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Sunday, August 24, 10 AM - Hike the FLT from Cabot Mtn. to Alder Lake
Hike on the Mary Smith section of the Finger Lakes Trail and enjoy the Beaverkill Vista on Cabot Mtn. Continue on the Touch-me-not Trail section to Big Pond and then to the beautiful Alder Lake. Plan on a welcome dip at this serene spot on the trail which sits in a bowl surrounded by the mountains. This less traveled trail is well worth seeing.Wear good hiking boots and dress in moisture wicking clothing for your comfort. There may be some nettles in August. Bring lots of water and lunch.Traverse is about 7 miles of ups, downs and scrambles. See the NYNJTC Catskills Trail MAP # 144. We will meet at Big Pond to plan out our car shuttle. Meet time is 10 AM.To register, contact Deanna Felicetta at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com. Include your phone number. Any registration after Thursday evening must be done by phone at 845 216-2021.Directions: From the south the best access is old Rte. 17 to State Rd. 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. Drive to Barkaboom Rd. and turn north (left) 1 mile to the Big Pond parking area. From the north take SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge and turn east (left) 1.9 miles to Barkaboom Road. Turn south (right) and drive 5.4 miles to Big Pond P.A..
Saturday, August 23, 3 PM - Paddle the Pepacton
Join Ann Roberti of the CMC as we celebrate the Margaretville Festival with a paddle on the scenic Pepacton Reservoir.Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business. We will launch promptly at 3 PM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge.Pre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at annroberti@yahoo.comLife jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. For more information on regulations please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfDirections: 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.
Friday, August 22, 9 AM - Touch-me-not Trail Maintenance
Summer has brought lots of new growth to our trails in the Catskills. This trail was last maintained in early April and it's time to head back out to clear blackberry canes and nettles as well as any blowdowns. Please join us on this relatively easy trail section hike with your loppers or shears in hand and help maintain this well travelled trail that connects two of the Catskills loveliest lakes, Big Pond and Alder Lake.Bring plenty of water and lunch. Wear good hiking boots, comfortable moisture wicking clothing and bring work gloves if you have some. We'll have tools and gloves to lend. We'll spot cars at Big Pond and then drive to Alder Lake. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain postpones to a date TBD.To register, contact Ann Roberti at annroberti@yahoo.com or Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org by Wednesday the 20th. If you need to cancel, call Wendell by 7:00 Thursday morning at 845-254-4546.Directions: Meet at the Big Pond parking area located on Barkaboom Rd. From SR 28 in Margaretville, drive west about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Turn left and then bear left, following the road along the south shore of the Pepacton Reservoir for 8.3 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn left and go 5.4 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, go west on Main St. briefly and turn south onto CR 1/Tremperskill Rd. Drive 8 miles to SR 30 and turn right, crossing the the Shavertown Bridge. Turn east (left) immediately after crossing and drive 2.2 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn south and go 5.4 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the left.From Livingston Manor, take Old Rte. 17 north 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. Take a right and drive 10.8 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn north 0.8 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the right.
Monday, August 18, 9 AM - Black Dome Trail Maintenance to Thomas Cole Mountain
The CMC/NYNJTC Catskill Roving Crew will be working with our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers on the western end of the Black Dome Trail. Join us 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, shears and a weed whip 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), lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. Strenuous. Rain postpones to a date TBD.Contact: Register by the evening of August 17 with 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 Monday. 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 1.1 miles 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.
Another CMC Trail Opening! Join us on August 30th at 2 pm in Delhi to celebrate the creation of the newest trail.
August 15, 2014 - The CMC, in partnership with key community members and organizations including Village, Town, and the School boards, Immanuel Lutheran Church and O’Connor Hospital created this lovely multi-route trail system. Meet at the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot at 2:00 p.m. and join Catskill Mountain Club members and volunteers as they lead guided hikes on the four miles of much anticipated, newly established hiking trails.The Delhi hiking trails consist of over four miles of hiking trails, named for beloved characters in the classic 1959 children’s novel My Side of Mountain which was set in Delhi.Read more about the Delhi Trails here in the press release
Saturday, August 9, 8 AM - Delaware Academy Trails construction
A small group of trail blazers will be meeting at 8:00a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014 (tomorrow) in the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot ST RTE 28 (across from O’Connor Hospital) to work on these Delhi, NY Hiking Trails. The goal tomorrow is to clear a trail from the church parking area to the Lower Bulldog Run loop. If time allows we will continue on to finish Fright full’s Fall Trail !Please spread the word about this trail work day to friends, family and others. It is highly recommended to wear long pants & sturdy foot wear, bring WATER, clippers, loppers, gloves, or machete if you have any!The anticipated official opening of the Delhi Hiking Trails is set for Saturday, August 30th!
Saturday, August 9, 3 PM – Hike the new Palmer Hill Trail
Join CMC Board Member Ann Roberti, as she leads an Andes Community Day walk on the brand new Palmer Hill Trail in Andes, NY. It’s a really special hike – glorious views, extensive stone walls and old foundations, and vast open sky — truly an unusual Catskill trail. The trail meanders through open meadows with beautiful views of forested lands, productive apple trees and historic stone walls and foundations. It passes over Bryant’s Brook and also features excellent views of many of the Catskill High Peaks, including Graham, Doubletop, Balsam Lake, Eagle, Balsam and the Dry Brook Ridge.The Palmer Hill Trail consists of three segments ‐ a 0.6 mile route to the farmstead intersection and then a relatively easy 1.5 mile Lower Meadow Loop and a more strenuous 1 mile Upper Meadow Loop. This allows hikers the options of short and easy hikes or moderately strenuous and longer hikes. Each takes you through forest and beautiful wildflower meadows that offer wide open views of the surrounding mountains and hills and of the bucolic scenery that Delaware County epitomizes. This hike may do both loops or just one.After watching the parade, the corn on the cob eating contest, watermelon eating contest and the dance performance in Ballantine Park, after enjoying BBQ chicken or Bratwurst, come work off the calories while enjoying some of the loveliest views in the Catskills.All participants are required to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes (no flip flops or sandals) and bring a bottle of water!Registration not required. Well behaved, leashed dogs welcome.Directions: The trailhead is located just off Route 28 between Margaretville and Andes (2 miles from downtown Andes and 9 miles from Margaretville), with parking available at the existing scenic overlook site on Finkle Road.The Palmer Hill Trail is the third trail created by the Catskill Mountain Club, and our second in partnership with the NYC DEP.
Tuesday, August 5, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail
The Phoenicia-East Branch Trail section that we will maintain runs from the Giant Ledge parking area to Woodland Valley. This trail is a fairly easy hike by Catskill standards. One of it's most interesting features is a long staircase that climbs Fork Ridge which was constructed in the 1930s by the CCC. We’ll be clearing blowdowns and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks.No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Monday, August 4 by contacting the crew chief, Wendell George, at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, contact me by 8 AM Tuesday.Directions: We'll meet at the Giant Ledge P.A., located at the hairpin curve on CR 47/Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. Drive 7.3 miles south of SR 28 in Big Indian.
Friday, August 1, 9:30 AM - Hike in Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Who says we have to hike in the Catskills every time we go out? Not us! After all, within shouting distance of our beautiful Catskills lies the Shawangunk Ridge, designated by the Nature Conservancy as one of the "Last Great Places" on Earth. No doubt, some folks think that they're one and the same. But, in fact, the Gunks are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, while the Catskills are the easternmost part of the Allegheny Plateau.Besides their different geological histories, the Catskills and the Shawangunks have differing appearances and features. Unlike the heavily forested Catskills, the Gunks are characterized by large areas of exposed rock, sky lakes and by rare plant communities different from those in the Catskills. There are wide open views of the Hudson Valley to be had, paths through one of only two ridgetop dwarf pine barrens in the world and expansive stands of blueberries, once harvested commercially by a seasonal community of berry pickers. It's common to see raptors soaring on the currents off the eastern slopes.Join CMC board member Wendell George as we hike in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. We'll hike to Awosting Falls, Lake Minnewaska and on to Gertrude's Nose. From there, we'll continue to Millbrook Mountain.Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking boots. A hat is recommended, as is sunscreen. Bring lunch and plenty of water for this exposed warm weather hike. No dogs on this hike, due to restrictive park rules. The hike is moderately difficult due to its length of about 10 miles. Elevation change is relatively modest.Pre-register before Thursday, July 31, 6 PM by contacting Wendell at: wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, call me by 7:30 AM the day of the hike. Group size is limited.Directions: Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located on US44/SR55. From New Paltz, go about 10.5 miles west on SR 299 and then Rte. 44/55. From US 209 in Kerhonkson, go east about 5.8 miles on Rte. 44/55. Meet at the main entrance. There is a fee per car for parking (seniors park free M-F).
Thursday, July 24, 9:00 AM – Trail Maintenance of the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail
This section of trail is maintained by the CMC/NYNJTC Catskills Roving Trail Crew and we need your help. We’ll hike out from the Seager P.A. up to the PH-WB and then work across Eagle and Haynes mountains, hiking back on the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail to Rider Hollow. We’ll be clearing blowdowns, cleaning waterbars and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers.Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Monday, June 16 by contacting CMC board member Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:30 AM Tuesday.NOTE: We'll meet at the intersection of Todd Mountain Rd. and Dry Brook Rd., then spot cars at Rider Hollow before going to the Seager trailhead.
Sunday, July 20, 8:00 AM - Hike the Shavertown Trail
Join CMC Board Member Amy Beveridge, as she leads LiveFit ™ Challenge participants on the Shavertown Trail in Andes, NY.LiveFit™ Challenge is sponsored by the Cardio Club and Dance Studio in Delhi and consists of a friendly competition including mini indoor & outdoor challenges, weight loss, nutritional instruction, fitness games and more! This contest was designed to build camaraderie across Delaware County and the surrounding area while encouraging community members to lead a healthy lifestyle! The full trail is 5.3 miles. Live Fit challenge participants will receive a stamp for reaching Snake Pond and view point (located at mile 1.3). From Snake Pond, Amy will lead the group on or participants may turn around at their discretion.All participants are required to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes (no flip flops or sandals) and bring a bottle of water!To register, contact Amy Beveridge at albeveridge04@gmail.com or call 607-278-5461. (No dogs on this one, please!)Directions: From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right. 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. Meet at the trailhead sign.
Saturday, July 12, 9:30 AM - Hike the New Section of the Long Path
- Sneak peaks. Do you recognize them? (Answers below*)
On June 7 the newest section of the Long Path officially opened. Running from Phoenicia to the junction with the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail in Woodland Valley, this outstanding example of sustainable trail construction principles offers a fabulous ridge hike and some of the finest views to be found in the Catskills. Come out and join us for this exciting CMC hike. Congratulations to the NYNJTC and its dedicated trail crews for perservering to make this wonderful re-route from Woodland Valley Road a reality. And thanks to the NYSDEC for making it all possible. As always, wear good hiking boots and dress in layers of wicking clothing for your comfort. Remember that weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared to slip on a layer for warmth or for protection from the rain. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. This is a moderately strenuous hike of about 12 miles. Dogs allowed upon approval by the leader. Group size is limited to 12. Rain postpones.To register contact Wendell George: wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546 by Friday, July 11 at 6PM. If you need to cancel, contact me before 8 AM on the day of the hike.Directions: From the intersection of SR 28 and Woodland Valley Rd. just west of the hamlet of Phoenicia, turn onto Woodland Valley Rd. and cross the Esopus Creek bridge. We'll meet in the parking area next to the bridge. From there we'll spot cars at the Lane St. parking area and then drive to the Woodland Valley P.A. near the end of Woodland Valley Rd. There is a per car fee for parking at Woodland Valley, which will be shared by all passengers.
*Ashokan High Point (l) and Samuel's Point (r)Thursday, July 10, 10 AM - Hike to Giant Ledge in Search of an Invader!
Molly Marquand of the CRISP at the Catskill Center (and co-founder of the Catskill Native Plant Society) will lead a hike to Giant Ledge to examine a grove of American Ash trees for the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that is devastating ash trees in the Catskills. Please join us for this opportunity to learn more about this pest. You will learn to identify the insect and the signs of its presence. With that informaton, you can monitor the condition of ash trees on your property and help report their presence in trees that you see while hiking. The American Ash is ubiquitous in the Catskills and, as one of our most important forest species, tracking its health is of great importance.Giant Ledge is one of the most spectacular spots in the Catskills, offering incredible views both east and west. It's a short hike out with a huge payoff. Whether you haven't been or if you know it well, you won't want to miss this hike!Wear good hiking boots and come prepared for the chance of changing weather. It is best to wear moisture wicking clothing. Bring lunch and plenty of water as we'll want to sit for awhile and enjoy the views. No dogs on this hike. Moderately difficult, about 3 miles out and back.Pre-registration is required. Contact Molly at mmarquand@catskillcenter.org or call 845-586-2611.Directions: The Giant Ledge parking area is located on CR 47 (Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd.), 7.3 miles south of SR 28 in Big Indian.
Monday, July 7, 8:30 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP
Working with the RVW Hikers, the CMC/NYNJTC Catskill Roving Trail Crew will help maintain the Long Path from the snowmobile trail intersection to Palenville. The trail crosses the south rim of Kaaterskill Clove, offering great views to South Mountain and the Hudson Valley. We’ll be clearing blowdowns, cleaning waterbars and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers.Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Sunday, July 6 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:00 AM Monday.Directions: We'll meet at the intersection of SR 23A and SR 32A in Palenville. From there we'll spot cars on Malden Ave. and drive to Twilight Park in Haines Falls.
Sunday, June 29, 8:00 AM - Delaware Academy Trail Construction
Last week the CMC began construction of a new trail in the Village of Delhi. Located on Delaware Academy property and on adjacent parcels belonging to both the Village and the Town of Delhi, the new trail will be a great asset to the people of Delhi. As with other CMC built trails, the Delaware Academy Trail will bring the opportunity for health, recreation and economic benefits to the community. When complete, the trail will rise through forest, partly on old woods roads, to the summit of about 2060', offering views of the village and the surrounding mountains.Please come out to lend a hand to this exciting community project. We'll be clearing trees and limbs, improving the path by cutting back growth and marking the trail over the next several weeks. Bring loppers, shears, or pruners if you have them. And bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Dress in comfortable clothing and wear good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. For more information and to sign up to help, contact CMC board member Amy Beveridge at thebeveridges@yahoo.com.We hope to see you there!Directions: Come to Sheldon Park at the end of Sheldon Dr., off SR 28. Sheldon Drive provides access to the Delaware Academy campus.
Sunday, June 22, 9 AM - Hike the Catskill’s Highest, Slide Mtn. plus Cornell
This hike is a challenging climb up the Catskill’s Highest, Slide Mtn. for a great view. Then we will decend into the col, scrambling down and up to top Cornell and look out to a great Catskills peak view. The hike is the full day and great fun. Please be prepared for changeable weather, and bring plenty of water. 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. It is a fun and challenging day in the Catskills! Hope you will join us.Rain, severe wind or thunderstorms must cancel this event. Registration from 2 weeks before event until Thursday (June 19) before the hike. Sorry but no pets due to terrain. Experienced guests welcome. MUST LEAVE FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER TO REGISTER.Contact to register and for info: Deanna Felicetta: phone is 845 216 2021,. Email is felicetta.deanna@gmail.com No email after Thursday.Directions: Meet at 9AM at the SLIDE MT PARKING AREA located on Oliverea/ Frost Valley Road (CR47), about 2 miles south of the hairpin turn. Catskills map 143
Thursday, June 19, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Seager and Pine Hill-West Branch Trails
These trails are maintained by the NYNJTC Catskill Roving Trail Crew. We’ll hike out on the Seager Trail and go to the ridge where we’ll turn south and work to Big Indian Mountain. We’ll be clearing blowdowns, cleaning waterbars and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks.No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register byWednesday, June 18 by contacting the crew chief, Wendell George, at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-254-4546. If you need to cancel, contact me by 8 AM Tuesday.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 5.1 miles to Dry Brook Rd. and turn left/south. Drive 4.2 miles to the Seager P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 8.9 miles to the Seager P.A. at the end of the road.
Saturday, September 6, 11am - Hike to Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower
Meet at either the Balsam Lake Mountain trailhead (at end of Beaverkill Road NE of Lew Beach/Livingston Manor) or the Mill Brook Road trailhead (S of Margaretville) for simultanious hikes to the Balsam Lake Mountain summit, 4.4 miles roundtrip (5.9 miles from Mill Brook side). Rock scramble ascent, gentler route option downhill. Tour of tower and ranger cabin by knowledgeable staff, followed by a ceremonial handing out of Catskill Fire Tower patches and Five Fire Tower Passports (sponsored by Watershed Post and Morgan Outdoors). A corps of trained volunteers staff all five fire renovated towers every weekend Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend, keeping their history alive. A great opportunity for adventure and amazing views of the Catskills! Pack a picnic lunch and water, wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing. Moderately strenuous.Hike leaders: Lisa Lyons and Bob Moses. Register for the Sept. 6th hike with Lisa at 845/439-5507 or info@morgan-outdoors.com Please call to cancel by 9 AM Saturday morning, if you can't attend. Group size limited to 15. Heavy rain or threat of lightning will cancel. Contact Lisa for more information.
POSTPONED, TBD - Hike Balsam Lake and Graham Mountains
Join us for a hike in one of my favorite sections of the Catskills with quiet woods, scrambles, ups and downs in a lovely area of the western Catskills. Balsam Lake is a lovely evergreen mountaintop with an expansive firetower view! The way to Graham is a woodsy trek to the top with it relic of bygone days, and early communications tower. This is a 10 mile challenge but great fun. See the NYNJTC Catskill Trail MAP # 142.Dress in comfortable, moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking boots. Be prepared for nettles and berry bushes. Bring lots of water and bring lunch. For experienced hikers only and a hike worth doing. Poor weather will cancel this hike. Dogs allowed upon approval. Strenuous.NOTE: This hike, originally scheduled for September 14, has been rescheduled because of concerns about hunting activity in the area of the hike. It is the policy of the CMC to avoid hiking in areas where big game hunting activity is likely.The NYS DEC recently adopted a new, early hunting season for bear in the Catskills. This new season takes place during prime hiking season and during a time when fully leafed out trees greatly restrict the ability of hunters and of hikers to have clear visual contact.We urge all hikers to avoid areas where hunting is likely, to always wear blaze orange caps and/or vests and to hike in groups during big game hunting seasons in order to increase visibility and draw attention to your presence in the woods. Be observant, be careful and be safe.
Saturday, June 7, 2 PM - Today's the Day! Palmer Hill Trail Opening
We're opening the new Palmer Hill Trail today, Saturday, June 7 at 2 PM. Join us for a brief ceremony and the inaugural hike on this new trail. Passing through open wildflower meadows, it is a hike unlike others in the Catskills. We hope to see you there.The trail is a partnership between the CMC and the NYC DEP, built and maintained by the CMC on recently opened DEP watershed lands. No permit is required. The Town of Andes has been a great supporter and partner in this project, too.The trailhead parking area is at the scenic viewpoint on Finkle Rd., just off SR 28 between Andes and Margaretville.