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POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS | Hike Slide Mountain, the Catskills Highest

IMG_0825What better way to begin the new 2016 than to hike up Slide Mountain, highest in the Catskills at 4180 feet. Lovely trek up to great views. We will do the hike as a loop and enjoy a varied terrain. Plan to have all winter gear as microspikes, snowshoes, poles and maybe crampons, if needed. Dress in suitable winter gear and in layers. Have lots to drink, maybe something hot and SNACKS! Hike must be cancelled if poor weather. Hike is a little over 7 miles. Slide is a must see hike and we plan to have a full day outdoors and enjoy it there. See you on the trail!Registration limited. MUST leave a full name and phone number to register. Register ten days before hike and NO email available or registration after Friday at 7pm before hike, please. Call afternoon before hike if weather iffy! Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or 845 216-2021. Directions: Meet at the Slide Mountain Parking Area on Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. (CR 47). From SR 28 in Big Indian turn south onto Oliverea Rd. (becomes Frost Valley Rd.) and proceed about 10 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the hairpin turn at the Giant Ledge P.A.) From SR 55 west of Grahamsville turn north onto Claryville Rd. (CR19) and proceed 4.6 miles to Frost Valley Rd. in Claryville. Turn left (north) and proceed 10.6 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the Biscuit Brook P.A.)  

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4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon

Join the Catskill Mountain Club for the 4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon.'Tis the Season, and we’re planning our annual “Feed the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail. Join us on Sunday December 13 at 12 noon. Meet at the Andes Rail Trail on Cabin Hill Road, just outside the village. Bring something that will feed the birds, to hang on the tree in the field just passed the boardwalk. We’ll spread cheer amongst ourselves and at the same time help to soften the extreme hardness of the Catskill winters.After the hike we will enjoy snacks at the newly restored Train Station. Bring something to share (holiday treats, snacks, goodies, drinks).Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.RSVP to aroberti@catskill.net

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Catskills Lark in the Park Bonus Photo

GiantLedgepanoABosch_rThe leaves are mostly gone here in the Catskills now. There may be a little color left towards the Hudson River, but up in the mountains about the only leaves still on deciduous trees are on beech and oak. So what better time to post this stunning photo taken during the Catskills Lark in the Park and shared with the CMC by Adam Bosch of the NYC DEP? He was visiting Giant Ledge on a gorgeous day and snapped this view across Woodland Valley.You missed the Lark? Enjoy the picture and then mark your calendar for next year's Lark events, scheduled for October 1 - 10.In the meantime, get those snowshoes, crampons and skis ready. It's almost time to play in the Catskills winter wonderland!

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Second Saturdays at the Catskill Interpretive Center | November 14, 1 PM

 IMG_3952The Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC) announces that a new monthly lecture series named "Second Saturdays" will present it's first event on Saturday, November 14 at 1:00 PM. This series was inspired by the success of a September presentation about John Burroughs given by Dr. Bill Birns.Hunting in the Catskills will be the topic of the presentation and discussion offered by local sportsman and licensed guide Charles "Sonny" Somelofski, owner of Catskill Outdoor Adventures. He will lead the conversation about Catskills hunting traditions, heritage, and the information needed to know how to enjoy hunting in the Catskills today.

Learn about the species hunted, prerequisites for hunting including hunter training and safety courses, licenses and permitting, and access to hunting lands including DEC and DEP lands and maps.Know how to plan your hunting trip, including clothing and gear, game restrictions, and knowing your limits. Meet others who have long experience in tracking, creating blinds and building tree stands. Ensure that you know how to handle and preserve your harvest.“For many people, hunting is not just a sport. Hunting can be a way of life, putting a person in touch with nature” notes Mr. Somelofski. Catskill Outdoor Adventures offers fishing, hunting and photography excursions to remote and semi-remote sections of the Catskills. "Our remote trips are specially tailored for every person - from the office worker to the hearty outdoorsman. Catskill Outdoor Adventures enables any person to get back to nature."The Catskill Mountain Club is an operating partner of the CIC.
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Saturday, October 31, 9AM - Halloween Twin Mountain Loop

Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike covers portions of the Devil's Path and the entire Roaring Kill, Pecoy Notch and Jimmy Dolan Notch trails.twinloop1This 5.2 mile trail loop hike over Twin Mountain (3,640') passes through Dibble's Quarry.twinloop2Starting at the Roaring Kill Parking Area we will hike the Roaring Kill and Pecoy Notch trails to Pecoy Notch. Turning east on the Devil's Path we begin a steep ascent with challenging rock scrambles to the summit of Twin Mountain (3,640'), one of the 35 Catskill Peaks over 3,500', where awesome views to the south and west can be had. Continuing eastward we will reach the unofficial east summit of Twin with fine views before scrabling down to Jimmy Dolan Notch. After lunching on a rock sofa and enjoying views south we will hike the entire Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail to the cars spotted earlier at the finishing trailhead.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (5.2 miles) and rugged steep sections with rock scrambles on the Devil's Path. We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain is rocky, with rock scrambles and significant 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 October 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 may come in handy, 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 29, 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 Roaring Kill Road Parking AreaFrom Greene County Route 16 (Platte Clove Road)Roaring Kill Parking Lot is located on Roaring Kill Road, 1.4 miles for its intersection with Elka Park Road. (42.151237°N, 74.130844°W)Finishing at Prediger Road Parking AreaFrom Greene County Route 16 (Platte Clove Road)Prediger Road Parking Lot is located at the end of Prediger Road, off of Platte Cove Road. (42.134122°N, 74.104417°W)

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Saturday, October 24, 9AM - Escarpment Traverse: North/South Lake to Colgate Lake

Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike covers portions of the Escarpment, Mary's Glen and Rock Shelter trails and the entire Colgate Lake Trail.northsouthcolgate1This 10.7 mile trail hike at the eastern edge of the Catskill Park visits a lightly used section of the Escarpment Trail.northsouthcolgate2Starting in North/South Lake, we will hike to North Point where there are awesome postcard views to be had of North/South Lake with Kaaterskill High Peak and Roundtop in the background. (To accommodate hikers pursuing the Catskills All Trails Challenge, we will divide the group during this portion of the hike, taking alternate routes on the Mary's Glen and Rock Shelter Trails). At North Point we will regroup and make sure to visit the viewpoint to the north that is sometimes missed by hikers traveling through this area. The Escarpment Trail beyond North Point is less commonly traveled but is very rewarding. We'll pass near the summit of North Mountain on our way to Stoppel Point (3,420'), a Catskill 100 Highest Peak where there is wreckage from a plane crash and some great views down to the Hudson Valley. Continuing towards Dutcher Notch we will pass Milt's Lookout. Turning west we will hike the entire Colgate Lake Trail to the cars spotted earlier at the finishing trailhead.The hike is difficult due to its length (10.7 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 October 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 may come in handy, 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 22, 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 Scutt Road Parking AreaFrom South: NYS Thruway (I-87) Exit 20 at Saugerties. Follow Rte. 32 north for approximately 6 miles to Rte. 32A to Rte. 23A west. Stay on Rte. 23A to the village of Haines Falls. Make first right turn in Haines Falls onto County Rte. 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to the end of the road. Scutt Road Parking Area is on Scutt Road to the right just before the campground entrance.From North: NYS Thruway (I-87) Exit 21 at Catskill. Left on Rte. 23 east to Rte. 9W south. Follow Rte. 9W through Catskill to Rte. 23A. Follow 23A west to Haines Falls. Make first right turn in Haines Falls onto County Rte. 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to end of the road. Scutt Road Parking Area is on Scutt Road to the right just before the campground entrance.Finishing at Colgate Lake Trail Head Parking AreaFrom the West: Take St. Hwy. 23 East to Rt. 23A. Follow Rt. 23A to Tannersville. Make a left onto County Route 23C. Follow Route 23C to East Jewett. Make a right onto County Route 78. This leads directly to Colgate Lake.From the East: Out of Catskill, NY, take Rt. 23A West to Tannersville. Make a right onto County Route 23C. Proceed as directed above.

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Thursday, October 22, 9 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP

IMG_3341Working with the RVW Hikers, the CMC's 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 Wednesday, October 21 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:30 AM Thursday.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.

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Saturday, October 17, 9AM - Overlook Traverse: Platte Clove to Meads

Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike completes the Overlook Trail, the Echo Lake Trail, and the Overlook Spur Trail.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.View from Overlook MountainStarting 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 Plattekill Mountain (3,100’) where, if there is interest, we will bushwhack to the summit of this Catskill 100 Highest Peak. When we reach the junction with the Echo Lake Trail, 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 October 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 15, 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.

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Thursday, November 5, 8:00 AM | Southern Pine Hill - West Branch Trail Maintenance to Big Indian Mountain

IMG_3328The CMC Roving Crew and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers will be working on the southern end of the Pine Hill - West Branch Trail on October 29.  Join us 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 October 28 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 845-586-6273.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.)

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Great Start to Lark in the Park 2015

AnnAndScreetchOwlThe first day of the Catskills Lark in the Park 2015 was rainy and raw, causing some events to be postponed or cancelled.  The would-be Pepacton paddlers headed instead to Woodchuck Lodge with hopes of clearing weather and a late afternoon paddle after getting an up close look at many wonderful birds.  We didn't get to paddle, but we had a great time seeing and learning about Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls, Screetch Owls, Red Tail Hawks, Broad Wing Hawks and Kestrels.  A couple of us even got a turn holding owls!The weather couldn't have been nicer for Sunday's events....here are a few pictures from the bird program and the Shavertown Trail Hike.  Here is Annie Mardiney, Wildlife Rehabilitator with a few of her charges:IMG_6115 kestrelAnnieMardiney     The Shavertown TrailIMG_6134 IMG_6129

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The Catskills Lark in the Park is Under Way!

During the 10 days from October 3 thru October 12, the Catskill Mountain Club along with our partners, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, host the 2015 Catskills Lark in the Park. The premier annual event celebrating the outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Catskills, as well as lectures and other events exploring diverse topics about the history of and conservation efforts in the Catskills, the Lark in the Park offers over 50 events to hikers, paddlers, cyclists and so many others.Join us for these ten days of fall color adventure. To check the schedule and register for our events, visit CatskillsLark.org.

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Fall hike to Belleayre Ridge

View from Belleayre RidgeThe weather couldn't have been finer for the Catskill Mountain Club's recent hike to Belleayre Ridge. The views from the deck of Sunset Lodge to the south and at the top of the ski trails to the north were clear and cloud free. We had fun identifying peaks in the distance and seeing Route 28 snaking through the valley below us. With binoculars we were able to spot three of the restored Catskill Fire Towers: Balsam Lake Mountain, Overlook Mountain and Hunter Mountain.After lunch on the deck at Sunset Lodge on Belleayre RidgeWe had a full group of 12 hikers from as near as Woodstock and as far as England along for this pleasant 6 mile hike. The route chosen up to and down from the ridge was chosen to appeal to hikers pursuing the Catskills All Trails (CATs) challenge, incorporating the lesser traveled Lost Clove Trail and Cathedral Glen Trail into the route. Realizing that the descent on the Cathedral Glen Trail is quite steep (after all, part of it travels along a double black diamond downhill ski trail), we offered an alternative gentler stroll down some of the intermediate slopes. Most of the hikers chose to take the more aggressive trail and a smaller group had a fun zig-zagging route on grassy open slopes. The full group assembled at the point where the Cathedral Glen Trail turns into a gentler sloping trail through an attractive hemlock forest and hiked together for the journey into Pine Hill where our cars awaited.We discussed the many upcoming hikes and other events being offered during this year's Lark in the Park as well as plans for additional weekend hikes later in October. We have scheduled a popular hike to Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove on Saturday, October 17....and if you haven't already, please make plans to attend CMC's Annual Dinner on Sunday, October 4th to meet fellow members and other people interested in outdoor recreation in the Catskills.

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Sunday, September 20, 9 AM - Hike Belleayre Ridge from Lost Clove

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike covers the entire Lost Clove, Cathedral Glen and Belleayre Ridge trails and a small portion of the Pine Hill-West Branch trail.Join co-leaders Laura Sanford and Tom Martone for a 5.6 mile thru hike of the Belleayre Ridge. We’ll climb up to the ridge by hiking the Lost Clove Trail. Once on the ridge, we’ll pass two lean-tos and the site of a former firetower on east summit of Belleayre Ridge. Our lunch and rest spot is at the end of the Belleayre Ridge Trail where a ski lift terminates and Sunset Lodge provides a nice location for a restful lunch with mountain views to both the north and south. Optionally, a short out and back hike can get us to the true summit of Belleayre Mountain (3,420’) which is a Catskill 100 Highest Peak. After lunch we will backtrack across the ridge, and finally, we’ll follow the entire length of the Cathedral Glen Trail and finish in Pine Hill.Views to the north from Belleayre RidgeThe hike is moderately difficult due to descending some steep sections on the Cathedral Glen trail. The climb from Lost Clove is steady but moderate. Most of the hiking will be on mostly level terrain along the Belleayre Ridge. 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 September 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. It can be breezy up on the exposed areas of the ridge.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).Views to the south from Belleayre RidgeAs 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 Friday September 18, 2015.  In your email, let us 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 start and end points.NYNJTC Map 142 – Northeastern Catskills
NYNJTC Catskill Hiking Trail ConditionsWe’ll meet at the large parking area next to the Pine Hill Community Center which is at 287 Main St, Pine Hill, NY 12465 at 9am and then we’ll carpool over to the Lost Clove Parking Area to start the hike.

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Thursday, September 17, 9 AM - Touch-me-not Trail Maintenance

Summer has brought lots of new growth to our trails in the Catskills. It's time to head 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 Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org by Wednesday the 16th. If you need to cancel, call Wendell by 7:00 Thursday morning at 845-586-6273.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.

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Trail Maintenance at Eagle Mountain

The Catskill Mountain Club's 2015 trail maintenance efforts continued on Wednesday, September 9 as several CMC members ventured out to maintain the Pine Hill-West Branch trail over Eagle and Haynes mountains.The hike from Seager to Rider Hollow was 7.95 miles and a lot of work was done along the way.BeforeOne focus was on the area surrounding the Shandaken Brook leanto on the Seager-Big Indian trail. There was quite a bit of overgrowth around the shelter which was cleared out and tidied up. Here are before and after shots of the rear of the shelter.AfterAfter having lunch at the trail junction the crew moved up the section leading to Eagle mountain. Even though this section had been previously cleared of blowdowns on a prior maintenance outing (to Big Indian) there was plenty of work to do trimming with shears and loppers.Clearing another blowdown on the Pine Hill-West Branch trailAfter a rest on Eagle (where two crew members bagged a new peak), the crew continued along the next 2.1 miles of the Pine Hill-West Branch trail to the Oliverea-Mapledale trail junction. Three significant blowdowns were encountered and cleared in this section. The photos show the crew working to remove the blowdowns with the amazing Silky BigBoy 2000 hand saw leaving a clear path for hikers.Steve clears blowdown with Silky sawAround 6pm or so, the skies darkened, the wind picked up and the rain poured down. The crew secured their tools and scampered down the trail to the cars waiting in the Rider Hollow parking area and enjoyed the traditional post-hike tailgate snacks.Upcoming EventsNext week, the crew will visit the Touch-Me-Not trail section between Alder Lake and Big Pond. If you haven't been out with the crew yet this year, this might be a good opportunity to join in since this is a relatively easy section of trail being only 3 miles long from end to end with little elevation change along the way.After that, there will be more work on the Pine Hill-West Branch trail from the Biscuit Brook trailhead to Big Indian mountain as well as an outing on a beautiful section of the Long Path near Palenville which includes Poet's Ledge and several scenic waterfalls. Also, there's an outing scheduled to take place during the Lark in the Park on the German Hollow trail and a section of the Dry Brook Ridge trail.

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Wednesday, September 9, 9 AM - Maintenance on the PW Trail over Eagle Mountain

NOTE: This hike was scheduled for Sept. 10, but moved to the 9th to avoid predicted rain.Join us to work on these trails that are maintained by the CMC's Catskill Roving Trail Crew. We’ll meet at the Rider Hollow Trailhead and then go to Seager to begin our hike. We'll hike to the ridge where we’ll turn north and work over Eagle and Haynes Mountains. 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 postpones until Friday.Register by Wednesday, August 19 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 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.

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Thursday, September 3, 9 AM - Kelly Hollow Trail Maintenance

The CMC/NYNJTC Catskills Roving Trail Crew has scheduled a maintenance hike on the Kelly Hollow Trail. 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.

Please register by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, call before 8 AM Wednesday morning. Rain postpones. No dogs due to safety concerns.Directions: From SR 28 west of Margaretville, turn left and then right (west) onto the NYC reservoir road (across SR 28 from the Old School House). Go 3.7 miles and turn left on Millbrook Road for 5.3 miles to the trail-head parking area on the right.From Andes, drive south on CR1 to the Shavertown Bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left onto the city reservoir road. Go 2.2 miles and left again at the sign for Big Pond, staying with the reservoir. Drive 4.6 miles to Mill Brook Rd. and turn right 5.3 miles to the Kelly Hollow P.A. on the right.From SR 28 in Highmount, turn west onto Galli-Curci Rd. and go 5.4 miles to Dry Brook Rd. Turn left (south) and go 1.4 miles to Mill Brook Rd. Turn right (west) 6.6 miles to the Kelly Hollow P. A. on the left.
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For More Upcoming Events, Check out the 12th 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 3 through October 12.  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. 

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