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Boot-brush Unveiling and Hike at the Shavertown Trail | Friday, July 13, 10:30 AM
DEP TO UNVEIL BOOT BRUSH STATION AND HOST COMMUNITY HIKE AT SHAVERTOWN TRAIL IN DELAWARE COUNTY
Boot brush, designed to combat invasive species, is among the first in the Catskills
DEP will also co-host community hike at Shavertown on July 13 with Catskill Mountain Club
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will co-host a community hike and unveil its new boot-brush station at the Shavertown Trail near Pepacton Reservoir on July 13. The event, which is free and open to all, will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Catskill Mountain Club and DEP will lead the hike, which will take participants along a new section of the trail that was recently constructed by volunteers. The event will begin at the trailhead on County Route 1 in Andes, just north of its intersection with Route 30. DEP this month installed a boot-brush station at the trailhead to help minimize the spread of invasive species. The station is among the first of its kind in the Catskills. It includes a mounted brush on which hikers can clean their boots, information to help identify several invasive species that are approaching the region, and a gravel pad that is intended to trap any seeds that might get brushed off. The boot-brush station will help prevent the spread of many types of invasive species, especially invasive plants such as bittersweet and barberry. Invasive plants cannot move far on their own. Even wind-dispersed seeds generally do not blow too far. Most new infestations are started by people who unintentionally move the seeds through recreational activities such as hiking, hunting or fishing. That’s why boot-brush stations are becoming more common throughout New York, especially in the northern and western parts of the state where outdoor recreation is popular. DEP will unveil the new brush station by co-hosting a hike with the nonprofit Catskill Mountain Club (CMC). The hike will be just more than 2 miles. It will take participants along a recently finished portion of the Shavertown Trail that was built by CMC volunteers. The new section runs about two-thirds of a mile through the woods, winding its way around the mountain to a pond that includes a beautiful view of Pepacton Reservoir. Hikers could previously reach that pond by following an old woods road that was part of the trail, but that road has been closed while DEP finishes an ongoing forestry project. The woods road and new trail will be used to create a loop hike once the forestry project is complete. Thousands of local residents and visitors have enjoyed the Shavertown Trail since DEP and CMC partnered to open it in 2013. More information about the trail, including driving direction, can be found on the CMC website by clicking here. DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of high-quality water each day to more than 9.6 million New Yorkers. This includes more than 70 upstate communities and institutions in Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties who consume an average of 110 million total gallons of drinking water daily from New York City’s water supply system. This water comes from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the City, and the system comprises 19 reservoirs, three controlled lakes, and numerous tunnels and aqueducts. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 scientists, engineers, surveyors, watershed maintainers and other professionals in the watershed. In addition to its $70 million payroll and $166 million in annual taxes paid in upstate counties, DEP has invested more than $1.7 billion in watershed protection programs—including partnership organizations such as the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Watershed Agricultural Council—that support sustainable farming practices, environmentally sensitive economic development, and local economic opportunity. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program with $19.4 billion in investments planned over the next decade that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nycwater, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/nycwater.
Announcing the First Annual CMC Picnic | Saturday, July 28, 10 AM - 5 PM
The CMC's first annual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 28 at Belleayre Beach in the heart of the Catskills. The picnic, which is open to CMC members and their guests, will feature local hikes, games, swimming and paddling. Hikes to the summit of Belleayre or at Rochester Hollow will start the day, beginning at 10 AM and returning to the lake in the early afternoon. Snacks, yard games, swimming, paddling (boats and boards can be rented on site) and fishing (NYS license required) will be available all day. After the hikes we'll have a picnic, with hamburgers, hotdogs and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the CMC (vegetarian options will be served). All parties should bring a dish to share. You may bring beer and wine (not allowed on the beach). Not a current member? Join or renew below. We hope to see you there!What you need to know:Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a state owned and operated facility in the village of Pine Hill. It features a beach, rental kayaks and lifeguards on duty. It serves as the trailhead for the Giggle Hollow Trail. The picnic is free for all CMC members, including individuals and families with children up to 18 years old. Family and significant others who are not CMC members are welcome to attend for a fee of $5 per person. Kids under 12 are free. Please pay by cash or check at the sign-in table when you arrive. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lunch at 2:00 PM.Registration is required by July 23rd. (Click the link to go to the registration page.)Park Entrance Fee: $14 per car with up to seven passengers, or $5 per person if you walk in. (Parking outside the gate is limited.)Paddling rental fee: $15 per hour, or bring your same-day steam cleaned boat. (Click here for a list of approved steam cleaners.) PFDs required.What you'll need: If you're hiking, bring good hiking shoes and comfortable clothing, plenty of water and a snack. Hiking poles are suggested.Swim suits, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired. A dish to share. Organizers will ask for a side dish, a dessert or a salad.Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Belleayre Lake is on Friendship Manor Road and is visible from SR 28 in Pine Hill. Coming from the east it is just before the entrance into Pine Hill. From the west on SR 28 it is 1 mile past Galli-Curci Road (to Belleayre Ski Center) in Highmount.
Hike to Huckleberry Point | Wednesday, August 22,11:30 AM
The hike to Huckleberry Point is one of the most satisfying in the Catskills, While it's a short and moderately difficult trail, it's in one of the most famously rugged parts of the Catskills, beginning at the Devil's Kitchen and reaching its stunning destination on the escarpment ledges high above the deep valleys below. The breathtaking views of the ancient mountains of the eastern Devil's Path Range will make you thankful you came, whether you've been before or not. Truly a bucket list hike. We'll sit for awhile and enjoy the views while we picnic. Event Duration: 4.8 miles, 4 hoursLevel of Difficulty: ModerateLeaders: Deanna FelicettaBring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Have appropriate footwear. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!!Registration required by August 20. Register by contacting the leader. See below. Registration requires FULL name, a phone and if you have it, an email address.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.Additional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Raindate: Thursday, July 26.Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: From Exit 20 of the NYS Thruway: Go west 2.1 miles on CR 212 to Blue Mountan Rd,/Rte.35. Turn north 1.4 miles to W. Saugerties Rd./Rte. 33 and turn west. Go 1.9 miles to Platte Clove Rd. and continue straight up the clove. Follow for 2.4 miles until you reach the parking area on the right.From Tannerville: Just west of town, turn onto Bloomer Rd, and follow it as it becomes Platte Clove Rd. for 6.3 miles until you reach the parking area on the left.See NY/NJTC trail map # 141.
Woodland Hike with Yoga: Shavertown Trail to Snake Pond | Friday, July 13, 9:00 AM
A moderately challenging climb with a short yoga session at the Snake Pond vista on the recently rerouted Shavertown Trail. The views of the Pepacton Reservoir are widely admired, and the area around the pond is a great place for birding, with sightings of cedar waxwings, blackbirds, blue herons and Baltimore orioles among others.Event Duration: 3 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Leaders: Pamela MartinBring: Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and comfortable hiking clothes that you can stretch in, hiking boots. No mats needed.Registration required by July 12. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: pamelamartininc@gmail.comDriving Directions: From Margaretville go west on SR 28 to SR 30. Turn left towards the Shavertown Bridge and then right just before the bridge. Park in the DEP lot on the left. From Andes go south on CR 1 to the lot on the right just before SR30 and the bridge.GPS: N42.05.437 W74.49.196
Hike to Quick Lake and Hodge Pond Mountain | Wednesday, June 27, 9:00 AM
We'll hike 7.2 miles on the Quick Lake Trail to the Quick Lake shelter. After lunch we'll retrace our path about 1/4 mile beyond Coyote Junction before bushwhacking about 1 mile (with about 200 ft elevation gain) over Hodge Pond Mountain (#99 of Catskill Hundred Highest) to Junkyard Junction. From Junkyard Junction we'll follow the Flynn Trail 3.3 miles to the parking area. Our pace will be moderate, and we'll have frequent, short water/snack breaks. This hike is listed as difficult because of the length (14.5 miles) and the unpredictable nature of the short bushwhack.Event Duration: 14.5 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult due to length, BushwhackLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, comfortable waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), map and compass (recommended)Registration required by June 25. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The Quick Lake trail may be very wet near Frick Pond.The hike duration could vary significantly from the estimated 10 hours depending on the pace of the group.For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Quick Lake and Flynn trails shown on NYNJTC Map 144.Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Google Maps Link to trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/HMoa6UfJ75A2From Route 17, Exit 96, drive East on Debruce Rd, Rt 81 for 5.5 milesContinue on Willowemoc Rd for 0.1 milesTurn Left on Mongaup Rd and drive North for 2.7 milesContinue on Beech Mountain Rd for 0.3 milesParking area is on the leftGPS: 41.95107, -74.70692
Hike Bramley Mountain | Thursday, July 12, 10:00 AM
Bramley Mountain was once the site of a fire tower and the views from the summit to the Catskills ranges are impressive. Along the way the trail visits an abandoned bluestone quarry, caves and many outcroppings.Event Duration: 4.1 miles, 4 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeaders: Jeff Ditchek and John ExterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by July 10. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, well behaved onlyQuestions about this event and registrations can be directed to: Jeff at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: The trailhead is located on Glen Burnie Rd. in Delhi, 0.7 miles south of CR 18 and 3.3 miles north of SR 28.GPS coordinates: 42.2993, -74.8360
Trail Maintenance on the Delhi Trails | Saturday, June 9, 8:30 AM
Enjoy fresh country air and great conversation in a relaxed work environment. Come for as little or long as you can.Event Duration: about 4 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Leaders: Amy BeveridgeBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, tolls: loppers, shears, weed whip, and/or pruners. Work gloves are recommendedRegister by contacting the leader. See below.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: Amy Beveridge thebeveridges@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Sheldon Park Trailhead on Sheldon Drive off SR 28 behind the Delaware Academy.
Alder Lake, Cradle Rock Ridge & Balsam Lake Fire Tower | Saturday, June 30, 8:00 AM
From the Alder Lake parking area, we'll hike 2.6 miles to the Beaver Meadow lean-to (via the Southern half of the Alder Lake loop). After a snack we'll leave the trail and bushwhack 1.3 miles to Cradle Rock Ridge (3160 feet, Catskill Hundred Highest #68). After returning to the lean-to, and another snack, we'll continue along the Mill Brook Ridge trail 5.4 miles to the junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain trail. Turning North .25 miles, we'll summit Balsam Lake Mountain (3723 feet). After visiting the fire tower we'll descend 1.75 miles to the Balsam Lake parking area. Our pace will be moderate and we'll have frequent, short water/snack stops. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain.
Event Duration: 13 miles, 9 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult -- BushwhackLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, comfortable waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended)Registration required by June 23. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The area near Beaver Meadow may be very wet. The duration of this hike may vary significantly from the 9 hour estimate based on the pace of the group and how long we spend at the fire tower. For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Mill Brook Ridge trail, and the Southern half of the Alder Lake Loop trail shown on NYNJTC Map 142. If there's interest, we can also complete the Northern half of the Alder Lake Loop (adding 1.4 miles).Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5TN7KagouEkFrom Rt 17 Exit 96 in Livingston Manor: From South, turn Right on Debruce Rd to Old Rt 17, or from North, turn Right on White Roe Lake Rd to Old Rt 17. Follow Old Rt 17 about 1 mile North to Right on Beaverkill Rd (Rt 151). After 10.9 miles, turn Right to continue on Beaverkill Rd (now Rt 54). After 8.4 miles, turn Left on Turnwood Rd, and continue 1 mile to the Balsam Lake Trail parking area on the right. This will be the ending point of the hike. We'll leave cars here, and shuttle to the Alder Lake parking area to start the hike.GPS: 42.024073, -74.599670
Map and Compass Workshop: Essential Knowledge | Sunday, July 15, 10:00 AM
Many hikers have become reliant on their gps unit or their smartphone to navigate in the mountains. They work great until they don't, then you're up a creek without a paddle unless you have these millenia old tools. They only weigh a couple of ounces, so don't be concerned about adding to your burden. They are among the most valuable tools you will carry. Knowing how to use them can save your day, or even save your life.CMC Board member Will Soter is a NYSDEC licensed guide. This free hands on Map and Compass class will cover the basics of reading a map, plotting a course on a map, following a course in the field, recording a path of travel, and locating yourself on the map.Participants should bring a baseplate compass.Leader: Will SoterBring: good hiking shoes, baseplate compass, water.Group size is limited to 20, so register early.Registration required: by July 12.To register: contact Will at upstateadventureguides@gmail.comDirections: Meet at the Palmer Hill trailhead located between Margaretville and Andes, just off SR 28 on Finkle Rd.
Alder Lake, Cradle Rock Ridge & Balsam Lake Fire Tower | Saturday, June 30, 8:00 AM
From the Alder Lake parking area, we'll hike 2.6 miles to the Beaver Meadow lean-to (via the Southern half of the Alder Lake loop). After a snack we'll leave the trail and bushwhack 1.3 miles to Cradle Rock Ridge (3160 feet, Catskill Hundred Highest #68). After returning to the lean-to, and another snack, we'll continue along the Mill Brook Ridge trail 5.4 miles to the junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain trail. Turning North .25 miles, we'll summit Balsam Lake Mountain (3723 feet). After visiting the fire tower we'll descend 1.75 miles to the Balsam Lake parking area. Our pace will be moderate and we'll have frequent, short water/snack stops. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain.Event Duration: 13 miles, 9 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult, BushwhackLeaders: Marv FreedmanBring: good hiking shoes, moisture wicking clothing, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink (2 or 3 liters), map and compass (recommended), hiking poles (recommended)Registration required by June 23. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The area near Beaver Meadow may be very wet. The duration of this hike may vary significantly from the 9 hour estimate based on the pace of the group and how long we spend at the fire tower. For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Mill Brook Ridge trail, and the Southern half of the Alder Lake Loop trail shown on NYNJTC Map 142. If there's interest, we can also complete the Northern half of the Alder Lake Loop (adding 1.4 miles).Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5TN7KagouEkFrom Rt 17 Exit 96 in Livingston Manor: From South, turn Right on Debruce Rd to Old Rt 17; or from North, turn Right on White Roe Lake Rd to Old Rt 17. Follow Old Rt 17 about 1 mile North to Right on Beaverkill Rd (Rt 151). After 10.9 miles, turn Right to continue on Beaverkill Rd (now Rt 54). After 8.4 miles, turn Left on Turnwood Rd, and continue 1 mile to the Balsam Lake Trail parking area on the right. This will be the ending point of the hike. We'll leave cars here, and shuttle to the Alder Lake parking area to start the hike.From Margaretville or Andes, drive to the Shavertown Bridge on SR 30. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left (east) 1.9 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn southeast 6.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. and follow directions above.GPS coordinates: 42.024073, -74.599670
Trail Maintenance on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and German Hollow Trail | Sunday, June 17, 10:00 AM
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 year 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. If you also want to help with the cleaning of the trail, bring hand tools, gloves and eye protection.Event Duration: 6 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Leaders: Laura Batellani and David LucasBring: loppers or pruners or shears, work gloves, eye protection, good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by June 16. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101Driving Directions: From SR 28 in Margaretville, 0.4 miles west of the blinking light, turn north on Fair St. Meet at the car wash on the right.
Leave No Trace Awareness Hike | Saturday, June 23, 9:00 AM
CMC Board member Will Soter is a NYSDEC licensed guide and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. He will demonstrate techniques for educating and influencing those we hike with, as well as those we meet. For those of us who have grown up enjoying the outdoors or have been enjoying them for awhile, we can easily mistake our common experiences for common knowledge. While our efforts to behave as stewards of the resources while we recreate are important, we cannot do it all. So it is important to be able to influence those around us. We will explore several techniques that allow us to educate and empower others to make changes in how they enjoy their time in the woods. We will discuss our own journey of discovering how we impact the resources we use for enjoyment, and we will review the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.Event Duration: 4.1 miles, 5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: ModerateLeaders: Will SoterBring: Gloves, a garbage bag, good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink.Registration required by June 21. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: Will at upstateadventureguides@gmail.comDriving Directions: From SR 28 in Big Indian, turn south on CR 47/Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. Go south 12.4 miles to the Biscuit Brook traihead on the left.GPS coordinates: N 41 59.475, W 74 29.092
Family Friendly Hike on Bramley Mountain | Sunday, June 10, 12:00 PM
Join NYSDEC licensed guide Will Soter for a tour of the CMC's newest trail. The Bramley Mountain Trail is located on a NYC DEP parcel in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina. This is the part of the Catskills where the mountains are smaller, rounder and gentler under foot. There is also a greater sense of the scale of the landscape as the views from the summits and the valleys include more wide open sky compared to the deep narrow valleys of the eastern Catskill High Peaks. The complete loop visits 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. The hike to the quarry is on a woods road with little elevation gain, making an easy hike of about 0.9 miles. After the quarry, the trail continues as a footpath designed to gradually ascend about 1.2 miles through mixed hardwoods while passing stone walls and many impressive rock outcroppings and cliffs, some with caves. The Summit Trail, a 1.8 mile long direct hike to the top with its views to the west and to the southern high peaks, Mount Pisgah and the mountains traversed by the Finger Lakes Trail, has some steep pitches alternating with long gentle climbs. We will be hiking the Quarry Trail to the top and descending on the Summit Trail to get the best views of all the sights this trail has to offer.Event Duration: 4 miles, 3.5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeaders: Will SoterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended)Registration required by June 8th. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderQuestions about this event can be directed to: upstateadventureguides@gmail.comDriving Directions: The trailhead is located on Glen Burnie Rd. in Delhi, 0.7 miles south of CR 18 and 3.3 miles north of SR 28.GPS coordinates: 42.2993, -74.8360
Guided Hike on the Trails at the CIC | Saturday, June 9, 10:30 AM
If you're unfamiliar with the trails on the Catskill Interpretive Center grounds or are just looking for an opportunity to explore them more thoroughly, CMC Executive Director Wendell George will lead a hike on the entire system as part of the Get Outdoors Day events on June 9th. Join us for a look at the CIC's sculpture and interpretive trail, a short representative hike in the Catskill woods and a hike out to the Esopus Creek, a notable trout fishing stream which ffeds water into NYC's Ashokan Reservoir. Much of the hike is on ADA accessible trails.
Woodland Hike with Yoga: Kelly Hollow Beaver Pond | Wednesday, June 20, 12:00 PM
A relaxed woodland hike with a short yoga session at the Beaver Pond on the beautiful Kelly Hollow Trail.Event Duration: 3 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Leaders: Pamela MartinBring: Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and comfortable hiking clothes that you can stretch in, hiking boots. No mats needed.Registration required by June 19. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: pamelamartininc@gmail.comDriving Directions: From Margaretville, West 1.9 miles on SR 28 to the Old School House on the right. Turn left onto BWS Rd 10 (Reservoir Rd.), then immediately right 3.8 miles to Millbrook Road. Turn left 5.4 miles to the Kelly Hollow Trail Parking Area on right. NYNJ Trail Conference map #142, F-5,6.
Balsam and Belleayre: From Mine Hollow to Lost Clove | Saturday, June 16, 8:30 AM
Truly this is when Belleayre and Balsam Mountain are the most lovely, as Spring turns to Summer here. The plant life and views are wonderful. Sometimes you get to see the shy animals and birds that live here, too, as we traverse from Mine Hollow across the mountain tops to descend on Lost Clove.Event Duration: 8 miles, 7 hoursLevel of Difficulty: DifficultLeaders: Deanna FelicettaBring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Have appropriate footwear. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!!Registration required by June 14. Register by contacting the leader. See below. Registration requires FULL name, a phone and if you have it, an email address.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.Additional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: From SR 28 in Big Indian turn south on CR 47/Frost Valley-Oliverea Rd.. Go 0.5 miles to Lost Clove on the right. Turn west and go 1.5 miles to the Lost Clove parking area. NYS Thruway best access us exit 19 for Kingston. Go northwest on SR 28.Meet time is 8:30 am for a shuttle to Ryder Hollow Road just out of Mapledale on the backside of Bellaeyre Mountain. See NY/NJTC trail map # 142.
Landscaping with Non-Invasive Plants / iMapInvasives Training | Saturday, June 2, 9:30 AM
Learn about best choices for landscaping your yard without introducing invasive ornamentals.The fight against invasive species in the Catskills and throughout New York is a high priority. the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership is the local agency for this effort. If you would like to volunteer to help, you can get started by attending a CRISP iMapInvasives workshop at the Catskill Interpretive Center on June 2.Become part of New York’s invasive species early detection network by learning how to use iMapInvasives, an online mapping system shared by citizen scientists, educators, and natural resource professionals. All interested groups are encouraged to help keep the map up-to-date and accurate by reporting invasive species locations and control efforts. You can even use your smartphone to report new findings. The NY Natural Heritage Program will offer free sessions throughout the state this spring, with beginner and advanced levels, plus identification sessions at some of the locations. Visit www.nyimapinvasives.org for schedule details and registration, and contact imapinvasives@nynhp.org with general questions.We hope you wll get involved with this critical effort to protect our forests and native species.
National Trails Day Hike on Ticeteneyck Mountain | Saturday, June 2, 9:30 AM
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a community hike to the summit of Ticeteneyck Mountain on June 2 to celebrate National Trails Day. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Catskill Interpretive Center, located at 5096 Route 28 in Mount Tremper. Led by DEP and DEC staff, the CMC is happy to co-host this event. 
Hikers will learn about the principles of Leave No Trace, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, and Ashokan Reservoir’s role in providing clean drinking water to New York City. Ticeteneyck Mountain is located in Ulster County along the town border of Olive and Woodstock. This moderate hike will comprise a 3.5-mile round trip. The hike follows old woods roads and ridgelines that open to spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains,Shawangunk Mountains and Ashokan Reservoir. Because the event is limited to 15 people, participants must pre-register by clicking here or by visiting DEP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nycwatershed. Participants are also encouraged to bring water, snacks or lunch, and wear proper attire for hiking.
Thru Hike German Hollow and Dry Brook Ridge to Huckleberry Loop | Sunday, June 3, 8:30 AM
This traverse/shuttle will ascend up German Hollow with spring flowers to Dry Brook Ridge. We will check out the new shelter and go on to views on Dry Brook over the Pepacton. Then we will return north to the Huckleberry Loop Trail and descend to our parked cars.Event Duration: 9.5 miles, 7.5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: DifficultLeaders: Deanna FelicettaBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by June 1st. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.Additional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others maywant to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: From the intersection of SR 28/30 and Fair St. in Margaretville, take Fair St. south 0.2 miles tof Southside Rd. Go south 1.6 miles miles to Huckleberry Brook Spur Rd. Go 0.9 miles to the first parking area on Huckleberry Brook Spur Road, on the left.Please arrive ahead as we will then shuttle to Arkville and Chris Long Road at German Hollow.Hike map #142.
Ashokan High Point | Thursday, June 21, 10:00 AM
This is a fairly long lollypop hike (loop at the end of a stick) with great views of the Askokan Reservoir and the Burroughs Range. The hike passes the wreckage of small plane. Most of hike is relatively easy, but there are some steep pitches. The trail follows the Kanape Brook for more than half the hike.Event Duration: 8.1 miles, 7 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeaders: Jeff Ditchek and John ExterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug repellant, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by June 19. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, well behaved onlyQuestions about this event and registrations can be directed to: Jeff at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Kanape Brook parking area. From SR 28 in Hurley or in Boiceville, take Rte. 28A to the intersection with Watson Hollow Rd (CR42) in West Shokan. Go West 4.1 miles. Parking area will be on your right.From SR 17 take the Liberty exit to SR 55 going east. Turn onto Rte 55A then go north towards Sundown. Follow CR.151, which becomes Peekamoose Road (CR 42) to the parking area on the left.