Thursday, August 27, 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 and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Expect to encounter plenty of blackberries between the Hump and Thomas Cole. Bring your shears and a weed whip, if  you have 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 August 26. 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 Thursday by calling 845-586-6273.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, August 16, 11:30 AM - Hike the Shavertown Trail

Come and join the hike of Shavertown Trail near the Pepacton Reservoir’s Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on Sunday August 16 at 11:30 as part of the Great Outdoor Experience Festival.  After a good climb for the first mile there will be a beautiful view overlooking the reservoir.  We will enjoy the view and walk around Snake Pond before we continue up an easier climb for a 3.3 mile loop returning to the pond.  The upper loop is an nice second growth forest and lots of nice rock formations.  This is an enjoyable hike for almost everyone; please come and join us. The total distance 5.3 miles.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and and snack or lunch.No registration required. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

Directions: From SR 28 in Margaretville turn left on SR 30.  Continue 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge. Turn right and park at the upper parking area by the boat launch.From Livingston Manor, take the Beaverkill Road, to Barkaboon Road pass Little Pond continue to the Shavertown Bridge turn right across bridge and left to the upper parking area by boat launch.  Distant 20 miles.

Sunday, August 16th, 11 AM -- Paddle the Pepacton Reservoir

Join Ann Roberti of the CMC as we celebrate the Great Outdoor Experience 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 11 AM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge.Pre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at aroberti@catskill.netLife 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.

Saturday, August 15, 3 PM - Hike Phoenicia’s Tan Bark Trail

After attending the Catskill Great Outdoor Experience Festival in nearby Mt Tremper, join Aaron Bennett of the Catskill Mountain Club for a hike departing directly from one of our beautiful main streets in the central Catskill Mountains. Leave your car on Main Street in Phoenicia and enjoy this moderate, 2-mile loop hike led by the CMC, and then re-fuel afterwards with some of the best post-hike food and drink around right here in town. The hike will follow a portion of an historic tan bark trail and an old quarry road that once provided access to the bluestone quarries and hemlock forests back in the 1800s. Interpretive signage along the route will help tell us the story. Expect spectacular views of the Esopus Creek valley from both the Grand View Ledge and the Phoenicia Overlook on the slopes of Mount Tremper. The hike has several short, very steep inclines/declines with an overall elevation gain of 700’ - so hiking shoes/boots are a must. Meet at 3PM at the trailhead located in the Phoenicia Park/Parish Field. Group size is limited, so please register by contacting Aaron at abennett@catskill.net. Bring snacks and plenty of water (and a camera).Directions:The trailhead is located by the playground equipment in the Parish Field just off Main Street in Phoenicia.Traveling west on Route 28 (from Kingston) turn right into Phoenicia just after the Phoenicia Diner. Cross the railroad tracks and bridge. At intersection, turn right and park on Main Street. Proceed back to intersection on foot and follow Mt Ava Maria Drive walking past the grocery store and Post Office. Entrance to the park is on the right.Traveling east on Route 28 (from Pine Hill) turn left into Phoenicia on NYS Rte 214, proceed straight through town on Main Street, and park on the east end of town, (near the funeral home and grocery store). Proceed down Mt Ava Maria Drive (between Gormley Funeral Home and the Phoenicia Market) on foot, and entrance to the park is on the right after the Post Office.

Tuesday, August 12, 8:20 AM - Alder Lake to Balsam Lake Mountain Firetower

This is a CATs hike in the western Catskills.OK, then! We'll try this great hike again after two rain postponements. Third time is the charm!One of my favorite Summer hikes and I love company, so come join me. The hike has a lovely combination of walking, ups, downs and scrambles with some fun views. (Note: this hike is for experienced hikers only.) It is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this 3500 peak. Hike about 12 miles. Dipping in Alder Lake at end of hike will happen! It is Summer!Dress comfortably in moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking shoes. Bring lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 quarts). Well behaved dogs allowed.Limited registration. Must leave name and a reachable phone to register! Time will be decided.Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@ gmail.com NO email after WED before hike.  Call therafter at 845- 216-2021POOR WEATHER will postpone this Catskill Hike to Wednesday, August 12. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions).Directions: Meeting at Balsam Lake Trailhead by BL Club entrance at very end of Beaverkill Road. Hike is a shuttle. From the south/west the best access is old RT. 17 to State Rd 151/152,  known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become CR 54. From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to 54. At CR 54 turn east and head NE on Beaverkill Road to the end.

Saturday August 8th, 2 pm, Hike the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur

Join the Catskill Mountain Club on an Andes Community Day walk on the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur.  The hike begins at 2pm to give participants time to enjoy the parade, fun, food and other goings on around Andes for Community Day.The group will walk on the railbed portion of the trail and will then separate into two groups, one continuing on the Bullet Hole Spur and another returning to the trailhead.2 miles round trip for railbed only portion, 4 miles round trip for rail trail and Bullet Hole Spurt.No advanced registration necessary -- just show up at the trailhead on Cabin Hill Road at 2:00 pm.DIRECTIONS: Meet at the train depot on Cabin Hill Road/CR 2 just past the flashing red light in downtown AndesLearn more about the Trail

Thursday, August 6, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Seager and Pine Hill-West Branch Trails

These trails are maintained by the CMC/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. Raindate is Friday, August 7.Register by Wednesday, August 5 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 8 AM Thursday.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.

Wednesday, August 5th, 4:30 PM - Hump Day Hike on the Delhi Hiking Trails

The Trail is just over 2 miles in length. Moderate ability level. This hike is within the village of Delhi limits making it a convenient and easy hike after work. Please bring water and wear sturdy footwear. Contact for more information and R.S.V.P to Amy Beveridge at albeveridge@gmail.com.Directions:  We will meet at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Trail Head, 565 Andes Road (SR 28), Delhi, NY.  (Across the street from O'Connor Hospital.)

Thursday, July 30, 9 AM - Trail Maintenance on Balsam Mountain

After spending several weeks constructing the new trail on Bramley Mountain, the CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew will do trail maintenance on the Pine Hill-West Branch and Oliverea-Mapledale trails 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 some blackberries to cut back, too.We have a nice assortment of tools, but feel free to bring your own favorite loppers and shears. Folding saws with longer blades may be useful, too.Be sure to bring plenty of water (at least a couple of quarts), 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. Raindate is Friday, July 31.Contact: Register by Wednesday 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  call me at 845-586-6273.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.

Saturday, June 13, 10 AM - Hike the FLT/Campbell Mtn. Trail

CATs series hike in the western Catskill Park.

Join CMC leaders Rick Roberts and Nancy McDonald for a hike on this Finger Lakes Trail segment from Downsville to the trailhead on SR 206. The hike is a moderately difficult one of 7 miles, taking 4 to 5 hours.Bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear good hiking shoes and dress in layered moisture wicking clothing. Temperatures can vary widely in the Catskills and rain is often unpredictable, especially in spring, so be prepared.Well behaved dogs are welcome.If you have questions, contact Rick at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDirections: From Margaretville- Take SR 28 about 3 miles north to SR 30 intersection. Follow SR 30 around the Pepacton Reservoir to Downsville. Bridge is on the left as you enter the village. From Roscoe- Take SR 206 west to Downsville. 

Saturday, June 13, 8:30AM – Hike to Acra Point/Blackhead/Dutcher Notch

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike covers 1.1m of the Black Dome Range Trail, 6.3m of the Escarpment Trail and the entire Dutcher Notch Trail.Join Tom Martone for a 9.3 mile thru hike on a beautiful section of the Escarpment Trail which will include a Catskill 3500 Peak, Blackhead Mountain (3,940’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Acra Point (3,100’).  This hike has a multitude of views along the way and includes a strenuous and dramatic scramble to the summit of Blackhead Mountain.  After catching our breath on top of Blackhead, we will continue a short distance along the Escarpment to an area called Camp Steel which has nice open rocks to sit on and enjoy lunch, views to the Hudson Valley and hopefully, some cool breezes.  After lunch we continue on the Escarpment Trail through interesting forests passing many blueberry bushes and a height of land called Arizona.  Later as the Escarpment Trail descends into Dutcher Notch we will have some steep sections and scrambles to negotiate.  Finally we'll follow the entire length of the Dutcher Notch Trail to the cars waiting at the finishing trailhead.The hike is the most difficult of the CATs Series thus far due to its length (9.3 miles) and several steep areas with scrambles on both sides of Blackhead.  Luckily we've arranged the hike so that our starting trailhead is over 1,000' above the finishing trailhead.  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but terrain can be uneven and rocky.  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 June in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must.  A hat, sunscreen and bug repellent may make the day more enjoyable.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required.  Group size is limited.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday June 11, 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.NYNJTC Map 141 – Northeastern CatskillsNYNJTC Catskill Hiking Trail ConditionsThis hike requires a car shuttle and the two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Big Hollow Road Road Parking AreaAt the end of Big Hollow Road (County Route 56) in Maplecrest, NY.42.28884, -74.11505From State Route 23 at the east end of Windham, NY take NY-296 S for 1.5 miles which turns into Maplecrest Road.  Turn right onto County Road 40 and proceed for 1.8 miles and turn left on Big Hollow Road (Route 56).  Proceed on Big Hollow Road for 4.2 miles.  The parking area is on the right at the end of Big Hollow Road.Finishing at Dutcher Notch Parking AreaOn Stork's Nest Road near Round Top, NY.42.25266, -74.05350Access is via Heart's Content Road (CR 31), the road to Round Top and Purling, which can be accessed from State Route 23 or State Route 32. Follow Heart's Content Road to Maple Lawn Road.  Turn onto Maple Lawn Road and travel 1.1 mi to Floyd Hawver Rd. Turn left and then make a quick right at the DEC sign at Stork's Nest Road. Travel 0.4 mi along Stork's Nest Road to a small parking area on the left side of the road. Avoid entering the private property further down Stork's Nest Road. 

The Finger Lakes Trail in the Catskills - Talk and Hike! June 6th

On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6th at 1:00pm, Rick Roberts, Catskill Mountain Club President and Catskill Maintenance Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) will be at Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, NY to present an overview of the 90-mile section of the trail as is makes its way through the Catskills.The talk will touch on the history of the 570-mile FLT, the governing body of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and the highlights of the FLT in the Catskills, starting near the Cannonsville reservoir and ending near Slide Mt. Items to be handed out will include maps of the Catskill portion of the FLT, information cards, and copies of the Finger Lakes Trail News.To reserve a seat, call Lisa at 845 439 5507. Directions available at www.morgan-outdoors.com. This free public event is sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Club, with support from Morgan Outdoors.Following the talk Rick will lead a 2.5 mile hike to Split Rock along the FLT section comprising the Mary Smith and Pelnor Hollow Trails. This hike is relatively easy with only one steep section as we near the Split Rock overlook. The hike will start at the Mary Smith trailhead on Holliday/Berry Brook Rd. at approximately 2:30 pm.Morgan Outdoors will lend Leki hiking poles at no cost to the first 6 people who reserve them in celebration of National Trails Day.

May 29th, 11 am. Grand Opening and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail.   Location:  Intersection of NYS Rte 10 and NYS Rte 268 on the Cannonsville Reservoir, 12 miles west of Walton on Rte 10.  The hike is a 7 mile loop with strenuous sections and an elevation gain of 1000'.

Monday - Memorial Day, May 25th 2 pm-- 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 NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business. We will launch promptly at 2 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.

Sunday, May 24, 10:00 AM - Help Maintain the Dry Brook and German Hollow Trails

Follow Laura Battelani, CMC Board Member, and David Lucas, volunteers for NY/NJ Trail Conference, as they inspect and clear the trails they adopted for the NY/NJTC. Hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 year old bog, to arrive to a beautiful lookout of the Pepacton Reservoir. The return will be on the German Hollow trail.Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes, bring water and food and dress in layers for comfort. Bring hand tools, gloves and eye protection if you want to help with the cleaning of the trail.This moderately difficult hike is about 6 miles and will take about 6 hours. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water - about 2 quarts. No dogs permitted for safety reasons.Pre-register by May 23. Contact Laura at bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101.Directions: On SR 28, 40 miles west of Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile west of the blinking light, turn right at the intersection with Fair St. Meeting is at the car wash on the right.

Saturday, May 23, 9AM - Hike West Kill Mtn. and St. Anne’s Peak

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike covers 7.05m of the western end of the Devil’s Path and 0.7m of the Diamond Notch Trail.Join Tom Martone for a 7.75 mile thru hike on the western end of the Devil's Path which will include a Catskill 3500 Peak, West Kill Mountain (3,880’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, St. Anne’s Peak (3,420’).  This hike will include a long climb with some steep sections up to the spectacular views at Buck Ridge Lookout at the top of West Kill Mountain.  After that, we’ll continue on the Devil’s Path on a rambling up and down hike through varied terrain and forests in a very quiet and secluded area.  We’ll pass over St. Anne’s Peak and hike in the shadows of North Dome as we turn north and follow the trail though a hemlock forest along the Mink Hollow Brook to our finishing trailhead.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (7.75 miles) and elevation changes.  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be significant elevation change throughout the day including a few steep pitches on the way up to the summit of West Kill Mountain.  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 May in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for a spring hike.  A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.  You may consider bug repellent as well.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required.  Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Hunter - West Kill Mountain Wilderness.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday May 21, 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.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-updatesDirections:The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Spruceton Road/Diamond Notch Parking AreaAt the end of Spruceton Road (County Road 6) in West Kill, NY.42.18246, -74.26954From the junction of State Route 42 and Spruceton Road, follow Spruceton Road east for 6.8 miles to the parking area on the right.Finishing at Mink Hollow/Spruceton Road Parking AreaOn Spruceton Road (County Route 6) near West Kill, NY.42.19170, -74.32416From the junction of State Route 42 and Spruceton Road, follow Spruceton Road east for 3.7 miles to the trailhead and parking area on the right.

Sunday, May 17, 11 AM - Annual Ephemeral Wild Flower Hike At Kelly Hollow

You are invited to you to join with CMC board members for the fifth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike at Kelly Hollow on Sunday, May 17^th at 11:00 am.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. Hike will be canceled in case of steady rain. If in doubt, call before 10:00am Sunday.We will meet at the Old Stone Schoolhouse, 2.2 miles West of Margaretville at 10:30 am or at the trail-head at 11:00 am.Directions: The  Kelly Hollow Trail is located on Millbrook Road in the town of Middletown, NYNJ Trail Conference map #142, F-5,6.Directions to trail-head: Go right (west) on the NYC reservoir road across Rt.28 from the Old Stone School House, for 3.7 miles. Then left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trail-head parking area on the right.To register or for more information, contact: howardjraab@gmail.com, (845) 586-3112

Saturday, May 9, 3:30 PM - Hike the new Jockey Hill Trail with the CMC at Trailfest

The CMC will again lead a hike as part of Trailfest at Kenco Outfitters. This year we'll explore the new trail at Jockey Hill.  John Exter, a former CMC board member, will lead the hike.These trails wind through the Bluestone Wild Forest near Kingston for 4.5 miles. The trail is for multi-purpose use, including mountain biking and cross country skiing, as well as hiking. The hike is moderately difficult due to its length.This hike should be of interest to hikers who are working to complete the requirements for the Catskills All Trails (CATs) Certificate, awarded by the CMC to those hikers who hike all of the designated hiking trails in the Catskill Park. The hike is open to hikers all abilities. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and dress in moisture wicking clothing for your comfort. Bring a snack if you like and be sure to bring adequate water suppplies - at least a quart.No dogs on this hike, please.Meet at Kenco at 1000 Hurley Mountain Rd. and SR 28,  just west of Kingston. From there we'll drive to the trailhead and spot cars at the end of the trail for the return to the starting point.You can find out more about the workshops, presentations and events during Trailfest by visiting Kenco's website.

Saturday, May 9, 9AM - Hike to Windham High Peak and Burnt Knob

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike completes the Elm Ridge Trail (0.85m) and covers 4.95m of the Escarpment Trail and 1.1m of the Black Dome Range Trail.Join Tom Martone on a thru hike of a section of the Escarpment Trail which includes a Catskill 3500 Peak, Windham High Peak (3,524’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Burnt Knob (3,180’).  We’ll soak in the great views to the north and east from the top of Windham High Peak. where on a clear day you can see Albany.  We continue on the Escarpment Trail on an up and down journey through interesting terrain and forests passing Burnt Knob on our way to the junction with the Black Dome Trail.  We will stop and enjoy multiple view points along the way and there should be lots of opportunities for great photos.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (6.9 miles) and elevation changes.  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be elevation change throughout the day with a few steep pitches.  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 May in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm. Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for a spring hike.  A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.  You may consider bug repellent as well.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required.  Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Windham - Blackhead Range Wilderness.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday May 7, 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.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-updatesDirections:The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Peck Road Parking AreaAt the end of Peck Road in Maplecrest, NY.42.296631, -74.16911From State Route 23 at the east end of Windham, NY take NY-296 S for 1.5 miles which turns into Maplecrest Road.  Turn right onto County Road 40 and proceed for 1.8 miles and turn left on Big Hollow Road (Route 56).  Proceed on Big Hollow Road for 1.8 miles and make a left onto Peck Road.  The trailhead and parking area are .8 miles ahead at the end of Peck Road.Finishing at Big Hollow Road Road Parking AreaAt the end of Big Hollow Road (County Route 56) in Maplecrest, NY.42.28884, -74.11505From State Route 23 at the east end of Windham, NY take NY-296 S for 1.5 miles which turns into Maplecrest Road.  Turn right onto County Road 40 and proceed for 1.8 miles and turn left on Big Hollow Road (Route 56).  Proceed on Big Hollow Road for 4.2 miles.  The parking area is on the right at the end of Big Hollow Road.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 1:00 PM - Community Fit Day Hike

Join CMC Board Member Amy Beveridge for a Community Fit Day Hike.Delhi, NY, Hike the Delhi Trails, Bulldog Run Loop (2.3 miles) This hike is geared toward everyone from the beginner to avid hiker. The terrain is a moderately difficult; hikers should expect two strenuous short inclines to start and a wooded path with trees lining both sides of the trail for most of the way. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear sturdy footwear, comfortable clothes, and bring a bottle of water. Leave no trace rules (If you carry it in, you carry it out) will be reviewed prior to the hike and obeyed during the event. This hike is part of Delhi’s Community Fit Day.  A donation for the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society is strongly encouraged. Suggested items for donation include: paper towels, non clumping cat litter, cash/check.R.S.V.P to Amy Beveridge at (607) 278-5461 or email albeveridge04@gmail.com.For more information about Community Fit Day Details visit http://www.clasiladies.com/community-fit-day.html.For details and a map of the Delhi Trails, click hereMeet at 1 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church,  Andes Road/Rt 28, Delhi, NY