The Finger Lakes Trail in the Catskills - Talk and Hike! June 6th

On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6th at 1:00pm, Rick Roberts, Catskill Mountain Club President and Catskill Maintenance Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) will be at Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, NY to present an overview of the 90-mile section of the trail as is makes its way through the Catskills.The talk will touch on the history of the 570-mile FLT, the governing body of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and the highlights of the FLT in the Catskills, starting near the Cannonsville reservoir and ending near Slide Mt. Items to be handed out will include maps of the Catskill portion of the FLT, information cards, and copies of the Finger Lakes Trail News.To reserve a seat, call Lisa at 845 439 5507. Directions available at www.morgan-outdoors.com. This free public event is sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Club, with support from Morgan Outdoors.Following the talk Rick will lead a 2.5 mile hike to Split Rock along the FLT section comprising the Mary Smith and Pelnor Hollow Trails. This hike is relatively easy with only one steep section as we near the Split Rock overlook. The hike will start at the Mary Smith trailhead on Holliday/Berry Brook Rd. at approximately 2:30 pm.Morgan Outdoors will lend Leki hiking poles at no cost to the first 6 people who reserve them in celebration of National Trails Day.

May 29th, 11 am. Grand Opening and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting and hike for the new FLT, Pines Lookout Fire Tower Trail.   Location:  Intersection of NYS Rte 10 and NYS Rte 268 on the Cannonsville Reservoir, 12 miles west of Walton on Rte 10.  The hike is a 7 mile loop with strenuous sections and an elevation gain of 1000'.

Monday - Memorial Day, May 25th 2 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 NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business. We will launch promptly at 2 PM  from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge. Pre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at annroberti@yahoo.comLife jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. For more information on regulations please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfDirections: 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 Boat Launch on the left, just after turning right onto CR 1.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right.

Sunday, May 24, 10:00 AM - Help Maintain the Dry Brook and German Hollow Trails

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/NJTC. Hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 year old bog, to arrive to a beautiful lookout 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.This moderately difficult hike is about 6 miles and will take about 6 hours. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water - about 2 quarts. No dogs permitted for safety reasons.Pre-register by May 23. Contact Laura at bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101.Directions: On SR 28, 40 miles west of Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile west of the blinking light, turn right at the intersection with Fair St. Meeting is at the car wash on the right.

Saturday, May 23, 9AM - Hike West Kill Mtn. and St. Anne’s Peak

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike covers 7.05m of the western end of the Devil’s Path and 0.7m of the Diamond Notch Trail.Join Tom Martone for a 7.75 mile thru hike on the western end of the Devil's Path which will include a Catskill 3500 Peak, West Kill Mountain (3,880’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, St. Anne’s Peak (3,420’).  This hike will include a long climb with some steep sections up to the spectacular views at Buck Ridge Lookout at the top of West Kill Mountain.  After that, we’ll continue on the Devil’s Path on a rambling up and down hike through varied terrain and forests in a very quiet and secluded area.  We’ll pass over St. Anne’s Peak and hike in the shadows of North Dome as we turn north and follow the trail though a hemlock forest along the Mink Hollow Brook to our finishing trailhead.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (7.75 miles) and elevation changes.  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be significant elevation change throughout the day including a few steep pitches on the way up to the summit of West Kill Mountain.  Hiking poles can be helpful.  We will hike at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.The weather in May in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for a spring hike.  A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.  You may consider bug repellent as well.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required.  Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Hunter - West Kill Mountain Wilderness.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday May 21, 2015.  In your email, let me know the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles from the two trailheads.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern Catskills - see http://www.nynjtc.org/product/new-catskill-trails-map-set-maps-hiking-catskillsTrail Conditions - see http://www.nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updatesDirections:The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Spruceton Road/Diamond Notch Parking AreaAt the end of Spruceton Road (County Road 6) in West Kill, NY.42.18246, -74.26954From the junction of State Route 42 and Spruceton Road, follow Spruceton Road east for 6.8 miles to the parking area on the right.Finishing at Mink Hollow/Spruceton Road Parking AreaOn Spruceton Road (County Route 6) near West Kill, NY.42.19170, -74.32416From the junction of State Route 42 and Spruceton Road, follow Spruceton Road east for 3.7 miles to the trailhead and parking area on the right.

Sunday, May 17, 11 AM - Annual Ephemeral Wild Flower Hike At Kelly Hollow

You are invited to you to join with CMC board members for the fifth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike at Kelly Hollow on Sunday, May 17^th 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 loop 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.) Well behaved dogs are welcome.This hike will be limited to 20 people. 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 10:00am 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

POSTPONED Sunday, May 10, 9 AM - Ashokan High Point Hike in Spring

Come walk the Ashokan Trail and hike along the Kanape Brook on your way to the great views from ASHOKAN High Point of the reservoir and the Burroughs Range. Elevation of 3080 feet makes this mountain a hundred highest. The hike is approximately 7 miles. Come discover this lovely trail with me in Spring on Mother’s Day. Looking forward to Sunday, Deanna.Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. This is a difficult hike with 2000' of elevation gain. Wear good hiking boots and dress in moisture wicking, layered clothing for your comfort. No dogs on this hike.You can register by phone or email by May 5th Tuesday before the Hike. After that please use Phone ONLY. Must leave a reachable contact phone for evening before/ Morning of hike with your name to be registered on hike, please.Contact: felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or Phone 845-216-2021.Directions: NYNJTC Catskill Trail Map 141Trailhead is on Peekamoose Road (CR 42), which is best accessed from SR 28 to Rte. 28A in Boiceville, to West Shokan and Rte. 42 going West towards Sundown.From Rte. 17 take Liberty exit to 55/ 55A on to 151 and Peekamoose Road (42).

Saturday, May 9, 3:30 PM - Hike the new Jockey Hill Trail with the CMC at Trailfest

The CMC will again lead a hike as part of Trailfest at Kenco Outfitters. This year we'll explore the new trail at Jockey Hill.  John Exter, a former CMC board member, will lead the hike.These trails wind through the Bluestone Wild Forest near Kingston for 4.5 miles. The trail is for multi-purpose use, including mountain biking and cross country skiing, as well as hiking. The hike is moderately difficult due to its length.This hike should be of interest to hikers who are working to complete the requirements for the Catskills All Trails (CATs) Certificate, awarded by the CMC to those hikers who hike all of the designated hiking trails in the Catskill Park. The hike is open to hikers all abilities. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and dress in moisture wicking clothing for your comfort. Bring a snack if you like and be sure to bring adequate water suppplies - at least a quart.No dogs on this hike, please.Meet at Kenco at 1000 Hurley Mountain Rd. and SR 28,  just west of Kingston. From there we'll drive to the trailhead and spot cars at the end of the trail for the return to the starting point.You can find out more about the workshops, presentations and events during Trailfest by visiting Kenco's website.

Saturday, May 9, 9AM - Hike to Windham High Peak and Burnt Knob

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike completes the Elm Ridge Trail (0.85m) and covers 4.95m of the Escarpment Trail and 1.1m of the Black Dome Range Trail.Join Tom Martone on a thru hike of a section of the Escarpment Trail which includes a Catskill 3500 Peak, Windham High Peak (3,524’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Burnt Knob (3,180’).  We’ll soak in the great views to the north and east from the top of Windham High Peak. where on a clear day you can see Albany.  We continue on the Escarpment Trail on an up and down journey through interesting terrain and forests passing Burnt Knob on our way to the junction with the Black Dome Trail.  We will stop and enjoy multiple view points along the way and there should be lots of opportunities for great photos.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (6.9 miles) and elevation changes.  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be elevation change throughout the day with a few steep pitches.  Hiking poles can be helpful.  We will hike at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.The weather in May in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy even if the weather is generally warm. Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for a spring hike.  A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.  You may consider bug repellent as well.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required.  Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Windham - Blackhead Range Wilderness.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday May 7, 2015.  In your email, let me know the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles from the two trailheads.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern Catskills - see http://www.nynjtc.org/product/new-catskill-trails-map-set-maps-hiking-catskillsTrail Conditions - see http://www.nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updatesDirections:The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Peck Road Parking AreaAt the end of Peck Road in Maplecrest, NY.42.296631, -74.16911From State Route 23 at the east end of Windham, NY take NY-296 S for 1.5 miles which turns into Maplecrest Road.  Turn right onto County Road 40 and proceed for 1.8 miles and turn left on Big Hollow Road (Route 56).  Proceed on Big Hollow Road for 1.8 miles and make a left onto Peck Road.  The trailhead and parking area are .8 miles ahead at the end of Peck Road.Finishing at Big Hollow Road Road Parking AreaAt the end of Big Hollow Road (County Route 56) in Maplecrest, NY.42.28884, -74.11505From State Route 23 at the east end of Windham, NY take NY-296 S for 1.5 miles which turns into Maplecrest Road.  Turn right onto County Road 40 and proceed for 1.8 miles and turn left on Big Hollow Road (Route 56).  Proceed on Big Hollow Road for 4.2 miles.  The parking area is on the right at the end of Big Hollow Road.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 1:00 PM - Community Fit Day Hike

Join CMC Board Member Amy Beveridge for a Community Fit Day Hike.Delhi, NY, Hike the Delhi Trails, Bulldog Run Loop (2.3 miles) This hike is geared toward everyone from the beginner to avid hiker. The terrain is a moderately difficult; hikers should expect two strenuous short inclines to start and a wooded path with trees lining both sides of the trail for most of the way. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear sturdy footwear, comfortable clothes, and bring a bottle of water. Leave no trace rules (If you carry it in, you carry it out) will be reviewed prior to the hike and obeyed during the event. This hike is part of Delhi’s Community Fit Day.  A donation for the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society is strongly encouraged. Suggested items for donation include: paper towels, non clumping cat litter, cash/check.R.S.V.P to Amy Beveridge at (607) 278-5461 or email albeveridge04@gmail.com.For more information about Community Fit Day Details visit http://www.clasiladies.com/community-fit-day.html.For details and a map of the Delhi Trails, click hereMeet at 1 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church,  Andes Road/Rt 28, Delhi, NY  

Tuesday, May 5, 9 AM – Maintenance of the Western Black Dome Trail to Thomas Cole Mountain

Join the CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew and the Rip van Winkle Hikers as we work on the western end of the Black Dome Trail. This maintenance hike will go over the Camel’s Hump and on to Thomas Cole Mountain. We’ll be doing the usual, removing any downed limbs and trees from the trail, cleaning waterbars out and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Bring your loppers and pruners and a longer blade folding saw if youhave one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you with.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. Write wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. Or call Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104. If you need to cancel, let me know by 7:30 AM on Tuesday.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.

Sunday, May 3, 9:00 AM - Paddling the West Branch of the Delaware

Paddle the beautiful West Branch of the Delaware River from Delhi to DeLancey. Approximate distance is 8.5 miles, 4-6 hours. Relatively tame water, no dangerous white water. Life jackets required for all participants. Kayaks and canoes only, no rafts.Pre-register by April 30. Write or call Rick Roberts at: Hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or 607-746-9694. Provide your contact info in case of changes to the plans.Bring a lunch, snacks and 2 liters of water, etc.  No dogs allowed.Directions: Meet at the O’Connor Hospital parking lot on NYS Rte 28 in Delhi, 1 mile from launch site. Cars will be driven to Delancey prior to put in. From Margaretville, take NYS 28 north to Delhi. Delancey is 7 miles south on NYS Rte 10, toward Walton.

Saturday, May 2, 9:15 AM - Hiking the new FLT Rock Rift Fire Tower trail

Hike to the Pines Lookout Fire tower. This is a new section of the FLT constucted in 2014. It's a 7 mile loop trail. The Pines Fire Tower is the last remaining Catskill Fire Tower on public land that has yet been restored. It is located in the Town of Tompkins, Delaware County overlooking the Cannonsville Reservoir. The tower itself cannot be climbed at this time.This event is a named evert called the Wally Wood Memorial Hike put on by the FLTC. For more info go to:www.fingerlakestrailconference.orgThis is a moderately strenuous hike. Wear good hiking boots and layered, wicking clothing for your comfort. Bring lunch. Well behaved dogs are welcome. For more information, contact Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or at 607-746-9694.Directions: From Walton, NY. Follow NYS Rte 10 west for approximately 7 miles to the intersection of NYS Rte 268 and the Rte 268 bridge over the Cannonsville Reservoir. Meet at the DEP parking area on the north side of the Bridge.

Fun morning watching birds!

 An intrepid group of bird enthusiasts turned out for the spring bird watching hike on the Andes Rail Trail.  The highlight: we were treated to many flashes of the ruby crown of the Ruby Crowned Kinglet.   The full list of the birds sighted and heard is available in this checklist.  Thank you Andy Mason for a great morning!Andes birdwalk  Checklist 4-26-2015

May is Schoharie Watershed Month -- with lots of events to celebrate

Now in its sixth year, Schoharie Watershed Month (May)  offers a series of free events to celebrate the region’s beauty and natural resources.  Presented by Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District and New York City Department of Environmental Protection -- and in partnership with many area organizations and individuals -- the events will focus on water quality and watershed appreciation throughout the Schoharie Basin.There are plenty of great events and workshops. Of particular interest to CMC members might be:Saturday, May 23rd - Paddle the Schoharie Reservoir! Catskill Outback Adventures will provide kayaks and canoes and lead this trip from Snyder’s Cove on opening weekend. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact Michelle Yost (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com.Saturday May 30th - Hike Bearpen Mountain. 9 AM - 2 PM.   Join Peter Manning for this 7-mile hike with panoramic views of the Schoharie Watershed. Moderate - Difficult. Bring lunch. Registration required by 5/29: localtouristpqm@gmail.com (Rain date: May 31st).Saturday May 30th - “The Schoharie Basin and Its Ice Age History” Bob and Johanna Titus tell the story of how glaciers shaped the Schoharie Basin and created its most scenic views. 6 PM at the Mountaintop Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls.  The Tituses gave an entertaining and informative presentation at a CMC dinner a couple of years ago  -- this talk is sure to be great.Read More Here.    For complete activity listings with descriptions, updates, sponsors, and other details please visit www.catskillstreams.org or contact the Schoharie Watershed Program of Greene County SWCD at (518) 589-6871 or michelle@gcswcd.com. 

Sunday, April 26th, 8 AM - Bird Watching Hike on the Andes Rail Trail

Join us as we host Andy Mason of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail!The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. has scheduled a spring bird walk on the Andes Rail Trail for Sun. April 26.  Returning spring migrants including warblers, thrushes, flycatchers as well as resident species can be expected.  Participants should meet at the Depot St. trailhead at 8 a.m.  The walk will last approximately two hours.For further information, contact Andy Mason, (607) 652-2162, AndyMason@earthling.net.Andy will be speaking at the Andes Round Table on April 1st, giving us a preview of the birds we will see when spring finally does arrive 

Saturday, April 18, 9 AM - Overlook Trail from Platte Clove to Meads

Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike completes the Overlook Trail (4.65m), the Echo Lake Trail (0.7m), and the Overlook Spur Trail (2.3m).This 8.9 mile trail hike at the eastern edge of the Catskill Park includes a mix of interesting features to go along with the great views into the Hudson Valley along the way.  Starting in Platte Clove, we pass through a portion of an interpretive trail in the Platte Clove Preserve, and soon visit the site of an abandoned quarry and pass by the Devil’s Kitchen lean-to.  Later we will take some time to explore the views at Codfish Point and relax for a bit on some interesting quarry furniture.  Continuing on the Overlook Trail, we will pass (but not summit) a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Plattekill Mountain (3,100’) and reach the junction with the Echo Lake Trail where we will take a side trip to Echo Lake where we will stop and have some lunch, perhaps at the lean-to if it’s available.  After lunch we’ll retrace our steps back to the Overlook Trail and continue on to another Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Overlook Mountain (3,140’) where we will take the lesser-used trail around the edge of Overlook Mountain and pass numerous nice viewing areas on open rock ledges.  After that we’ll visit the fire tower on Overlook to get some 360 degree views of the Hudson Valley, the Ashokan Reservoir and several of the Devil’s Path peaks.  Then we will walk past the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House to join the Overlook Spur Trail for a descent down to the Parking Area at Meads Mountain Road to complete our hike.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (8.9 miles).  We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain can be rocky and there will be moderate elevation change throughout the day.  Hiking poles can be helpful.  We will hike at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.The weather in April in the Catskills can vary widely.  Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.  A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood, gloves and a warm hat or balaclava will come in handy on the fire tower later, even if the weather is generally warm.Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).  You might consider bringing a hot beverage in a thermal container if the weather is cold.As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and a pair of gaiters is a good idea for an early spring hike.  A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern Catskills - see http://www.nynjtc.org/product/new-catskill-trails-map-set-maps-hiking-catskillsTrail Conditions - see http://www.nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updatesPre-registration is required.  Group size is limited to 12 by DEC guidelines for hikes in the Indian Head Wilderness.  Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday April 16, 2015.  In your email, let me know the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles from the two trailheads.The two trailheads for the hike are:Starting at Platte Clove Parking AreaOn Platte Clove Road (County Route 16) just outside of Platte Clove.From CR212 east of Woodstock and west of the Saugerties thruway exit, go to Town Highway 35 (Blue Mountain Rd.) and turn North. Continue on Rte. 35 to where it curves left onto West Saugerties Rd. (Blue Mountain Rd. continues to the right). Follow West Saugerties Rd. to Platte Clove Rd. and climb steeply to the parking lot on the right, about 2.4 miles past the intersection with W.Saugerties - Woodstock Rd.42.13335, -74.08190Finishing at Meads Mountain Road Parking AreaOn Meads Mountain Road just north of Woodstock.42.07137, -74.12246From CR 212 (Tinker St./Mill Hill Rd.) in Woodstock, turn north on Rock City Rd. In 0.6 miles, cross Glasco Turnpike and continue on Meads Mountain Rd. for 2 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right, across from the Buddhist Monastery.

CATs Challenge Updates

Now that our harsh Winter of 2015 seems over, hikers are preparing for getting into the woods. We have had several recent inquiries about the Catskills All Trails Challenge that we think many hikers might like to know about.Several people have asked if hikers must complete road walks when trail segments connect via a road route. The answer is no. The CATs Challenge is to hike the hiking trails.Some people have wondered about multi-use trails. CATs hikers must hike multi-use trails when one of the designated uses is hiking. You do not need to hike trails that are designated for cycling, equestrian or snowmobile use.Due to some recent changes to the trail system in the Bluestone Wild Forest, our list of trails has been updated. (You can download it on the CATs page.) The Jockey Hill - Wintergreen Ridge Trail succeeds the Jockey Hill Trial. The entire trail is marked yellow. The distances for the three Onteora Lake Trails (red, blue and yellow) have been adjusted, but the trails remain the same. The most recent map is available on the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbswf.pdfWe will begin posting hikes on some of the less well known and used Catskill Park trails shortly. Please join us for the fun of these explorations in search of sights and features seldom seen.If you have questions about the CATs Challenge, please email them to activities@catskillmountainclub.org. or ask them in the comments section at the bottom of the CATs page. We are happy to clarify any issues and know that many people will find the answers useful.Happy hiking!

Celebrate National Walking Day with a walk on the Andes Rail Trail -- Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 -- No Foolin'!

The Catskill Mountain Club is celebrating National Walking Day by taking a lunchtime walk on the Andes Rail Trail.   Come and join us!Various Delaware County organizations are also celebrating -- find out more by visiting the GetOutAndWalk.org website. 

Sunday, March 8th - Gorgeous ALDER LAKE and Beaver Meadow Winter Hike

If you just like being out in the snow this, will be one of your favorite hikes. Rambling ups and downs, ruins, a gorgeous lake and a trek to Beaver Meadow. This is a wonderful snowshoe. Bring poles and microspikes. Plan to bring warm drinks, water and snacks. Dress in warm layers, may want handwarmers. Call for meeting time and place. Parking arrangements will be dependent on weather conditions. Limited registration open two weeks before hike. MUST leave a reachable phone # and full name, please. Conrtact Deanna Felicetta at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com NO EMAIL after Friday the 6th at 6:30 PM. Call therafter at 845 216 2021.POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions).SNOW DATE March 15th… Come join the FUN!Directions:  Directions: From the south/west the best access is old RT. 17 to State Rd 151/152 known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become State Rd 54. From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to 54. At State Road 54 turn left and head NE. On 54 all will travel until reaching Turnwood. Here 54 MAKES A LEFT turn North and becomes Alder Road. Travel a few miles until public road ends at Parking for Mary Smith Trail.