Saturday, June 3 | Help Fight New York's Battle Against Invasive Species

The New York Natural Heritage Program has announced its 2017 schedule of training sessions for the iMapInvasives project. You can help fight invasive species issues around the state by identifying the locations and status of incidents of many types of invasives that threaten New York's naturally occurring species and can cause problems such as erosion, massive mortality of trees, navigation difficulties in waterways and recreational access problems.  So grab your smartphone or gps unit and pitch in.Sessions are scheduled throughout the state, including here in the Catskills. Check it out.2017 iMapInvasives Announcement and Schedule

Sunday, June 4th 12:00 noon | Learn about the Fingerlakes Trail and Hike it to Balsam Lake Fire Tower - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Meet at Morgan Outdoors, in Livingston Manor, for a brief intro to NY's longest trail, the Finger Lakes Trail, which passes through the Catskills. Meet Rick Roberts, the FLT Coordinator for the Catskill section (90 miles of trail), who constructed several connecting trail sections in our area.After a short talk we will drive to Balsam Lake Mountain trailhead to hike to Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower, on a section of the Finger Lakes Trail. Great views at the summit. Bring snack or lunch to enjoy on the summit.   (optional loop hike is 4.4 miles roundtrip if you descend the trail heading east, making a triangle).RSVP for both events by calling Morgan Outdoors at 845 439-5507. The hike is optional.Event Duration: 3.5 round tripLevel of Difficulty:   Moderate-DifficultLeader(s): Rick RobertsBring: what to bring.   LunchRegistration by June 3rd, by calling Morgan Outdoors at 845 439-5507Dogs allowed: YesQuestions about this event can be directed to: hikerrick20000@yahoo.comDriving Directions:   Morgan Outdoors, 46 Main St. Livingston Manor, NY 12758 

Saturday, June 10th, 10 AM – 5th Anniversary Hike on the Andes Rail Trail

It's the 5th Anniversary of the opening of the  Andes Rail Trail.  We will be celebrating with a hike on the Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur.  It's a beautiful time on the trail, with loads of wildflowers and lush views.The group will walk on the railbed portion of the trail and continue on the Bullet Hole Spur.  Those who do not want to do the more strenuous Bullet Hole Spur can return 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 10:00 am.DIRECTIONS: Meet at the train depot on Cabin Hill Road/CR 2 just past the flashing red light in downtown Andes.  Park in town or on the grass on the west shoulder of Cabin Hill Road. 

Sunday, June 11th, 10:00 AM | Trail Maintenance on Section2 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. We’ll 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 to German Hollow trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes, bring water and food and dress in layers for comfort. If you also want to help with the cleaning of the trail, bring hand tools, gloves and eye protection.Event Duration: 6.0 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeader(s): Laura BattelaniBring: lunch, plenty of water, adequate footwear. If planning to help with maintenance, please bring hand toolsRegistration by June 5th by contacting Laura at bodyworx@catskill.net/(845) 586-3101Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: bodyworx@catskill.net/(845) 586-3101Driving Directions:On Route 28, 40 miles from Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile after the blinking light, turn right at the intersection. Meeting is at the car wash.

Sunday, July 2, 11 AM | Paddle the Pepacton -- POSTPONED -- NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED

Experience an incredible outdoor adventure, paddling the beautiful Pepacton Reservoir. Join Catskill Mountain Club board member Ann Roberti 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 Ann Roberti at aroberti@catskill.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, February 11, 10:00 AM | Bramley Mountain Trails

Join the Catskill Mountain Club on a hike on the recently opened Bramley Mountain Trail. We have a few markers and a sign to put up and thought we’d make a fun hike out of it.  We’ll visit the 2817’ summit with its site of a former fire tower, a beautiful abandoned bluestone quarry, and the impressive cliffs and caves that lie between. We’ll hike about .9 miles to the quarry on a woods road with little elevation gain. After the quarry, we’ll continue on the steeper trail that ascends about 1.2 miles through mixed hardwoods while passing stone walls and many impressive rock outcroppings and cliffs, some with caves. The hike will descend the mountain on the Summit Trail, a 1.8 mile long direct hike on old woods roads, with its views to the west and to the southern high peaks and Mount Pisgah.  It has some steep pitches alternating with long gentle climbs. This route (Quarry Trail up, Summit Trail down) offers the best views of all the sights this trail has to offer.The Bramley Mountain Trail is the fifth addition to the hiking options in the Catskills designed and built by the Catskill Mountain Club. It is located on a NYC DEP parcel in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina, totaling about 4 miles in length.Leader: Ann RobertiDogs not allowed but there will be dogs on the hike – hike leader’s dog is not great with other dogsEvent Duration: 4.2 milesLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult                              Microspikes are probably needed for this hike.Registration required by Friday Feb 10th: email aroberti@catskill.net or call 845-676-3643Group size is limited so register early.Questions can be send to  aroberti@catskill.netDriving Directions: The trailhead is located on Glen Bernie Road in Delhi, seven tenths of a mile from the intersection with County Rt 18, or 3.3 miles from the intersection with State Rt. 28.gps coordinates for trailhead:  42.2993, -74.83

Saturday, March 18, 9:00 AM | Winter Hike on Wittenberg from Woodland Valley

Hike to Mt. Wittenberg (3780 ft.), starting in Woodland Valley. Enjoy great view from the top looking down the Esopus Creek all the way to Ashokan Reservoir. If time allows, we will proceed to Mt Cornell (3680 ft.). Either way we return on the same trail to Woodland Valley. Warm clothing and micro spikes or crampons are highly recommended. It is a tough climb for small dogs so if you bring one keep this in mind.Pre-registration required by Feb. 12. Group size is limited. Contact Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or (607) 746-9694.This is a strenuous hike. Bring lunch and snacks. Bring snowshoes and microspikes or other traction footwear. Full crampons may be desired on certain steep sections. Poles will be helpful.Well behaved dogs are allowed. Due to the hike's difficulty, bringing small dogs is not recommended. Directions: NYS Rte. 28 to Phoenicia Village. Use High St. from the south side of the Bridge St. Bridge. (The Woodland Valley Bridge is closed.) Follow it west about 1 mile to Woodland Valley Rd. and then stay left (south) about 6 miles to the DEC campground. Park in the parking area (no fees during off season).

Saturday, February 18, 12:00 PM | Hike on Rail Bed in Pine Hill to Cathedral Glen and Belleayre Lake

Join CMC board member Erwin Karl to explore the old rail bed through Pine Hill.  There is little change in elevation making the hike moderately easy even if recent snows necessitate use of snowshoes. In addition to hiking/snowshoeing, we will stop to ID and discuss some of the edible and medicinal fungi and plants which can be found throughout the year in the forests of the Catskills.Leader: Erwin KarlEvent Duration: 3-5 miles; 2.5 - 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Easy-ModerateRegistration required by Friday Feb 17th: Send to eakarl@yahoo.com. Include your phone number and the number of registrants.Bring lunch, good hiking shoes, traction footwear (e.g. microspikes), and snowshoes (depending on conditions).Dogs allowed with advance notification of hike leader.Questions can be sent to  eakarl@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Enter hamlet of Pine Hill from State Route 28 (via Main Street if westbound or via Old State Route 28 if eastbound), at junction of Old SR 28, Main St. And Academy St, turn southwest onto Bonnie View Ave. Take second left onto Station Road, along which there is parking. 

Friday, November 4, 12:40 PM | Hike Campbell Mountain

One of the less used trails in the Catskills passes over Campbell Mountain and is coaligned with the FLT for part of its path. With leaves down, this western Catskills hike will offer nice views through open woods.Event Duration:  4.4miles,  4 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeader(s): Wendell GeorgeBring:  good hiking shoes, snack, something to drinkRegistration required by 11/3, 6 PM.Group size is limited to 8, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: Car shuttle will be required.Questions about this event can be directed to:  wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273Driving Directions: Take SR30 (west from Margaretville or east from Downsville) to CR 206. Go south about 2 miles to the trailhead on the west side of the road. From Roscoe, go north on CR 206. Trailhead parking is just north of Jug Tavern Rd. 

Sunday, November 13, 10 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 at a beautiful look out over the Pepacton Reservoir. The return will be on the German Hollow trail.Event Duration: 6 miles, Approx 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultWear 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.Registration required by 11/12. Please contact Laura if you need to cancel.Dogs allowed: NoFor more information about  this event contact Laura at bodyworx@catskill.netDriving Directions: On Route 28, 40 miles from Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile after the blinking light, turn right at the intersection. Meet at the car wash  on the right. 

Thursday, September 22, 9 AM | Black Dome Range Trail maintenance to Camel's Hump

The CMC's Catskills Roving Trail Crew will be working with the Rip van Winkle Hikers on the western end of the Black Dome Range Trail next. Join us 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 Sept. 21 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.

Thursday, September 15, 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, Sept. 14 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:30 AM Thursday. Raindate Friday, Sept. 16.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, September 8, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Seager and PW Trails to Big Indian Mtn.

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, Sept. 9.Register by Wednesday, Sept. 7 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.

Thursday, September 1, 9 AM - Trail Maintenance on Balsam Mountain

Following last week's hike to Eagle, 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, Sept. 2.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 Wednesday. 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.

Thursday, August 25, 9 AM - Maintenance on the PW Trail over Eagle Mountain

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 24 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 miles to Dry Brook Rd. Meet at the intersection.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Meet at the intersection.

Sunday, September 4 | Through Hike Across Panther and Giant Ledge

This hike is to be a full traverse of Panther and the scenic Giant Ledges. One of the best hikes in the Catskills, it offers a full range of treats for an experienced hiker.  A lovely combination of ups, downs and wonderful scrambles offering a variety of woods and some fabulous views. This is one of my favorite late Summer hikes and I love company, so come join me for a fun day! Note hike is for experienced hikers. No pets. Bring plenty of water and lunch. Dress in wicking layers for comfort. We will go at a fair pace but plan to treat ourselves to time to admire nature’s beauty. This traverse is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this unique 3500 peak. Hike about 12 miles. Hike requires a shuttle from hairpin turn on Route 47/Frost Valley-Oliverea Rd.  We will have a full day!Registration limited. Must leave full name, email AND REACHABLE phone to register. Register August 19th to September 1st. Limited email after Friday the 2nd, so call thereafter. Exact Time to meet to be decided. As always, bad weather will cancel hike.Hikeleader: Deanna (845) 216-2021felicetta.deanna@gmail.comDIRECTIONS: See NYNJTC Catskill Trails Map #142 for Panther Mountain.  The Giant Ledge parking area is located on CR 47 (Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd.), 7.3 miles south of SR 28 in Big Indian and 13 miles north of Claryville. 

Bramley Mountain Trail Opens

July 30, 2016On July 29 the CMC's newly constructed hiking trail on Bramley Mountain in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina officially opened to the public. Built on NYC DEP lands, the 4 mile trail is open year round.The ceremony began with comments by DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci and CMC President Rick Roberts. Each spoke about the importance of DEP's efforts to open its lands to public recreational use. Among the benefits of greater access are increased options for a range of low impact outdoor activities, economic growth due to increased visitorship and improved health for community members due to the proximity of attractive recreational options.Following the ribbon cutting, the large crowd headed off for the inaugural hike. Some participants chose to take the easy hike to the quarry and then return to the parking area, while others continued up the trail. After we reached the summit and enjoyed the views we took a little break for lunch or a snack, only to be surprised by a brief shower that chased us off the top. As we descended, we ate raspberries growing beside the trail and noticed that the blackberries will be rippening soon. There are tons of them, so we'll be back for the feast in a few weeks.The Bramley Mountain Trail is one of five that the CMC has built over the last five years. To celebrate that work and for the convenience of hikers, we've published a brochure that provides a map and describes each of them. Look for it at the trail registers, in visitor information sites in the villages and at the Catskill Interpretive Center on State Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.Click here for WBNG News coverage:  http://www.wbng.com/news/local/A-new-hiking-trail-opens-at-Bramley-Mountain--388708722.html?vid=a

Sunday, August 14th 10:00 AM | Hike the Shavertown Trail

Hike the Shavertown Trail near the Pepacton Reservoir’s Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on Sunday August 14 at 10:00 as part of the 90th Andes Community Days.  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.  If the group is inclined, we will  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 2.3 or 5.3 miles.This paddle is part of Andes Community Day events.  See more by clicking here.Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks or lunch.Registration not required, direct questions to news@catskillmountainclub.orgWell 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.

Sunday, August 14th 1 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 recently opened NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business.  We will launch promptly at 1PM 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 Ann Roberti at news@catskillmountainclub.org.This paddle is part of Andes Community Day events.  See more by clicking here.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, July 9, 2 PM | Hike Plattekill Mt. from the Ski Center Lodge

In conjunction with the NYS Outdoor EXPO, CMC President Rick Roberts is leading a hike up Plattekill Mt. using existing ski trails. Beautiful views at the top. This moderately difficult hike is about 2.5 miles long with 800' gain.Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Pre-registration is not required for this event.Directions: Take NYS Route 28 to NYS Route 30 in Margarettville . Go north approximately 8 miles and turn west onto Cold Spring Road. Or take NYS Route 23 to Grand Gorge and turn south onto Route 30. Go 11 miles and turn west onto Cold Spring Road.  Follow signs to Ski Plattekill  - 3 miles off Route 30.