SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | Balsam to Belleayre

Hike to Balsam and Belleayre Mountains. Views and more!.Lovely 10 mile hike for experienced hikers and those seeking 3500 peaks, all trails and hundred highest! There is a lovely but serious climb up McKenley Hollow. We will traverse Balsam Mountain and go on to Belleayre where we will side track to see the sights from the ski mountain area, then end with a decent on the Cathedral Glen Trail. Come join the fun outdoors this summer!Please be prompt as we will be shuttling to the starting point of the hike.Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Dress in moisture wickng clothing for comfort. Wear good hiking shoes. No dogs on this hike.Poor weather, especially thunderstorms, will cause hike to be cancelled. Raindate on Sunday, June 26. Please check with leader on Thursday evening.To register contact the Leader, Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or 845-216-2021. Leave reachable phone number and FULL name.Limited registration for this peaks hike. Only Phone calls on Friday.Directions: Meet at Parking Area  'A" (by the trees side of the lot) at Belleayre Ski Area.From NYS Thruway take Kingston exit 19 and head west on SR 28 about 35 miles to Highmount. Turn south on Galli Curci Rd. and go 4/10 of a mile to Parking Area A on the left.

Thursday, June 16, 9 AM | Bramley Mountain Trail Construction One More Time

On this trip we will finish the clearing of the trails and views. We'll assess our work with an eye for small problems, checking areas where we have made improvements to be sure that they are in good condition after recent rainstorms and light use by the crew. We'll have some tools to lend, but bring sturdy shears and/or loppers, if you have them. Work gloves will be useful. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear sturdy boots.No dogs due to safety concerns. Raindate is Friday, June 17.To register, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273.Directions: From SR 28 a few miles east of the Village of Delhi, turn north on Glen Burnie Rd. Drive about 3 miles to the parking area on the right, located on a sweeping curve. From CR 18 east of Delhi, turn south on Glen Burnie Rd. and travel less than a mile to the parking area, located on the left.

Lucky Rescue on the Pepacton Leaves Victim Chipper

Boaters at the CMC's season opening May 28 Paddle the Pepacton event rescued a chipmunk found struggling far from shore in the cold reservoir waters. We've seen beavers, deer, bears and other four-legged bathers in the past, but never before a chipmunk.

 After picking the chippy out of the water, the rescuers paddled to shore with it sitting on the bow of a kayak as it watched the land approach. As soon as they were within jumping distance, the chipmunk leapt and scampered off into the woods, safe and dry.    One can only the amazed that it managed to avoid being eaten by one of the many bald eagles or huge trout that call the Pepacton home. Now that's a lucky day!

Saturday, May 28, 11 AM | Paddle the Pepacton

Experience an incredible outdoor adventure, paddling the beautiful Pepacton Reservoir. Join Catskill Mountain Club board member Bob Moses for a scenic paddle on this recently opened NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business.  We will launch promptly at 11AM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge. Life jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. Many vendors store boats on site, requiring only that you visit the store to pay and to pick up paddles and PFDs. For more information on regulations, please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfPre-register and questions to Bob Moses at rmoses@delhitel.net.Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go west about 3 miles to the dividing of the highways. Turn south onto SR 30 and go 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge,  turning north onto CR 1 just before crossing the bridge. The Boat Launch is on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right. 

Saturday, June 4, 1:30 PM | National Trails Day Hike: Alder Lake to Big Pond on the FLT

Hike between two semi-remote Catskill Ponds along the Finger Lakes Trail. Along the way we will pass stone foundations and stone walls from a hundred year old farmstead.1:30 PM- Meet and leave a car at Big Pond on the Barkaboom Rd. then drive to Alder Lake (15 mins) to start the hike. Both Alder Lake and Big Pond have DEC, 1st come, primitive camping sites surrounding the lakes. Excellent for an overnite camping and hiking adventure.

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2:00 PM- Meet at Alder Lake Parking area and take an optional, unguided hike around the Lake (approx. 1.5 miles). Or join the longer 4 mile hike to Big Pond.Thanks to Lisa Lyons of Morgan Outdoors for sponsoring this event.Wear sensible shoes or boots, long pants and long sleeved shirt (may encounter some berry briers). Might want to bring along a raincoat and/or extra layer as weather sometimes changes quickly in the Catskills. Insect repellent is advised.Bring plenty to drink, at least one quart. Well behaved unleashed dogs allowed.How long: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: ModerateTo register or for more info, contact the Hike Leader: Rick Roberts.607 746-9694 or hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or Morgan Outdoors at 845-439-5507.Directions to Big Pond: 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.Directions to Alder Lake: See above. From the intersection of Beaverkill Rd. and Big Pond Rd, (aka Barkaboom Rd.), go east 1.4 miles to Alder Creek Rd. Turn north 2.2 miles to the Alder Lake parking access road on the right, just before Cross Mountain Rd. 

Thursday, May 26, 9 AM | Building the Porcupine Caves Trail on Bramley Mountain

The Porcupine Caves Trail, last of the three trails being constructed on Bramley Mountain, is well on it's way to completion - the route is laid out, the blowdown and views are cut, the clearing is done, much of the sidehilling is done and a bit of stone step setting has been completed.Now we need to clear the path of leaves, lose rocks, small limbs, and take care of minor problems hidden underneath them. At a little over 1 mile long, we need a good sized crew of trail builders to bring bow rakes and help clean the trailbed from the summit to the quarry. Bring work gloves, plenty to drink and lunch. Along the way you'll enjoy a preview of the great views and features. You may even see a porcupine or two and spotted salamanders. No dogs on this hike due to safety concerns.Please join us for what will be a very satisfying day as we wrap up construction of this exciting new hiking destination.Contact: To register and for more information, email Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273.Directions: We'll meet at the newly improved trailhead parking area on Glen Burnie Rd. The trailhead is about 3 miles north of SR 28 and about 1/2 mile south of CR18 in the Town of Delhi. 

Sunday, May 22 at 10:00 AM | Trail Maintenance on Section 2 of the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and German Hollow Trail

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/NJ TC. Hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 years old bog, to arrive to a beautiful look out 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. The moderately difficult hike is about six miles and six hours long.No dogs for safety reasons.Preregistration:  by May 21Contact to register and for more information: Laura at bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101Directions: On Route 28, 40 miles from Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile after the blinking light, turn right (north) at the intersection with Fair St.. Meeting is at the car wash.

Saturday, May 28, 8 AM | Hike Balsam Lake Mountain to Alder Lake

One of my favorite western Catskills hikes and I love company, so come join me. The hike has lovely combination of walking, ups, downs , scrambles and some grand views.  Note: this hike is for experienced hikers as the hike is about 9 miles, strenuous and at a steady pace. Great for peakbaggers and CATs Trail seekers.It is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this 3500 peak.Dress for weather and in layers of moisture wicking clothing. Wear good hiking shoes. Bring lots to drink and eat.Limited registration. Must leave name and a reachable phone number when registering!  Register by WEDNESDAY before hike. Poor weather will cancel. To register and for more info, contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@ gmail.com. NO email after WED before hike. Call 845 216-2021 thereafter.See Map # 142. Meet at ALDER LAKE trailhead off Alder Creek Road. We will spot cars and drive to the Beaverkill Rd. trailhead to begin the hike.Directions: From the north, take SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left to Barkaboom Road. Go south to Beaverkill Rd. and turn left to Alder Creek Rd. Go to the Alder Lake trailhead parking lot on the right, just before ascending Cross Mountain Rd.From south and west take Route 17 to Livingston Manor or Roscoe to Beaverkill Road. It is a bit of a ride on this road to TURNWOOD. Make a left/North on Alder Creek Road. Go to Alder Lake entrance on right and go to the trailhead parking lot. 

Saturday, May 21, 1 PM | Training for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Reporting

Join Dan Snider of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for a field training in the identification of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestations and how to report your findings. HWA is a big threat to or Catskill forests. There are ways to limit the damage, but monitoring the forests for up-to-date conditions is essential. As a hiker, fisherman, birder ot other outdoor enthusiast, you will be able to make a significant impact on the success of the effort to control and eradicate these pests.The event will take place at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center on SR 28 in Mount Tremper.

Thursday, May 19, 9 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP

Join the RVW Hikers and the CMC Catskill Roving Trail Crew to help maintain the Long Path from the snowmobile trail intersection to Wildcat Falls. 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. Bring your favorite pruners, shears or loppers.Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Wednesday, May 18 by contacting Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104 or Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org. If you need to cancel, contact Jim by 7:30 AM.Directions: On SR 23A about .5 mile east of Haines Falls, we'll meet at the intersection of SR 23A  and Wingate Rd. Look for the entrance gate, which is clearly marked as Twilight Park. We will caravan to the trailhead from there.

Thursday, May 12, 9 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP

Working with the RVW Hikers, the CMC's Roving Trail Crew will help maintain the Long Path from Palenville to Poet's Ledge. 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, May1 1 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 new Park & Ride lot next to Thruway Exit 20 in Saugerties. From there we'll drive to Malden Ave.  Call for more info.

Thursday, May 5, 9 AM | Black Dome Range Trail maintenance to Camel's Hump

The CMC's Catskills Roving Trail Crew will be working on the western end of the Black Dome Range Trail next. Join us and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers for this maintenance hike to the Camel's Hump. We'll be doing the usual, removing any downed limbs and trees from the trail, cleaning waterbars out and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Bring your loppers and pruners and a longer blade folding saw if you have one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels.Contact:  Register by the evening of May 4 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org, or call Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104. If you need to cancel, let Wendell know by 7:30 AM on Wednesday 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.

Saturday, May 7, 9:30 AM | Help Build the Bramley Mountain Trail

The parking area is improved, the new trail section is flagged, and now it's time to finish the construction of the CMC's 5th trail (and 3rd on DEP land). This new trail will be a major addition to the hiking options in the Catskills. When finished, it will visit the summit site of a former fire tower, the site of a significant bluestone quarry and the impressive cliffs and caves that lie between.The design of the trail will ascend to the summit gradually, providing a scenic and sustainable path for hikers. On this work day we will widen and level the path wherever the slope is too great for hiking comfortably. Sidehilling requires careful planning, special tools and precise work, so we will have tools available and will provide instruction in the methods and skills needed.If you have a maddock with pick or a rouge hoe, please bring it along. Also bring plenty of water for a days work, lunch and snacks. Wear sturdy boots and comfortable clothing, preferably moisture wicking for your comfort.No dogs allowed.To register or to ask a question, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273.Directions:  From SR 28 a few miles east of the Village of Delhi, turn north on Glen Burnie Rd. Drive about 3 miles to the parking area on the right, located on a sweeping curve. From CR 18 east of Delhi, turn south on Glen Burnie Rd. and travel less than a mile to the parking area, located on the left.

Saturday, May 7, 9 AM | Community Fit Day Hike on Delhi Trails

Celebrate  Delhi's Community Fit Day by joining Amy Beveridge and Sarah Kellogg on a guided hike of the Bulldog Run Loop of the Delhi Trails. Amy was instrumental in building these trails and can give you the back story of their creation.Amy and Sarah will meet hikers in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Parking lot at 9:00 a.m.Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and comfortable clothes. Bring bottled water. The trail is moderate level, however, the pace will be slow.    2.4 miles.Contact Amy with questions; Amy can be reached at albeveridge04@gmail.com or call 607-278-5461.Driving Directions: 565 Andes Rd, Delhi, NY 13753 (Rt 28). Across the road from O’Connor Hospital

Sunday, May 8th at 11:00 AM | Sixth Annual Ephemeral Wild Flower Hike At Kelly Hollow

There's no need to bring flowers to mom when you can bring mom to the flowers this Mother's Day. You are invited to join with CMC board members for the Sixth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike. 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 trails in the Catskills with rocky streams and waterfalls. It has a combination of coniferous and deciduous forests with the remains of 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 or leashed dogs are welcome.This hike will be limited to 20 people and should take about 3 hours.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 10:00 am 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 14, 1 PM | Help Stop Alien Invasive Species from Eating the Catskills' Forests!

Yes, you read that right. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer are causing a massive loss of two of the Catskills' most important tree species. Already well established, these pests are expanding their territory rapidly. We've got to stop them or the resulting devastation will change the character of our forests and their viability as habitats for many of the amimals that live in them forever. Come to this lecture and workshop (and look for our May 21 event, too) to learn about the urgency of acting now. Learn what's happening and how you can help stop it. Only if the hiking community and area residents get involved can we be successful in protecting the Catskills from losing these trees that have defined the region for centuries.Mark C. Whitmore, forest entomologist at Cornell University, will present a program on controlling the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the status of the Emerald Ash Borer in the Catskills. The event will be held at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center in Mount Tremper on May 14 at 1 PM.Hemlock represents approximately 14 percent of the trees in the Catskill Forest Preserve and in the region. The loss of the major part of this species would have devastating consequences for our forests and on the wildlife that inhabits them. Erosion where hemlock currently stabilizes the soil adjacent to streams would increase sediments in the New York City water supply, eventually requiring the investment of billions of dollars in water filtration systems. Large stands of dead trees would have a shocking visual impact on areas of the Catskills, potentially harming the growth of our rapidly expanding eco-tourism economy.Mark conducts research on the forest stand dynamics of invasive, non-native forest pest impacts, and he implements biological control strategies aimed at limiting those impacts. He works with professional land managers, state and federal agencies, government officials, and concerned citizens to help them understand these issues and the strategies involved in fighting infestations. Mark has initiated extension projects and provided leadership on issues relating to forest health and invasive forest pest issues throughout New York State. He writes and lectures widely concerning the issue. He is the 2014 recipient of the Excellence in IPM Award from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYS IPM) at Cornell University.                                                                           Mark Whitmore sinks his teeth into the work.Join us as we learn how to help control these threats to our environment, recreation and economy.Mark's presentation will be preceeded by an introduction to IMapInvasives, a program used to collect and report data about infested areas to a statewide database. It will be presented by Jennifer Dean of the NY Natural Heritage Program.On May 21, Dan Snider of the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) will conduct a field training on identification and reporting of these pests. This workshop will also be held at the Catskill Interpretive Centerbeginning at 1 PM. These events are co-sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Club, the Catskill Center, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference, Catskill Mountainkeeper and the Catskill 3500 Club.For more opportunities to learn how to use iMapInvasives with your GPS enabled device, check the schedule here.

Thursday, April 21, 9:30 AM | Maintenance of the Mill Brook Ridge Trail

This great trail has been neglected for a few years and needs attention!  The trail connects Alder Lake and Balsam Lake Mountain via the Mill Brook Ridge, which is just a bit under 3500' itself. It's a great hike, but the trail has become ovegrown, especially in its mid-section. We'll hike in from both the Alder Lake trailhead and from the Beaverkill Rd. trailhead, working until we meet. Please give us a hand and we'll put this trail back in shape. Happily, our friend and crew member Terry Shultz has agreed to adopt the trail, so when we've finished it'll stay in good shape.As usual, we have tools to lend. If you prefer to bring a favorite, we'll especially need loppers and shears. If you have a good quality, light weight saw. such as a Silky, please bring it. This is a nine mile trail, so bring plenty to drink and eat. Wear good hiking boots and bring work gloves.Rain postpones until Friday, April 22nd. No dogs due to safety concerns.To register, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273 by Tuesday, April 19. If you need to cancel, call by 8 AM Thursday.Directions: Meet at the old Turnwood General Store on Beaver Kill Rd.,  just east of the intersection of Big Pond Rd./Barkaboom Rd. (42.032130, -74.728483)From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, drive west about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Turn left and then bear right, following the road along the south shore of the Pepacton Reservoir for 8.3 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn left and go 5.8 miles to Beaver Kill Rd./ CR 54.From SR 28 in Andes, go west on Main St. briefly and turn south onto Tremperskill Rd./CR 1.  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 5.8 miles to Beaver Kill Rd./CR 54..From Livingston Manor, take Old Rte. 17 north 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. Take a right and drive 10.9 miles to Turnwood.

Sunday, March 20, 10 AM | Big Pond to Cabot Mountain: Touch-me-not Trail and more

CATs series hike.  Map 144, Western Catskills.Join the CMC as we hike this great 7.5 mile hike from Big Pond to Cabot Mountain, with it's wonderful view to Little Pond. After summitting, we'll complete the trails that loop around Little Pond before returning to the Touch-me-not Trail and to Big Pond. This is a difficult hike with some significant climbing. Be sure to dress in layered, moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking boots. Snowshoes, microspikes and crampons may be needed, so be sure to bring them. Gaiters are always good to have in snow. Bring plenty of water or hot beverages, lunch and snacks. This will be a full day hike.Pre-registration is required and limited. Register by Thursday at 6 PM, March 17. Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216-2021. Be sure to give a phone number and email address where you can be reached. No emails after March 17. This hike will be postponed if weather conditons are poor.Directions: From the south the best access is from Livingston Manor. Take old Rte. 17 to County Road 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. Drive to Barkaboom Rd. and turn north (left) 1 mile to the Big Pond parking area, just south of the pond. 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..

Sunday, February 7th | Gorgeous ALDER LAKE and Beaver Meadow Hike

If you just like being out in the winter snow this will be one of your favorite hikes. Rambling up and down, old stone ruins, a gorgeous lake and a trek to Beaver Meadow and Shelter. This is a wonderful hike or snowshoe. Can be a little strenuous, but we go at a good pace. Bring poles and microspikes( snowshoes just in case, as last year they were essential!!!) Plan to bring warm drinks, water and snacks. Dress in warm layers, may want to have handwarmers. This is a regular club hike for the winter, and we always have a great time! Limited registration open ten days before hike.  MUST leave a reachable phone number and full name, please. NO EMAIL or registration after Friday at 6:30 pm. Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com  or call at 845 216-2021.Call for meeting time and place.Do note POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions). SNOW DATE will be given if cancelled.…Come join the FUN!Directions: From the south/west the best access is from Livingston Manor. Take old RT. 17 to County Road 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become County Rd 54.From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to CR 54. At CR 54 turn left and head NE.Once on CR 54, all will travel until reaching Turnwood. Here CR 54 MAKES A LEFT turn North and becomes Alder Creek Road. Travel a few miles until  road ends at Cross Mountain Rd. near the Alder Lake parking lot, which is closed in winter. Turn right and park on the shoulder of the access road.

Catskill Park Awareness Day 2016 - A Time for Action

On February 9, the CMC and some 30 partner organizations of the Catskill Park Coalition will head to Albany to deliver a call to action to our state government leaders. The message will focus their attention on the needs and aspirations of our region and, especially those of the Catskill Park.Even while we suffered massive cuts in funding for stewardship, planning and capital improvements during the recent great recession, we have had a huge increase in usage. Economic realities that saw many people focus their travel plans closer to home have now combined with increases in visitors from around the world. From feature articles naming the Catskills one of the top “must visit” destinations in the world (see here and here) to Governor Cuomo's recently announced initiative to spend $5M on advertising to promote the Catskills worldwide, we realize that these important achievements mean that we must rise to the occasion to meet the challenges that the increased use of our recreational assets will bring. On the basis of this knowledge, we are seeking funding for a number of programs and initiatives that will help address these needs.Please take a look at our list of priorities on the web page linked to here. You will find a sample letter that you can use to send a message of support to your state legislators. You'll also find a petition to sign that will be delivered with our requests. Your support is crucial to our success, so please act now. It will take a few minutes to inform yourself and act, but the positive results for the Catskills that we love will last for years.