:30. For directions and ski area information visit www.mtntrails.com.Lack of snow will cancel. Please sign-up by Noon on Friday, February 14, to confirm snow conditions. Contact: Jonathan Mogelever at jmogelever@gmail.com or call 845-586-2611.COST: $20.  No dogs. Bring lunch and something to drink, or a light lunch is available at the lodge.DIRECTIONS:  Mountain Trails is on Route 23A: on the west end of Tannersville—North side of the street. For detailed directions go to www.mtntrails.com

Friday, February 7th, 8:30AM - Windham High Peak

Join CMC members and NYS licensed guides Will Soter & Alex Marra as we climb Windham High Peak to its stunning summit views of the Hudson Valley and, on a clear day, four mountain ranges. We’ll hike along the Escarpment Trail over Burnt Knob on a through hike, starting and ending in the Black Dome Valley. Wear good boots and bring lunch and plenty of water. Dress in layers for your comfort. Weather conditions may vary greatly during the hike. It can be quite windy, and cold at the summit. Keep this is mind when selecting layers. Additionally, a traction device such as crampons, or micro spikes are required!  The hike is about 7 miles. Moderately strenuous. Registration is limited to 11. Well behaved dogs allowed. Register by February  6th by contacting CMC member Will Soter at upstateadventureguides@gmail.com or call 845-399-9948 

 

Directions: From SR 23 in Windham or SR 23A in Hunter turn onto CR 296. Travel to Maplecrest Rd. in Hensonville and turn East going 2.1 miles to Big Hollow Rd. Turn NE 1.8 miles to Peck Rd. We’ll meet and spot cars before proceeding to the trailhead.

Sunday, February 2, 8:45 AM - Slide Mountain

One of the Catskills most beautiful Winter hikes, and a great hike for experienced winter hikers. Hikers must plan to have snowshoes, full crampons, poles and microspikes for this hike. Plan to bring warm drinks, water and good snacks. Dress in warm layers, hand warmers suggested. Bring a flashlight just in case, as daylight is short. No dogs on this hike. Call for meeting time.POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call Between 7-8 evening before hike for weather decisions)  NO EMAIL AFTER 6:30 pm Friday before hike. Call thereafter at 845 216 2021. Registration open two weeks before hike. MUST leave a reachable phone # and full name, please. Limit 12 hikers.  See you on the trail!Contact Deanna Felicetta at:  felicetta.deanna@gmail.com  or (845)216-2021.Directions: Meet at the Slide Mountain Parking Area (P.A) on Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. (CR 47). From SR 28 in Big Indian turn south onto Oliverea Rd. (becomes Frost Valley Rd.) and proceed about 10 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the hairpin turn at the Giant Ledge P.A.) From SR 55 west of Grahamsville turn north onto Claryville Rd. (CR19) and proceed 4.6 miles to Frost Valley Rd. in Claryville. Turn left (north) and proceed 10.6 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the Biscuit Brook P.A.)

Sunday, January 19, 11:30 AM - Hike Mt. Pisgah

Mt. Pisgah is the site of a former ski area in Andes. It's one of the highest peaks in Delaware County and is the westernmost of the 3000 footers in the Catskills. We'll climb an abandoned ski trail, getting great views.There may be snow and/or ice, so bring snowshoes and a traction device such as Microspikes. Dress in layers of clothing made from a wicking material and expect the possibility of a steady wind and cold temperatures. Also bring plenty of water and lunch or a snack for the summit stop. Total climb is about 1000' with a one way distance of about 1 mile to the summit and then we'll do a bit of exploring.To register, call Wendell George at 845-254-4546 or email wendell@catskillmountainclub.org.Directions: From SR 28 in Andes turn north on Gladstone Hollow Rd. and continue 2.8 miles to Grommeck Rd. Turn right and go to the old ski lodge parking lot.  

Thursday, January 16, 8:00pm - Full Moon hike on the Andes Rail Trail

Please join members of the Catskill Mountain Club for a full moon hike/snow-shoe on the fabulous Andes Rail Trail on Thursday, January 16.
We'll meet at the entry kiosk at 8:00pm and proceed for one mile to the beginning of the "Bullet Hole Spur" where those that wish to continue, will go on to complete the whole 3.9 mile round trip. We ask that noise be kept to a minimum while we are passing near occupied dwellings.
Well behaved dogs are welcome but should be leashed. Be sure to dress appropriately for cold weather. To register contact Howard Raab at: howardjraab@gmail.com or 845-586-3112.

Directions: The Town of Andes is located on SR 28 between Margaretville and Delhi in Delaware County, NY.

Here is a description of the trail from "Andes Works":
The Andes Rail Trail is an easily accessible hiking trail in an idyllic setting, suitable for individuals and families of all ages.

The trail starts at the beautiful pergola and gate, at 266 Depot Street.  Pass the historic Depot Building, erected in 1907. The first section of the trail continues for one very flat mile (2 miles round trip) along the old rail bed, and provides a peaceful experience of field and woodland beauty and wonderful mountain views. In June 2013, the Bullet Hole Spur addition to the hiking trail was opened. The Spur extends the rail trail an additional 2.2 miles, bringing the option of the total walk to 3.9 miles round trip. The Spur climbs the ridge above the rail bed, taking hikers through mature hardwood forest, open woodlands covered in ferns and princess pine, an old pine plantation and hemlocks towering above the Bullet Hole Creek. The Spur is a bit more strenuous…there are a couple of well-designed moderately steep sections but they are followed by relatively flat sections so you get a nice breather after working a little harder.

A Beautiful Night on the Trail

A large group joined the CMC on Thursday, January 16 for a Full Moon hike at the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur. With a little fresh snow to help light the way, no wind, moderate temperatures and the moon peeping through the clouds regularly, we had near perfect conditions for this varied and lovely hike. Thirteen of us set out at 8 PM from the trailhead in the old village of Andes and hiked for nearly a mile paralleling the course of the Trempers Kill as it makes its way towards the Pepacton Reservoir. Along the way we were able to admire the light on the hills on the other side of the valley and listen to the sounds of the stream. We then hiked up and away from the rail trail through mixed forest types on a loop passing by open fields and through a deep hemlock woods. We were thrilled to hear an owl announcing its presence and then a pack of coyotes howling at some distance across the valley. As we neared the end, the skies cleared and we walked the rest of our way without the use of our headlamps, guided by the bright light reflecting off the snow and our tracks. A perfect ending to a perfect night.

New Year's Day hike on the Shavertown Trail -- 11 am

Wednesday, January 1,2014  11 amKick off the New Year with a First Day hike with the CMC on the Shavertown Trail in the Town of Andes. This lovely 5.3 mile hike takes you past a beautiful pond with a lovely view of the reservoir and through a lovely, mature woodland.  The first section of the trail is moderate and the second section is relatively easy.There may be snow and/or ice, so bring a traction device such as Microspikes. The forecast is for colder weather so dress in layers of clothing made from a wicking material and expect the possibility of a steady wind.  We probably won’t stop for long given the temperatures but bring a snack and plenty of water.  Registration Required. To register contact annroberti@yahoo.com or 845-676-3643.   Please contact hike organizer about bringing dogs.Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go west about 3 miles to the dividing of the highways. Turn south onto SR 30 and go 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the left,  just after turning right onto CR 1.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right.Meet at the trailhead sign.

Great hike on Wallkill Valley Rail Trail...

On Sunday, December 8th, a fine group of hikers took on a 12 mile section of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. We thought we could do this section in 4 hours but there was just too much to look at and photograph!  If you have not checked out this trail, we highly recommend it.   We hope to come back soon on our cross country skis!We started from Dewitt Mills Road in Rosendale, just south of  the Kingston city line, where there is no official parking area but pull-off parking on the shoulder near the trail crossing is allowed when no snow plowing is needed.  Entry points are also available at several other road crossings.  (See maps on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association for more info on access points and parking.)  Check out our photos and more...This is the newest section of the trail and it passes ruins from the many old cement factories that provided most of the cement for the U.S. in the 19th century and into the 20th.  There are many amazing rock formations created by the excavation of rock for cement making.  It also passes through the Binnewater Lake district and crosses the newly restored Rosendale Trestle. We ended our hike in New Paltz, having passed through the more developed areas and horse farms that are closer to the village.In addition to the maps, The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association has history of the railroad that ran through, and other info about the trail.   Check them out at www.wvrta.org.The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is open to runners, bicyclists, walkers, cross country skier and horseback riders, from dawn to dusk.

Sunday, December 8, 10 AM - Hike on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

Join the CMC as we hike on the WVRT across the newly opened Rosendale Trestle, which stands 150 feet above the Rondout Creek and spans 940 feet in the former village of Rosendale.  Much of this northern section of the 24.2 mile trail is new, including the section north of Rosendale through the Williams Lake property and on to Kingston.We'll begin our hike in the Binnewater Lakes district north of Rosendale. From there we'll hike south past Joppenbergh Mountain and across the trestle to the bustling Village of New Paltz, with it's Huguenot Historic District. We will spot cars in New Paltz, and anyone so inclined can get a late lunch at one of the village's many good restaurants after the hike.The number of participants is limited. Well behaved and leashed dogs are welcome. We will hike together, so please be prepared to stay with the group. Wear sturdy shoes and bring enough water for your (and your dog's) needs. About 12 miles.Email or call CMC board member Wendell George by Friday, December 6 to reserve a spot. If you need to cancel, please let me know by Sunday at 8 AM. Contacts: wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546.Directions: We will meet in New Paltz at the Huguenot Historical Society parking lot located on Broadhead Av. just west of SR 32. We'll spot cars and drive to Dewitt Mills Rd., just south of Kingston, and park .6 miles west of SR 32.

Friday, December 6, 7 PM - NOT A CMC EVENT?

So why is this here, you might ask. Because the Catskill Native Plant Society is going to present a talk by our friend Dr. Mike Kudish. And we hiked with Molly Marquand, CRISP coordinator at the Catskill Center and a co-founder of the CNPS, twice this year; first in search of invasive species and then in search of what should be growing in our forests. We were impressed. And you will be, too.Come out to hear Mike and meet Molly as they help raise funds to get a website off the ground for the CNPS. We need it, and you will find your time and money well spent. No charge, but a hat will be passed.      

A Somewhat Limited Hike Schedule During Hunting Season

As has been noted in another article on our website, November 16 marks the beginning of hunting in the Catskill region for big game using high powered rifles. While that article offers several important and common sense guidelines for safer hiking during this three week period and the following week of muzzleloader and bow hunting season, the CMC will offer fewer hikes during this period. We will schedule some hikes for areas where hunting is not allowed and we'll resume a regular schedule of events after the close of the season on December 17. Check our Upcoming Events page for the most current schedule.We look forward to seeing you on the trails during the winter. Until then, safe and happy trails!

Friday, November 15, 6 PM - Full Moon Hike on the Shavertown Trail

Join Wendell George and the CMC for a full moon hike on the Shavertown Trail. We'll bring snacks and hot drinks to enjoy as we view the moon rising over the pond and reservoir. The open space will allow us unrestricted views as we look for the mountains and craters on our distant companion and bathe in its ethereal light. Wear good boots and bring a headlamp. Two miles of hiking on moderate to easy terrain.Register no later than Nov. 14 by email to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-254-4546. Please cancel by 4 PM on Nov. 15.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Rain cancels.Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go west about 3 miles to the dividing of the highways. Turn south onto SR 30 and go 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the left,  just after turning right onto CR 1.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right. 

Sunday, November 10, 9 AM - Mt. Tobias

Mt Tobias is the 2,520ft mountain located south of NY212 and just west of Cooper Lake. There are roads snaking up its south side, but much of the forest above those roads is impeded by laurel. We're going a different way, following an old woods road for part of the ascent as we swing around the tall, interesting cliffs guarding the summit to find a slightly more 'relaxed' route for the last 500' to the wooded top. Along the way we'll get a look at a pole stand that appears to have been an meadow, before the final 'whack to the summit. This is a strenuous hike for bushwhackers who don't mind a little exploring as we'll be checking out another woods road high on the mountain that we didn't get to last winter.

Being November, hikers are expected to have Microspikes in their packs, weather appropriate boots and clothing (no cotton, please), and be agreeable to staying with the group for the entire hike.

Round trip: 3.5 to 4miles with 1,500ft of ascent. We'll likely be in the woods for 6 hours which should give us time for a couple of short breaks, summit lunch, and a little exploration. Group size will be limited and rain cancels. Experienced, well behaved dogs - only by prior approval of leader.

Leader: Alan Via Peakbagr100@gmail.com

Registration: No later than 11/7.  Cancel by email to Alan Via no later than Saturday, 11/9;  or last minute by phone to Wendell George at 845-254-4546 before 8 AM on Sunday.Directions: On SR 212 east of Mt. Tremper and west of Woodstock in Willow, park on the roadside about .1 miles west of Sickler Rd. past the curve.

Monday, November 4, 11:00 AM - Kelly Hollow Trail Maintenance

Please join the CMC trail crew for a maintenance hike. We'll do light work and remove a few blowdowns on this easy hike out to a Beaver Pond. Bring work gloves and loppers, pruners or shears. We'll eat at the lean-to.Rain postpones. If in doubt call before 10:00 Monday morning. Please register by contacting Howard Raab at howardjraab@gmail.com or (845) 586-3112.Directions: From SR 28 west of Margaretville, turn left and then right (west) onto the NYC reservoir road (across SR 28 from the Old School House). Go 3.7 miles and turn left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trail-head parking area on the right.From Andes, drive south on CR1 to the Shavertown Bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left onto the city reservoir road. Go 2.2 miles and left again at the sign for Big Pond, staying with the reservoir. Drive 4.6 miles to Mill Brook Rd. and turn right 5.3 miles to the Kelly Hollow P.A. on the right.From SR 28 in Highmount, turn west onto Galli-Curci Rd. and go 5.4 miles to Dry Brook Rd. Turn left (south) and go 1.4 miles to Mill Brook Rd. Turn right (west) 6.6 miles to the Kelly Hollow P. A. on the left.

Saturday, November 2, 9 AM - West Kill Mountain

Join CMC board member Wendell George as we summit West Kill Mountain, one of the Catskill's highest peaks at 3880'. We'll begin our hike at the head of the beautiful Spruceton Valley and hike first to Diamond Notch Falls. Crossing the West Kill, we will climb the mountain to Buck Ridge, where we'll eat lunch and marvel at the views before continuing to the summit. We'll then retrace out steps. This is a strenuous hike with some sustained climbing. 6.4 miles out and back and about 6 hours.

Be sure to bring Microspikes in case of early ice. Wear good boots and dress in layers for your comfort. No cotton please, as it holds moisture and can lead to hypothermia. Bring lunch and at least a quart of water. Well behaved dogs welcome.

Register by Nov. 1 by email at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or calling 845-254-4546. Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. If you need to cancel at the last minute, contact me by 8 AM on the day of the hike.

Directions: From either SR 28 in Shandaken or SR 23A in Lexington, turn onto CR 42 and go to Spruceton Rd. in West Kill. Turn east and travel 6.8 miles to the end of the road. Note well: the parking area is on the south (right) side of the road,