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Tuesday, May 5, 9 AM – Maintenance of the Western Black Dome Trail to Thomas Cole Mountain
Join the CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew and the Rip van Winkle Hikers as we work on the western end of the Black Dome Trail. This maintenance hike will go 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 youhave one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you with.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 4. Write wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. Or call Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104. If you need to cancel, let me know by 7:30 AM on Tuesday.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.
Sunday, May 3, 9:00 AM - Paddling the West Branch of the Delaware
Paddle the beautiful West Branch of the Delaware River from Delhi to DeLancey. Approximate distance is 8.5 miles, 4-6 hours. Relatively tame water, no dangerous white water. Life jackets required for all participants. Kayaks and canoes only, no rafts.Pre-register by April 30. Write or call Rick Roberts at: Hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or 607-746-9694. Provide your contact info in case of changes to the plans.Bring a lunch, snacks and 2 liters of water, etc. No dogs allowed.Directions: Meet at the O’Connor Hospital parking lot on NYS Rte 28 in Delhi, 1 mile from launch site. Cars will be driven to Delancey prior to put in. From Margaretville, take NYS 28 north to Delhi. Delancey is 7 miles south on NYS Rte 10, toward Walton.
Saturday, May 2, 9:15 AM - Hiking the new FLT Rock Rift Fire Tower trail
Hike to the Pines Lookout Fire tower. This is a new section of the FLT constucted in 2014. It's a 7 mile loop trail. The Pines Fire Tower is the last remaining Catskill Fire Tower on public land that has yet been restored. It is located in the Town of Tompkins, Delaware County overlooking the Cannonsville Reservoir. The tower itself cannot be climbed at this time.This event is a named evert called the Wally Wood Memorial Hike put on by the FLTC. For more info go to:www.fingerlakestrailconference.orgThis is a moderately strenuous hike. Wear good hiking boots and layered, wicking clothing for your comfort. Bring lunch. Well behaved dogs are welcome. For more information, contact Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or at 607-746-9694.Directions: From Walton, NY. Follow NYS Rte 10 west for approximately 7 miles to the intersection of NYS Rte 268 and the Rte 268 bridge over the Cannonsville Reservoir. Meet at the DEP parking area on the north side of the Bridge.
Fun morning watching birds!
An intrepid group of bird enthusiasts turned out for the spring bird watching hike on the Andes Rail Trail. The highlight: we were treated to many flashes of the ruby crown of the Ruby Crowned Kinglet. The full list of the birds sighted and heard is available in this checklist. Thank you Andy Mason for a great morning!Andes birdwalk Checklist 4-26-2015
May is Schoharie Watershed Month -- with lots of events to celebrate
Now in its sixth year, Schoharie Watershed Month (May) offers a series of free events to celebrate the region’s beauty and natural resources. Presented by Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District and New York City Department of Environmental Protection -- and in partnership with many area organizations and individuals -- the events will focus on water quality and watershed appreciation throughout the Schoharie Basin.There are plenty of great events and workshops. Of particular interest to CMC members might be:Saturday, May 23rd - Paddle the Schoharie Reservoir! Catskill Outback Adventures will provide kayaks and canoes and lead this trip from Snyder’s Cove on opening weekend. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact Michelle Yost (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com.Saturday May 30th - Hike Bearpen Mountain. 9 AM - 2 PM. Join Peter Manning for this 7-mile hike with panoramic views of the Schoharie Watershed. Moderate - Difficult. Bring lunch. Registration required by 5/29: localtouristpqm@gmail.com (Rain date: May 31st).Saturday May 30th - “The Schoharie Basin and Its Ice Age History” Bob and Johanna Titus tell the story of how glaciers shaped the Schoharie Basin and created its most scenic views. 6 PM at the Mountaintop Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls. The Tituses gave an entertaining and informative presentation at a CMC dinner a couple of years ago -- this talk is sure to be great.Read More Here. For complete activity listings with descriptions, updates, sponsors, and other details please visit www.catskillstreams.org or contact the Schoharie Watershed Program of Greene County SWCD at (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com.
Sunday, April 26th, 8 AM - Bird Watching Hike on the Andes Rail Trail
Join us as we host Andy Mason of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail!The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. has scheduled a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail for Sun. April 26. Returning spring migrants including warblers, thrushes, flycatchers as well as resident species can be expected. Participants should meet at the Depot St. trailhead at 8 a.m. The walk will last approximately two hours.For further information, contact Andy Mason, (607) 652-2162, AndyMason@earthling.net.Andy will be speaking at the Andes Round Table on April 1st, giving us a preview of the birds we will see when spring finally does arrive
Saturday, April 18, 9 AM - Overlook Trail from Platte Clove to Meads
Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike completes the Overlook Trail (4.65m), the Echo Lake Trail (0.7m), and the Overlook Spur Trail (2.3m).This 8.9 mile trail hike at the eastern edge of the Catskill Park includes a mix of interesting features to go along with the great views into the Hudson Valley along the way. Starting in Platte Clove, we pass through a portion of an interpretive trail in the Platte Clove Preserve, and soon visit the site of an abandoned quarry and pass by the Devil’s Kitchen lean-to. Later we will take some time to explore the views at Codfish Point and relax for a bit on some interesting quarry furniture. Continuing on the Overlook Trail, we will pass (but not summit) a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Plattekill Mountain (3,100’) and reach the junction with the Echo Lake Trail where we will take a side trip to Echo Lake where we will stop and have some lunch, perhaps at the lean-to if it’s available. After lunch we’ll retrace our steps back to the Overlook Trail and continue on to another Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Overlook Mountain (3,140’) where we will take the lesser-used trail around the edge of Overlook Mountain and pass numerous nice viewing areas on open rock ledges. After that we’ll visit the fire tower on Overlook to get some 360 degree views of the Hudson Valley, the Ashokan Reservoir and several of the Devil’s Path peaks. Then we will walk past the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House to join the Overlook Spur Trail for a descent down to the Parking Area at Meads Mountain Road to complete our hike.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (8.9 miles). We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be moderate elevation change throughout the day. Hiking poles can be helpful. We will hike at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.The weather in April in the Catskills can vary widely. Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers. A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood, gloves and a warm hat or balaclava will come in handy on the fire tower later, even if the weather is generally warm.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters). You might consider bringing a hot beverage in a thermal container if the weather is cold.As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for an early spring hike. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern Catskills - see http://www.nynjtc.org/product/new-catskill-trails-map-set-maps-hiking-catskillsTrail Conditions - see http://www.nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updatesPre-registration is required. Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Indian Head Wilderness. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday April 16, 2015. In your email, let me know the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles from the two trailheads.The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Platte Clove Parking AreaOn Platte Clove Road (County Route 16) just outside of Platte Clove.From CR212 east of Woodstock and west of the Saugerties thruway exit, go to Town Highway 35 (Blue Mountain Rd.) and turn North. Continue on Rte. 35 to where it curves left onto West Saugerties Rd. (Blue Mountain Rd. continues to the right). Follow West Saugerties Rd. to Platte Clove Rd. and climb steeply to the parking lot on the right, about 2.4 miles past the intersection with W.Saugerties - Woodstock Rd.42.13335, -74.08190Finishing at Meads Mountain Road Parking AreaOn Meads Mountain Road just north of Woodstock.42.07137, -74.12246From CR 212 (Tinker St./Mill Hill Rd.) in Woodstock, turn north on Rock City Rd. In 0.6 miles, cross Glasco Turnpike and continue on Meads Mountain Rd. for 2 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right, across from the Buddhist Monastery.
Celebrate National Walking Day with a walk on the Andes Rail Trail -- Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 -- No Foolin'!
The Catskill Mountain Club is celebrating National Walking Day by taking a lunchtime walk on the Andes Rail Trail. Come and join us!Various Delaware County organizations are also celebrating -- find out more by visiting the GetOutAndWalk.org website.
Sunday, March 8th - Gorgeous ALDER LAKE and Beaver Meadow Winter Hike
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, may want handwarmers. Call for meeting time and place. Parking arrangements will be dependent on weather conditions. Limited registration open two weeks before hike. MUST leave a reachable phone # and full name, please. Conrtact Deanna Felicetta at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com NO EMAIL after Friday the 6th at 6:30 PM. Call therafter at 845 216 2021.POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions).SNOW DATE March 15th… Come join the FUN!Directions: 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.
Hardy CMC members braved the cold to cross country ski at Mountain Trails in Tannersville, Presidents' Day 2015
We did have the sense to postpone it to Monday from Sunday though.
Sunday, February 8, 2015@ 1 PM - Hike the New Delhi Delaware Academy Trails
Hike the new CMC built trails on the mountain behind Delaware Academy and help scout out view points on several rock ledges.Identified view points will then be opened up on a later hike to be announced. SNOWSHOES recommended!!This afternoon hike is open to all hikers. We will not be stopping for lunch, but you may want to bring a snack. Bring plenty of water or warm tea, etc. The moderately-difficult four mile route will take about three hours to complete. Well behaved dogs are welcome.For your comfort and safety, wear layers of wicking clothing, a windproof, breathable jacket and bring mittens (best) or gloves. Good hiking boots are a must. Recent snows mean that you will need snowshoes to hike comfortably. Gaiters are highly recommended, too.Send questions to leader Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com.Directions: Delaware Academy is located on SR 28 just east of the Village of Delhi. Turn east onto Sheldon Dr. and meet in the DA parking lot on the west side of the High School in front of the bus garage.
February 15 - 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 so long as you’ve been on skis before. We can break-up into different groups according to skill level.Meet at 9:30 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. You can purchase soup and snacks for lunch or bring your own. For directions and ski area information visit www.mtntrails.comLack of snow will cancel. Please sign-up by Friday, February 13, to confirm snow conditions. Contact: Jonathan Mogelever at jmogelever@gmail.com or call 845-741-8016.Directions: Mountain Trails is located on SR 23A in Tannersville about .3 mi. west of the intersection with CR 23C and 3.7 miles east of Hunter Mountain Ski Area.
Saturday, December 20, 2014 1:00p.m - Snowshoe celebration on the Delhi Trails
Help our Board Member, Amy Beveridge, celebrate her birthday on the trail she spearheaded in Delhi!Amy Beveridge will lead a hike / snowshoe celebration for her birthday on the Bulldog Run Trail. Meet in the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot Delhi. (If the lot is full, park across the street at O'Connor Hospital). The trail is moderate with some steepness. Snowshoes may be required (bring in case--will not be provided). Only well behaved dogs allowed. Amy will be bringing her dog.While everyone is welcome, winter hiking can be dangerous: dress in layers. Wear boots, bring hats, mittens/gloves and snowshoes. Bring water and a snack.Amy reserves the right to decline anyone deemed unprepared for inclement weather or current trail conditions.R.S.V.P to Amy at albeveridge04@gmail.com or call 607-278-5461.Saturday, December 20, 2014 1:00p.m.
Rock Rift Fire Tower Hike - Thursday Dec 18th 10 am
Hike the new FLT trail to the fire tower, 7 miles, a bit strenuous. Well behaved dogs permitted.Keep in mind that winter hiking can be dangerous: dress in layers. Wear boots, bring hats, mittens/gloves and snowshoes. Bring water and lunch.Directions- Take NYS Rte 10 or 206 to Walton. Follow Rte. 10 thru Walton, west to the Cannonsville Reservoir for approximately 9-10 miles to the intersection of NYS Rte 268 and the bridge over the Reservoir. PArking is on the north side of the bridge. A FLT trail sign is in the parking area. Contact Rick Roberts at 607 746-9694 for more info. The area has limited cell coverage.Thursday Dec 18th 10 am.
For Upcoming Events, Check out the 11th Annual Catskills Lark in the Park Schedule
As a founding partner of the Catskills Lark in the Park, the CMC takes great pride in the wealth of various outdoor activities offered each year to recreational enthusiasts during this great celebration of the Catskill Park's founding. These events are led by volunteers from many organizations that regularly organize outings in the Catskill region. Many are led by CMC members.Together with our partners, the Catskill Center, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the NYS DEC, we look forward to seeing you out and about in the Catskills this year from October 4 through October 13. Come for one event or for 10 days full of activities. Pick your pleasure from hikes, paddles, cycling trips, natural and cultural explorations, educational events and more - truly something for everyone!After the Lark, regular CMC scheduling will resume.
Monday, September 22, 9:30 AM - Kelly Hollow Trail Maintenance
The CMC/NYNJTC Catskills Roving Trail Crew has scheduled a maintenance hike on the Kelly Hollow Trail. We know that there is a good deal of work to be done, so please join us if you can on this easy hike out to a Beaver Pond. Bring work gloves and loppers, pruners or shears. We’ll eat at the lean-to.
Sunday, September 7, 9:15 AM - The Joy of Twin, Twice
Now if you like the Catskill woods, challenging scrambles and views this is the hike to do! It is about the most fun 8 miles the Catkills has to offer on the Devil’s Path. Dibbles Quarry, the beaver pond, the Notches and VIEWS and songbirds at this time of year, too. Come see for yourself! It will be a full day and you should have a flashlite should it be needed. Wear good hiking boots and dress in layers of wicking materials. Bear in mind that the weather can be changeable in the Catskills over the course of a day. Bring lots of water, lunch and some snacks! Be aware that some of our hikers are working on Peaks and the full Devil’s Path and we will complete the hike unless the weather is not cooperative. Those committted to the fun and challenge must leave a full name and a reachable phone to register. Register by Thursday, September 4. NO EMAILS THEREAFTER>>only phone calls to Hikeleader at 845 216 2021 Just leave a message.Contact: Deanna Felicetta. Email to felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call (845) 216 2021Directions: From SR 23A east of Hunter and west of Tannersville, turn south onto Bloomer Road (CR 16), which will become Platte Clove Road. Watch for Elka Park Road on your right after 1½ miles. Turn south onto Elka Park Rd., and go 1.3 miles to Roaring Brook Rd. (continue onto to Roaring Brook Rd. at the Mink Hollow Rd. intersection). Go slow here as it is a dirt road. Continue 1 mile to parking on both sides at the trailhead for Twin/Sugarloaf and Plateau.
Join us on August 30th, at 2 PM for the opening of the new Delhi Trails
Join us in Delhi for the official opening of the new Delhi Trails. 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.
Click on the map here for a full size printable version. An interactive map of the new trails is here.Map software provided by www.MappingSupport.com
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, August 30th at 1 pm for the dedication of the interpretive plaque at Palmer Hill
Join us for the dedication of this beautiful and informative sign. The sign was generously paid for by Thomas and Janet Losavio in memory of their son, Thomas
Tuesday, August 26, 9 AM - Maintenance Hike on the Middle Mountain Trail
The Middle Mountain Trail is a section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Delaware County. The CMC/NYNJTC Catskills Roving Crew will be working to remove blowdowns and any growth that has obscured the trail or the markers. This has been a year in which ferns and other soft tissue growth have made seeing the trailbed very difficult in places. Lend us a hand if you can as we try to open this trail back up for all to use easily and safely. Bring your loppers or shears or we'll lend a tool to you from our good assortment.Be sure to wear good hiking boots and wear moisture wicking clothing for your comfort. It might be useful to bring insect repellant. Bring lunch and plenty of water, too. Strenuous. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain postpones to a date TBD.Register by Monday evening on the 25th by contacting Bob Moses at rmoses@delhitel.net or Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org. If you need to cancel call Wendell before 7:15 AM on Tuesday morning.Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go about 3 miles to the intersection of these two highways and turn southwest (left). Follow SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge. Continue across the bridge on SR 30 2.4 miles to Beech Hill Rd. Turn south and go about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area.From SR 17 in Roscoe, drive north on SR 206/Cat Hollow Rd. to SR 30 and turn east. Go 9.3 miles to Beech Hill Rd. and turn south about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right.We'll spot cars and drive to the P.A. on Mary Smith Hill Rd. to begin our work.