Wednesday, June 11, 7 PM - Alan Via Talks about the Unknown Catskill Mountains at the Andes Roundtable

If you often wonder about the mountains that surround us, their names and what it's like to hike them, here is an opportunity for you to satisfy your curiosity. Alan Via is the author of The Catskill 67 - A Hiker's Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3,500' and a CMC hike leader.  He will be debuting a brand new slide presentation at the Andes Roundtable, which is held at the Hunting Tavern in Andes, NY. The presentation is titled 'Off the Beaten Path - A Celebration of the Catskill 'Hidden Peaks' in Four Seasons'. The slide show consists of photographs of mostly unknown or little hiked Catskill mountains, progressing through the four seasons.Directions: Located on SR 28 in the hamlet of Andes, the Hunting Tavern Museum is at 288 Main St.

Saturday, June 7 - 19th Annual Delhi Covered Bridge Run

Here's a worthy cause to support and a great day to be enjoyed. Run or walk for your health, for fun and for your community. The event consists of a 10K Run, a 5K Run and a 5K Health Walk. Proceeds from the race benefit scholarships to two Delaware County graduating Seniors.  Plus the Catskill Mountain Club will be awarded a grant for building trails in Delaware County. After building two enormously popular trails in 2013, the club will build three more this year, including two in the Town of Delhi and one in the Town of Andes. Register and get more information by visiting this site: http://www.clasiladies.com/delhi-covered-bridge-run.html 

Sunday, June 1, 10 AM - Hike Indian Head Mountain

This is a great loop hike at the eastern end of the challenging Devil’s Path. It is a strenuous hike for the those experienced in the outdoors and who love to hike. The hike is the full day and great fun with lovely woods, great scrambles up and down and VIEWS of the Hudson area. Please be prepared for hot or cold by dressing in layers and have water and serious food snacks. As hikers are committed to completing their peaks, please be serious about commitment to this group event at all times on the hike for the event’s safety and the fun of the day. Hope you will join us.Rain, severe wind or Thunderstorms MUST cancel this event. No Pets due to terrain please. NYNJTC Catskills Map 141Registration from 2 weeks before event until Thursday before hike. FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER NEEDED for registration.  NO Email registration after Wednesday before hike Please. PHONE CALLS THEN ONLY. Call Deanna, the hike leader, at 845 216 2021. Note: Email is shakey and not predictable! felicetta.deanna@gmail.comDirections: Take SR 23A to Bloomer Rd., just west of Tannersville, and turn south 1.1 miles till it becomes Platte Clove Road (CR 16). Continue 4.3 miles to Prediger Road and turn right. Parking at the very end of the road.

Saturday, May 31, 9 AM until 2 PM - Understanding Wilderness Ethics and Leave No Trace™ Principles

Leave No Trace™ – it’s a phrase you’ve heard before, but just what are those principles and how do you put them into practice? Even if you already pick up litter, and march straight through the center of the trail despite the mud, you may find that there are additional practices and perspectives that will help you tread even more lightly upon the earth. Join NYS DEC Ranger Joe Bink for an introduction to wilderness ethics and a brief review of these principles – both in the classroom and on the trail. Ranger Bink will share knowledge and review concepts, then lead a hike to put those ideas into action.

Advance registration is required; number of participants is limited. To register, or for more information, please contact Heather Rolland at haliagrace@hotmail.com

Directions: Meet at the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development at 43355 SR 28 in Arkville, just to the east of the intersection with CR 38.

Friday, May 30, 8 AM - Birdwatching on the Andes Rail Trail

Join CMC member Fred Reckner for a quiet hike on the Andes Rail Trail in search of our avian neighbors. Early starts provide the best chance of success. Because quiet is a virtue, there will be no dogs allowed on this hike. You may want to bring binoculars and a spotting scope with tripod.The Andes Rail Trail has two distinct parts. The old railbed is flat and wide open, with great views of the Trempers Kill and the meadows and fields around it. It's about .9 miles long. The Bullet Hole Spur Trail goes up into the woods at the end of the railbed section, climbing gradually into a diverse set of forest types. That portion passes through mixed hardwoods, split boulders, a fern glade, spruce forest and ends in hemlocks above the Bullet Hole Creek.The diverse habitats should host many kinds of birds. And it's a beautiful hike that's guaranteed to please, no matter your bird spotting success.Rain postpones to a date TBD. If postponed, you will receive an email by 7 AM. No dogs.Register by 8 PM, Thursday, May 29th. Cancel by 7 AM the morning of the hike. Contact Fred at:  ftreckner@frontiernet.net.Directions: The trailhead is on Depot Street (CR 2) in the hamlet of Andes, just to the west of its intersection with SR 28. You can't miss the pergola. Parking is roadside on the south side of the highway.

Wednesday, May 28, 9:30 AM - Palmer Hill Trails Construction Continues, Part IV

We've made good progress on building these new trails, but there's more to do. Please come lend a hand if you can. We will be opening the trails on National Trails Day, June 7, so we’re eager to get busy and we’ll be focussing most of our efforts here for the next several weeks.Bring work gloves, plenty of water, lunch and snacks. We’ll have a good assortment of tools to lend. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels – you will receive an email.We look forward to seeing you there.Where: Palmer Hill, Andes, Delaware CountyContact: Register by Tuesday evening, May 27 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know before 8 AM on Wednesday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From Margaretville, take SR 28 west about 8 miles to Finkle Rd. (just before the big turn with a view, at the crest of the hill) Turn right and the parking area is just after the turn. From Andes, take SR 28 east about 3 miles to Finkle Rd. and turn left.

Saturday, May 24, 11 AM - Paddle the Pepacton

Experience an incredible outdoor adventure, paddling the beautiful Pepacton Reservoir. Join Catskill Mountain Club board member Ann Roberti for a scenic paddle on this recently opened NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business.  We will launch promptly at 11AM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge. Life jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. Many vendors store boats on site, requiring only that you visit the store to pay and to pick up paddles and PFDs. For more information on regulations, please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfPre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at annroberti@yahoo.comDirections: 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,  turning north onto CR 1 just before crossing the bridge. The Boat Launch is on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right.

Friday, May 23, 9:30 AM - Palmer Hill Trails Construction Continues, Part III

We've made good progress on building these new trails, but there's more to do. Please come lend a hand if you can. We will be opening the trails on National Trails Day, June 7, so we’re eager to get busy and we’ll be focussing most of our efforts here for the next several weeks.Bring work gloves, plenty of water, lunch and snacks. We’ll have a good assortment of tools to lend. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels – you will receive an email.We look forward to seeing you there.Where: Palmer Hill, Andes, Delaware CountyContact: Register by Wednesday evening, May 21 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know before 8 AM on Thursday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From Margaretville, take SR 28 west about 8 miles to Finkle Rd. (just before the big turn with a view, at the crest of the hill) Turn right and the parking area is just after the turn. From Andes, take SR 28 east about 3 miles to Finkle Rd. and turn left.

Sunday, May 18, 10 AM - Dry Brook Ridge Trail Maintenance

Join Laura Battelani, CMC Board Member, as she inspects and clears the trail she adopted for the NY/NJ TC. Hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 year old bog, to arrive at a beautiful lookout over the Pepacton Reservoir. The return may be on the same trail or we may continue onto the German Hollow trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes, bring water and food and dress in layers of wicking materials for your comfort. Bring loppers or pruners and work gloves. Round trip is 6 miles. Approximate duration time is 6 hours. Level of difficulty is moderate/difficult. Bring a lunch and plenty of water (approx. 2 quarts). Dogs are not permitted. Pre-registration required by 5/17 to bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101.Directions: From the intersection of SR 28 and Bridge St. (at the blinking light) in Margaretville, go west ½ mile and turn north on Fair St. (SR 30). Meeting is at the car wash on the right.

Saturday, May 17, 9 AM - Hike Mt. Pleasant and Romer Mountain

Mt. Pleasant, though only a little over 2800′, is highly visible to Catskill visitors. It's very prominent location makes it a landmark from Mt Tremper, Wittenberg and a number of other Catskill summits. Mt Pleasant is one of those  'I wonder what mountain that is' peaks, as it sits on the south side of  NY28, towering over the hamlet of the same name.The hike will climb 2000' in approximately 8 miles. About 6 hours. Moderately strenuous. Wear good hiking boots and dress in wicking layers for your comfort as weather condition can change rapidly. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Well behaved dogs allowed by prior arrangement with the leaders.Depending on conditions, this hike may be postponed. The leaders will notify registrants of any change.Register by May 15th with leaders:Alan Via: Peakbagr100@gmail.com or Jim Hopson: hoppycat1@hotmail.comDirections: Take Rt 28 to the eastern entrance to the Village of Phoenicia and follow Bridge Street to the Esopus River. Turn west onto High Street just before the bridge. Follow High Street for approximately 0.5 miles. Lane Street will be on the left. The future trailhead is located at the end of Lane Street.From the west, turn off SR 28 onto Woodland Valley Rd., just west of Phoenicia. Cross the Esopus bridge and turn east onto High St. Go about 0.5 miles to Lane St. and turn right.

Saturday, May 17 - Mount Tremper Hike and Fire Tower Volunteer Training

Mount Tremper Fire Tower is perched high above Phoenicia, circled by the tallest mountains in the Catskills, and looks out to the Hudson Valley. Volunteer Interpreters with the Catskill Fire Tower Project open the cab at the top of the fire tower on weekend days from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, giving hikers a chance to enjoy the view from inside the cab and learn about the fire tower.

On Saturday, May 17, we will hike to the summit of Mount Tremper for Volunteer Interpreter Training. It is a two-hour training with a nice chance for lunch at the fire tower. This ‘Difficult’ hike is three miles each way, a six-mile day, and ascends 2,000 feet.

Whether you are interested in volunteering for the fire tower this season, or you would like to join the group for a good hike, a visit to the fire tower, and a chance to learn a little about Catskill fire towers, join us for this fun day on Mount Tremper.

Contact Jonathan Mogelever for training day details: jmogelever@catskillcenter.org  or call 845-586-2611. Registration required by Thursday, May 15.

Thursday, May 15, 9 AM – Southern Pine Hill - West Branch Trail Maintenance to Big Indian Mountain

The CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew will be working on the southern end of the Pine Hill - West Branch Trail next. Join us and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers for this maintenance hike from the Biscuit Brook trailhead to Big Indian Mountain. We’ll be doing the usual, removing any downed limbs and trees from the trail, cleaning waterbars out and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Bring your loppers and pruners and a longer blade folding saw if you have one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You’ll want good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. About nine miles out and back. Rain cancels.Contact: Register by the evening of May 14 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 7:30 AM on Thursday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: Drive south from SR 28 in Big Indian for about 12.6 miles to the Biscuit Brook P.A. on CR47 / Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. (Past the Slide Mtn. P.A.)

Monday, May 12, Noon – Palmer Hill Trails Construction Continues, Part II

The CMC will continue our work constructing the two new trails at the soon to be opened DEP’s Palmer Hill parcel. With its open terrain and spectacular views, it will be sure to please the Catskill hiker accustomed to our wooded trails.Come lend a hand to this exciting project, if you can. We will be opening the trails on National Trails Day, June 7, so we’re eager to get busy and we’ll be focussing most of our efforts here for the next several weeks.Bring work gloves, plenty of water, lunch and snacks. We’ll have a good assortment of tools to lend. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels – you will receive an email.We look forward to seeing you there.Where: Palmer Hill, Andes, Delaware CountyContact: Register by Sunday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know before 10 AM on Monday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From Margaretville, take SR 28 west about 8 miles to Finkle Rd. (just before the big turn with a view, at the crest of the hill) Turn right and the parking area is just after the turn. From Andes, take SR 28 east about 3 miles to Finkle Rd. and turn left.

Sunday, May 11, 11 AM - Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike: Second Chance

You are invited to you to join with CMC board member Howard Raab for the fourth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike at Kelly Hollow on Sunday, May 11. Our first such hike was an overwhelming success, so we're offering a slightly later opportunity which promises even more to see.This a chance to find and identify the beautiful Spring Ephemeral wildflowers which are so named because they appear above ground in early spring when they flower and fruit and then die back into the ground, all in a short period before the trees have had a chance to leaf out. Most hikers never see these flowers because they wait for late spring or summer to get into the woods. We will look for Trillium, Spring beauties, Trout Lily, Hepatica, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman's Britches, Jack-In-The-Pulpit and many others. We may also find some early mushrooms.Kelly Hollow is one of the most beautiful short loop trails in the Catskills with rocky streams and waterfalls. It has a combination of coniferous and deciduous forests with a lovely beaver pond near a lean-to at the top. The trail is an easy to moderate loop of about 4 miles. Bring lunch and/or snacks to have at the lean-to (there is a privy nearby.) Well behaved dogs are welcome.This hike will be limited to 20 people. As it was well attended last year, I would suggest that you register early.In case of steady rain, we will go the following Sunday, 5/18/14. If in doubt, call before 10:00am Sunday.To register contact: howardjraab@gmail.com, (845) 586-3112.Directions:  It is located on Millbrook Road in the town of Middletown, NYNJ Trail Conference map #42, F-5,6.  We will meet at the Old Schoolhouse 2.2 miles west of Margaretville at 10:30 am or at the trail-head at 11:00 am.Directions to trail-head: Go right (west) on the NYC reservoir road across Rt.28 from the Old School House, for 3.7 miles. Then left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trail-head parking area on the right.

Saturday, May 10, 4 PM - Hike at Bluestone Wild Forest/Onteora Lake

As part of Trailfest at Kenco Outfitters, the CMC will lead a hike in the eastern Catskills' Bluestone Wild Forest. Among the features of the area is Onteora Lake. The hike through mixed forest is an easy one, suitable for hikers of all ages including children. John Exter, a past CMC board member, will lead the hike. Meet at the CMC/Catskill Center Trailfest table at 3:45 for the short drive to the trailhead.Wear good hiking boots and comfortable clothing. Bring a quart of water and maybe a snack. About 3.4 miles and 2 hours.Directions: Kenco is located at the junction of SR 28 and Hurley Mountain Rd. in Kingston, about ½ mile west of US 209.  Bluestone WF/Onteora Lake Parking Area is off SR 28, approximately 3 miles west of Kenco.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:30 AM - Palmer Hill Trails Construction Continues

The CMC will continue our work constructing the two new trails at the soon to be opened DEP's Palmer Hill parcel. With its open terrain and spectacular views, it will be sure to please the Catskill hiker accustomed to our wooded trails.Come lend a hand to this exciting project, if you can. We will be opening the trails on National Trails Day, June 7, so we're eager to get busy and we'll be focussing most of our efforts here for the next several weeks.Bring work gloves, plenty of water, lunch and snacks. We'll have a good assortment of tools to lend. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels - you will receive an email.We look forward to seeing you there.Where: Palmer Hill, Andes, Delaware CountyContact: Register by Tuesday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know before 8:30 AM on Wednesday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From Margaretville, take SR 28 west about 8 miles to Finkle Rd. (just before the big turn with a view, at the crest of the hill) Turn right and the parking area is just after the turn. From Andes, take SR 28 east about 3 miles to Finkle Rd. and turn left. 

Tuesday, May 6, 9 AM - Western Black Dome Trail Maintenance to Thomas Cole

The CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew will be working on the western end of the Black Dome Trail next. Join us and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers for this maintenance hike over the Camel's Hump and on to Thomas Cole Mountain. We'll be doing the usual, removing any downed limbs and trees from the trail, cleaning waterbars out and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Bring your loppers and pruners and a longer blade folding saw if you have one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels.Contact:  Register by the evening of May 5 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 7:30 AM on Tuesday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From SR 23A in Hunter, take Scribner Hollow Rd. north to CR 23C. Turn west and go to CR 40. Turn north on CR 40 and go to Barnum Rd. Turn east and go to the P.A. at the end of Barnum Rd.

Saturday, May 3, 9:30 AM - Palmer Hill Trails Construction Begins!

The CMC and its CMC/NYNJTC trail crew will begin building the Palmer Hill trails this coming Saturday. This will be our second project in partnership with the NYCDEP. It's going to be a trail unlike any other in the Catskills, with lots of hiking through open meadows and with one of the best views in the Catskills.Come lend a hand to this exciting project, if you can. We will be opening the trails on National Trails Day, June 7, so we're eager to get busy and we'll be focussing most of our efforts here for the next several weeks.Bring work gloves, plenty of water, lunch and snacks. We'll have a good assortment of tools to lend. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain postpones - you will receive an email. Rain date: Sunday, May 4, 9:30 AM.We look forward to seeing you there.Where: Palmer Hill, Andes, Delaware CountyContact: Register by Friday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know before 8:30 AM on Saturday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From Margaretville, take SR 28 west about 8 miles to Finkle Rd. (just before the big turn with a view, at the crest of the hill) Turn right and the parking area is just after the turn. From Andes, take SR 28 east about 3 miles to Finkle Rd. and turn left. 

Friday, May 2, 9 AM - Balsam Mountain Trail Maintenance

We'll begin our CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew trail maintenance for 2014 on the Pine Hill-West Branch trail loop over Balsam Mountain, beginning at Rider Hollow.We'll be looking for fallen limbs and trees to cut and remove, cleaning out the leaves from waterbars and lopping off limbs that have protruded over the trail. At this time of year, we'll have the added pleasure of looking for early wildflowers and seeing the views through trees that haven't leafed out yet.We have a nice assortment of tools, but feel free to bring your own favorite loppers and pruners. Folding saws with longer blades may be useful, too.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots and extra socks in case you get wet while crossing streams. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels.Contact: Register by Thursday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 8 AM on Friday. You can also call me at 845-254-4546.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 4.9 miles to Rider Hollow Rd. and turn left/southeast. Drive to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Turn left/east and go .5 mile to Rider Hollow Rd. Turn right/southeast to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.

Sunday, April 27, 11 AM - Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike

Join with CMC board member Howard Raab for the fourth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike at Kelly Hollow.

This a chance to find and identify the beautiful Spring Ephemeral wildflowers which are so named because they appear above ground in early spring when they flower and fruit and then die back into the ground, all in a short period before the trees have had a chance to leaf out. Most hikers never see these flowers because they wait for late spring or summer to get into the woods. We will look for Trillium, Spring beauties, Trout Lily, Hepatica, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman's Britches, Jack-In-The-Pulpit and many others. We may also find some early mushrooms.Kelly Hollow is one of the most beautiful short loop trails in the Catskills with rocky streams and waterfalls. It has a combination of coniferous and deciduous forests with a lovely beaver pond near a lean-to at the top. The trail is an easy to moderate loop of about 4 miles. It is located on Millbrook Road in the town of Middletown, NYNJ Trail Conference map #42, F-5,6.

Bring lunch and/or snacks to have at the lean-to (there is a privy nearby.) Well behaved dogs are welcome.

This hike will be limited to 20 people. As it was well attended last year, I would suggest that you register early.

In case of steady rain, we will go the following Sunday, 5/4/14. If in doubt, call before 10:00am Sunday.Contact: howardjraab@gmail.com, (845) 586-3112.We will meet at the Old Schoolhouse 2.2 miles west of Margaretville at 10:30 am or at the trail-head at 11:00am.

Directions to trail-head: Go right (west) on the NYC reservoir road across Rt.28 from the Old School House, for 3.7 miles. Then left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trail-head parking area on the right.