Hiking the Pepacton Range

Hiking the Pepacton Rangeby Wendell George and Mike KudishLast July 7th forest historian Dr. Michael Kudish and I set out on a hike intended to allow me to hike a section of the Quick Lake Trail that I needed in order to meet the All Trails Challenge requirements. Having hiked everything else in the area, I was determined to avoid the 14 mile out and back from Frick Pond to Quick Lake. I decided to bushwhack from Shin Creek Road in the north and it was my good luck that Mike was eager to hike that route since it was an area he had not explored. The Shin Creek ravine was deep and steep, but the hike through the woods was pretty short. Once we were across, we followed the ridge to Hodge Pond Mountain and the Quick Lake Trail. After an unremarkable hike to an almost dried up Quick Lake, we set out on the return 'whack from Junkyard Junction. This time we stayed too far east and ended up hiking through wetlands that were host to thick, chest high brush. Angling back towards the ridge, we came out at exactly the spot we had entered from, which was good because we had scouted the creek for the easiest crossing.Driving to our Shin Creek Road destination, Mike and I drove along part of State Route 30, tracing the shores of the huge Pepacton Reservoir. Most folks in the Catskills have heard of the reservoir, its name coming from the Lenape word meaning "marriage of the waters". How unintentionally appropriate that name is for a reservoir. Many know that the reservoir was created by damming the East Branch of the Delaware River. Those who have seen it know that it has a fjord-like appearance due to the very narrow valley of the East Branch and to the mountainous terrain surrounding it. The reservoir is about 15 miles long but never more than 0.7 of a mile wide, and much less so for most of its length. With a surface area only about 70% as large as that of the Ashokan Reservoir, it is deep enough to hold considerably more water. Its capacity of 140 billion gallons provides 25% of New York City's water supply.What does any of this have to do with the title of this story, you might rightfully wonder. Looking north from the Quick Lake Trail, we saw the distant ridgeline of a range of mountains. As we walked and talked, we realized that there was no way to talk about what we were seeing except with a description that left us unsatisfied by its anonymity. How could it be that such an immense natural feature had no name? A place without a name lacks a crucial element of identity and, having no unique way of being referred to, it is deprived of deserved recognition. We propose to correct that unfortunate oversight.The eighteen mile long Pepacton Range rises to the south of the reservoir. Framed by the Pepacton to the north and the Beaverkill to the south, it runs from Barkaboom Mountain in the east to Campbell Mountain in the west. Most of the range is traversed by trails that are co-aligned with the eastern part of the Finger Lakes Trail. The trails cross a total of seven mountains, Barkaboom, the eighth, being trailless. The elevation gain of the traverse is approximately 6500', and the bushwhack of Barkaboom starting up Cross Mountain Rd. from the Alder Lake entrance adds another 1175'. It is possible to drive up Cross Mountain Rd. to DEC land and save 500' of climbing. From several primitive campsites at Alder Lake to a lean-to on Campbell Mountain, there are numerous campsites along the route, including a state campground at Little Pond which is a short and steep hike off the ridge from Touch-me-not Mountain. Because there are few sources of water along the trail, it may be necessary to leave supplies along the route if you plan an end to end traverse. This is made easier by the several roads that cross the trail, so supplies can be stored at the trailheads.According to Mike's observations, the most striking feature of this range is that it contains three fairly large tracts of first growth forest (never logged, barked, farmed) on Cabot, Beech-Middle, and Mary Smith Mountains. When combined, these three areas have an acreage in Delaware County second only to the portion of Dry Brook Ridge located in the county. What is surprising is that no one else had reported these original forest stands on the shoulders and summits before Mike realized it in the summer of 2012. This range is a perfect example to teach forest history. Old farms in the cols, logged forest in the middle slopes, and first growth higher up. And when plotted on a range profile (mileage-elevation diagram), what symmetry it has!Although the Pepacton Range lacks the high peak elevations found on better known trails like the Devil's Path and the Escarpment Trail, it offers something they cannot. If you value a quiet, uncrowded hiking experience, then this may be just right for you. With just enough views and numerous ups and downs, the hike with keep you interested while providing a wilderness experience that more popular trails have lost. With a name, the Pepacton Range, we can finally talk about it in a way that truly recognizes its significance.This article first appeared in the Winter 2019 CMC News.Subscribe to CMC emails, including our newsletters.   

Show a Little Love at Frick Pond | Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 1:00PM

Note:  Due to rain this event was postponed until May 19th.  Please contact the organizer to register for the new date.The public is invited to come help out on the Frick Pond Loop Trail in Mongaup State Park, Livingston Manor. Together, we'll improve the drainage on this scenic, family-friendly trail so it becomes welcoming again!

Local volunteers, under the auspices of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, will supply tools and on-site training; you supply the muscle and enthusiasm.  There are both rugged and light-duty tasks, depending on your ability. Bring water, a snack, work gloves and wear long pants and sturdy footwear.

Trip Leaders:  Lisa Lyons and Ralph Bressler

Participants are invited for a complimentary craft beverage at the Catskill Brewery afterwards. The rain date is May 19th.

Dogs allowed?:  No Dogs, please.

Register, ask questions and get the meeting location by contacting Lisa at (845) 439 5507 or email to info@morgan-outdoors.com. Morgan Outdoors is located at 46 Main Street in Livingston Manor.

Annual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike at Kelly Hollow | Sunday, May 12th at 11:00 AM

This a chance to find and identify the beautiful Spring Ephemeral wildflowers which are so named because they appear above ground in early spring when they flower and fruit and then die back into the ground, all in a short period before the trees have had a chance to leaf out. Most hikers never see these flowers because they wait for late spring or summer to get into the woods. We will look for Trillium, Spring beauties, Trout Lily, Hepatica, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman's Britches, Jack-In-The-Pulpit and many others. We may also find some early mushrooms.Kelly Hollow is one of the most beautiful short trails in the Catskills with rocky streams and waterfalls. It has a combination of coniferous and deciduous forests with a lovely beaver pond near a lean-to at the top. The trail is an easy to moderate loop of about 4 miles. Bring lunch and/or snacks to have at the lean-to (there is a privy nearby). The weather might be cool and there are some wet spots on this trail so dress appropriately.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.

Hike from Woodland Valley to Phoenicia | May 22, 2019 at 7:30 AM

We'll follow the Phoenicia - East Branch trail from Woodland Valley to Lane St. in Phoenicia. The first 2.8 miles are coincident with a Red blazed section of the Red, Wittenberg - Cornell - Slide trail. The last 9.1 miles are coincident with a Blue blazed section of the Long Path. Along this section, we'll descend the Grand Staircase (a long series of rock steps along the side of a cliff) and follow the ridge comprising Cross Mountain, Mt. Pleasant, and Romer Mountain. The views are magnificent.Event Duration: 12 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  DifficultLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: Comfortable hiking boots, poles, snacks, at least 2 liters of water/sports drink, hat, sun glasses, sun screen, bug repellent.Registration required by 5/20/19. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Fees:  We'll share the $6.00 per vehicle day use fee at Woodland Valley.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional Information: For those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge, we'll complete the trail listed as Long Path - Phoenicia to W-C-S Trail (Blue) on Map 143, and part of the trail listed as Wittenberg - Cornell - Slide Trail (Red) on Map 143.Driving Directions:  We'll meet at Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (https://goo.gl/maps/AgqbbGGpm1C2) between 7:00 am, (when it opens) and 7:45 am (when we'll leave to shuttle cars). We'll leave cars at the parking area at the end of Lane St. (https://goo.gl/maps/Az6rDg57maT2), and will drive to the Woodland Valley Campground (https://goo.gl/maps/m8aXH8EsRwz) to start the hike.GPS coordinates: meeting at 41.997289, -74.263734

Biking Around the Pepacton Reservoir | Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM

This will be a relaxed-paced bike ride around the eastern Pepacton Reservoir using the Reservoir Road, the Shavertown Bridge, Route 30 and Route 28.

This route offers one of Delaware County's most pleasant bike loops with gentle rolling hills, light traffic and views of the reservoir throughout the ride.

Event Duration: 18 miles; 2-3 hours

Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Leader(s): John Sandman, Barbara Jones

Bring:  Bike, Helmet, Water, Snacks

Registration required by May 15th date.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.

Group size is limited to 10, so register early.

Registration and Questions about this event can be directed to: e-mail John Sandman at sandmajm@delhi.edu

Driving Directions: We will meet at the Old Stone Schoolhouse on Route 28, 2.3 miles west of Bridge St. in Margaretville.

GPS coordinates:  N 42° 7.35', W 74° 40.517'

Hike the Mongaup Loop | Wednesday, April 17, 2019 9:00 AM

Starting at the suspension bridge over the scenic Beaver Kill, we'll hike to Mongaup Pond via the Mongaup - Hardenburgh trail. We'll return via the Mongaup - Willowemoc and Long Pond Beaver Kill Ridge trails. Along the way, we'll summit two Catskill Hundred Highest mountains: Willowemoc (3224 ft) and Sand Pond (3062 ft).For those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge, this hike completes the Mongaup - Hardenburgh, and Mongaup - Willowemoc trails, and the portion of the Long Pond Beaver Kill Ridge trail North of Flugertown Rd.Event Duration: 18 miles, 12 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult due to lengthLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: Water resistant hiking boots, hiking poles, water, snacks, extra clothing layer, headlamp with extra batteries. Depending on trail conditions, snowshoes and/or traction aids may be required.Registration required by 4/15/19. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional Information: This hike is listed as a trail hike, but short bushwhacks are required to reach the Willowemoc and Sand Pond summits. Elevations listed for these Catskills Hundred Highest peaks are based on the latest USGS map, and have been revised slightly in the latest NYNJTC map. Hike starts in Ulster County, but Mongaup Pond is in Sullivan County.Driving Directions: From NY-17 Northbound, take exit 96 toward Livingston Manor. Turn right on Debruce Rd. Turn right on Old Route 17 (Rock Ave), and continue for 1.3 miles. Turn Right onto Beaverkill Rd, and follow it for 18.4 miles to small DEC parking area on right.GPS coordinates: meeting at 42.01239,-74.62265

Visit the CMC at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo | Saturday, March 30, 2019

Middle Mountain to Mary Smith Hill | Wednesday, May 15, 2019 10:00 AM

Like its Pepacton Range neighbor Cabot Mountain, Middle Mountain is just shy of qualifying as a Catskills 100 highest. To reach its 2965' summit we'll cross another "almost", an unnamed 2942' mountain and its sub-peak 2778' Mary Smith Hill. We'll finish on 2850' Beech Hill, enjoying some nice views towards the Beaverkill Range along the way.  Approximately 1665' ascent. Along this route we'll pass through miles of first growth forest and enjoy the spring ephemeral wildflowers.Event Duration:   5.6 miles,  6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  DifficultLeader(s):  Andes HikersBring: good hiking shoes, something to drink, lunch or snacks, wear layered moisture wicking clothing that will keep you comfortable and warm. Hiking poles and gaiters are recommended.Registration required by May 14th: Register by contacting the leader. See below.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome.Registration and Questions about this event can be directed to: Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Driving Directions: From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go about 3 miles to the intersection of these two highways and turn southwest (left) onto SR 30. Follow SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge. Continue across the bridge on SR 30 2.4 miles to Beech Hill Rd. Turn south and go about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area.From Livingston Manor, NY, take old route 17 and a slight right onto Beaverkill Road for 8.8 miles, turn left onto Beech Hill Road, 2.6 miles on the right.Note: There are two trailhead markers about 0.2 miles apart. We will meet at the southern one, which has a parking area next to the road.

GPS: 42°03'02.0"N 74°46'44.5"W;  42.050550, -74.779034

We'll spot cars here and drive to the  Holiday and Berry Brook Rd. trailhead to begin the hike.

Hike Bramley Mountain | Thursday, April 25, 2019 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. Approximately 900' ascent.Event Duration:  4.1 miles, 3.5 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

Leader: Andes HikersBring: good hiking shoes, snacks, plenty to drink, ice traction device and snowshoes depending on conditions. Hiking poles recommended. Maps available at the trailhead.Registration required by April 24, 2019.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Yes, well behaved only.Questions about this event and registrations can be directed to:  wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273. Provide contact information for the morning of the hike. Please be sure to notify the leader asap if you will need to cancel your registration.Driving 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°17'57.5"N 74°50'09.6"W;  42.2993, -74.8360

Cabot Mountain Hike | Thursday, April 4, 2019 10:00 AM

At 2976', Cabot Mountain in the Pepacton Range is just a few feet under the cut off for a Catskills 100 highest peak. This hike is a steady climb to a nice view overlooking Little Pond and the mountains beyond. Approximately 1300' ascent.Event Duration: 3.7 miles, 4 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Leader(s):  Andes HikersBring:  good hiking shoes, traction device, something to drink, lunch or snacks, wear layered moisture wicking clothing that will keep you comfortable and warm. Hiking poles and gaiters are recommended.Registration required by April 3rd, 2019:  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome.Registration and Questions about this event can be directed to: Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Driving Directions:From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, go about 3 miles to the intersection of these two highways and turn southwest (left) onto SR 30. Follow SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge. Continue across the bridge on SR 30 2.4 miles to Beech Hill Rd. Turn south and go about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area on the left.From Livingston Manor, take Old Route 17 to a slight right onto Beaverkill Road for 8.8 miles, turn left onto Beech Hill Road. Go  2.6 miles to the trailhead on the right.GPS: 42°03'02.0"N 74°46'44.5"W;  42.050550, -74.779034We'll spot cars here and go to Big Pond to begin the hike.

Hike to Trout Pond | Thursday, March 28, 2019 10:00 AM

Trout Pond is a picturesque and pristine little lake surrounded by hills. It's a nice moderate-difficult hike south from Campbell Mountain in the Pepacton Range over three small mountains and down to the lakeside lean-to. From there we will continue on for 1.4 miles to Russell Brook Falls. Approximately 1660' ascent.Event Duration: 7.5 miles; 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeader:  Andes HikersBring:  good hiking shoes, traction device, something to drink, lunch or snacks, wear layered moisture wicking clothing that will keep you comfortable and warm. Hiking poles and gaiters are recommended.Registration required by March 27th:  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12 so register early.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome.Registration and Questions about this event can be directed to: Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Driving Directions:  From Downsville take Rt 206/30 towards Roscoe for 3.1 miles. Turn south onto Cat Hollow Rd./Rte 206 towards Roscoe and go 2.9 miles. Turn west onto Jug Tavern Rd for 1.6 miles and turn south onto Campbell Mountain Road.  Go 0.4 miles and turn east onto Morton Hill Rd. Go 2.7 miles to Russell Brook Rd. and turn west to the parking area.From Roscoe take Rt 206 north 2.3 miles to Morton Hill Rd. Turn left and go 3.1 miles to Russell Brook Rd. Turn west to the parking area.Western Catskill Trails Map 144 E/6.GPS:  41°59'48.8"N 74°56'00.5"W;  41.996893, -74.933470We'll spot cars and return to the FLT trailhead on SR 206 to begin the hike.

Hike to Split Rock in the Pepacton Range | Monday, May 27, 2019 10:00 AM

Join us for a Memorial Day hike to Split Rock on Brock Mountain in the Pepacton Range.  There's a nice view to be had.  After spotting cars at Holiday and Berry Brook Rd., we'll start at Cat Hollow Rd. / SR206, crossing Flat Rock on the way.  Approximately 1600' ascent.Event Duration:  6.3 miles, 7 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeader(s):  Andes HikersBring: good hiking shoes, traction device, something to drink, lunch or snacks, wear layered moisture wicking clothing that will keep you comfortable and warm. Hiking poles and gaiters are recommended.Registration required by May 26th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome.Questions about this event can be directed to: Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.

Driving Directions:  From Margaretville: West on NYS Rte 30 to Holiday/Berry Brook Rd. South on Holiday/Berry Brook Rd. approx 2.5 miles to the very top of the road. Parking lot on left trail head on right.

From Livingston Manner:  Follow Beaverkill Rd. (Co. Rd. 151) 4.3 miles to Campsite Rd. on left. Campsite Rd. to Berry Brook Rd.. and left approx 3.5 to the very top of the road. Parking lot on right, trail head on left.

GPS: 42°02'19.4"N 74°50'51.6"W;  42.038725, -74.847670

We'll spot cars here and drive to Cat Hollow Rd./SR206 to begin the hike.

Balsam Mountain Hike from Rider Hollow | Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:30 AM

Snowshoe hike to 3607' Balsam Mountain at a moderate pace. One of our favorite Catskill hikes, this loop has a bit of everything. There are a few water crossings, so waterproof boots, gaiters, extra wool socks and hiking poles are a must. There will be a nice view down the Esopus Valley from near the summit. This is a required winter peak for 3500 Club qualifications.Event Duration: 5.2 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult Leader(s):  Andes HikersBring: Lunch, snacks, water/sports drink, waterproof boots, traction devices, snowshoes, hiking poles, dress in layered moisture wicking clothing, extra socks.Registration required by March 13.  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:  Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Driving 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.

GPS: 42°06'07.3"N 74°31'01.2"W;  42.102026, -74.517004

Hike in a little known DEP parcel near Highmount | Thursday, March 7, 2019 10:00 AM

We'll explore a little known DEP parcel with some very nice water features and woods,  including a pond, stream, waterfall and pools. This is a short hike but we'll take it slow and enjoy the scenery. We'll grab lunch afterwards.Level of Difficulty:  Easy-ModerateLeaders: Andes HikersBring: good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, snacks, moisture wicking layers that can be shed or added as needed, snow and ice traction wear.Registration required by March 6th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 15, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please bring a leash.Questions about this event can be directed to:  Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Directions:  From the intersection of SR 28 and Galli-Curci Rd. in Highmount, drive 0.7 mi. to Moran Rd. Turn south and park along the side of the road.

Hike the Palmer Hill Trail | Thursday, February 28, 2019 10:00 AM

We kick off a new series of Thursday hikes on the Palmer Hill Trail in Andes. Known for its wide open views, the trail is situated on lands sitting in a high mountain pass on the slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. We'll start and end at the spectacular panorama of the western Catskills high peaks.Event Duration:  4 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Easy-ModerateLeaders: Andes HikersBring: good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, snacks, moisture wicking layers that can be shed or added as needed, snow and ice traction wear.Registration required by February 27th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 15, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please bring a leash.Questions about this event can be directed to:  Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273.  Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us.Driving Directions: Palmer Hill Overlook at the intersection of SR 28 and Finkle Rd., 2 miles east of Andes and 8 miles west of Margaretville

Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur | Sunday, February 17, 2019 10 AM

The Andes Rail Trail offers a great winter snowshoe hike. After just under a mile on the old rail bed which follows the Tremperskill, the trail heads up the Bullet Hole Spur gradually, switching back below the summit of Hemlock Knoll. As it levels and passes through a succession of interesting features including a spruce plantation and a hemlock grove, it drops down into the Bullet Hole with its eponymous creek rushing below. This hike is suitable for everyone, including kids. Proper traction wear, including snowshoes and/or crampons, is required.This hike is being cross-promoted by the Catskill Brewery as part of their Winter Carnival on February 16-17. Craft breweries have become a great addition to life in the Catskills. You can find them at 672 Old Rte 17, Livingston Manor, NY.Event Duration:  4 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Easy-ModerateLeader(s):  Wendell GeorgeBring: Good hiking shoes, snacks, plenty to drink, snowshoes, crampons. Hiking poles are recommended. Dress in moisture wicking layers.Registration required by February 16.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 15, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please bring a leash.Additional Information: if anyQuestions about this event can be directed to:  wendell@catskillmountainclub.org  or 845-586-6273. Be sure to provide a way to reach you the morning of the hike in case plans need to be changed. If you cannot attend, please notify the leader as soon as possible so we will not wait for you unnecessarily and so others may join us if space is available.Driving Directions: From SR 28 in Andes turn west onto Cabin Hill Road/CR2. Drive about a tenth of a mile to the parking lot on the south side of the highway. Go around the railroad station to the parking area.GPS:  42°11'15.3"N 74°47'19.5"W

Winnisook Lake Mountain Bushwhack | Wednesday, February 13, 2019 9 AM Postponed due to weather.

Winnisook Lake (#56) Mountain is one of the Catskills 100 Highest.  The western summit of WLM is home to the Catskills "Stonehenge".  This hike requires a bushwhack (no herd path) that can be very steep. Hikers should have off trail winter experience and full winter equipment since deep snow and ice are expected. The hike will be led by Alan Via, author of The Catskill 67 hiking guide.Event Duration:  4 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult. Bushwhack Leader(s):  Alan ViaBring: Winter gear including good hiking boots, microspikes/crampons, snowshoes. Dress in moisture wicking layers. Bring lunch, snacks, plenty to drink, map and compass. Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by February 11.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 8, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader.Additional Information:Questions about this event can be directed to:  Alan at hikeleaderAV@catskillmountainclub.orgDriving Directions: Meet at Slide Mountain parking area on Frost Valley Rd./CR47, 10 miles south of SR 28 in Big Indian or 10.6 miles north of CR 19 in Claryville.GPS:  42°00'29.7"N 74°25'38.6"W

Catskill Park Day | Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Two weeks from tomorrow on Tuesday, February 5th the CMC and our many partners in the Catskill Park Coalition will head up to Albany on Catskill Park Day. Our purpose is to talk to legislators, the governor and officials at the DEC about the recreational needs of our region, including stewardship of the Catskill Park, aid to our communities, protection of our environment, conservation and many other things that impact on the health and quality of our area's great outdoor spaces.Click here for a summary of our goals and how you can help advance them, even if you can't go to Albany. Find the contact info for your legislators and for the Governor and give them a call or write a letter supporting our requests. And please join us on February 5th as we make our case to our state's leaders. Thanks in advance for helping to protect and improve the Catskill Park!For more info, contact us at wendell@catskillmountianclub.org.Register to go, get contact info and find a sample letter here.Follow on Facebook here.

Download a copy here:

Final+2019+Catskill+Park+Coalition+Priorities

Hike Bramley Mountain | Saturday, January 19, 2019 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, 3.5 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-DifficultLeader: Wendell GeorgeBring: good hiking shoes, snacks, plenty to drink, ice traction device and snowshoes depending on conditions. Hiking poles recommended. Maps available at the trailhead.Registration required by January 18.  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:  wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273. Provide contact information for the morning of the hike. Hike will be postponed to Sunday, January 20 if necessary.Please be sure to notify the leader asap if you will need to cancel your registration.Driving 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

Blackhead Range from Colgate Lake to Barnum Rd. | Saturday, February 2, 2019 8 AM

We'll hike (or snowshoe) the Blackhead Range, starting at Colgate Lake and finishing at Barnum Rd. We'll summit three 3500+ foot peaks: Thomas Cole, Black Dome and Blackhead. By starting at Colgate Lake we'll get that trail to the Escarpment Trail plus the Escarpment section that crosses Arizona Mountain, a 3400' peak. Perfect for All Trails Challenge hikers and 3500 Club hikers.A car shuttle is required. To avoid getting cold, we'll maintain a steady, moderately quick pace with brief breaks. There will be no long lunch break. Because of the early sunset, headlamps are required. Snowshoes and/or traction aids may be required based on expected conditions.Event Duration: 12 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult

Leader(s): Marv Freedman

Bring: Winter hiking boots, hiking poles with snow baskets, snowshoes, traction aids, water, snacks, extra clothing layer, headlamp with extra batteriesRegistration required by 1/28/19. Register with leader. See contact info 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: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional Information:  This hike is listed as Difficult because of it's length, and uncertain winter hiking conditions. The hike duration could vary significantly from the 10 hour estimate based on trail conditions and the pace of the group. Driving Directions:  We'll meet at the Village Market & Deli, Main Street (RT 23A), Tannersville, NY (https://goo.gl/maps/LnKH42kcrbu). The Deli is .4 miles west of the intersection of 23A and 23C in Tannersville. We'll leave the Deli to start the shuttle at 8:00. (I plan to arrive at about 7:30 so I'll have time for breakfast.) We'll leave cars at the end of Barnum Rd (https://goo.gl/maps/z8zr5uPPoLS2), where the hike will finish, and drive to the Colgate Lake parking area (https://goo.gl/maps/x4oNb46YQiE2)  to start the hike.

GPS coordinates of meeting location: 42.195934, -74.144279