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Thursday, September 17, 9 AM - Touch-me-not Trail Maintenance
Summer has brought lots of new growth to our trails in the Catskills. It's time to head out to clear blackberry canes and nettles as well as any blowdowns. Please join us on this relatively easy trail section hike with your loppers or shears in hand and help maintain this well travelled trail that connects two of the Catskills loveliest lakes, Big Pond and Alder Lake.Bring plenty of water and lunch. Wear good hiking boots, comfortable moisture wicking clothing and bring work gloves if you have some. We'll have tools and gloves to lend. We'll spot cars at Big Pond and then drive to Alder Lake. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain postpones to a date TBD.To register, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org by Wednesday the 16th. If you need to cancel, call Wendell by 7:00 Thursday morning at 845-586-6273.Directions: Meet at the Big Pond parking area located on Barkaboom Rd. From SR 28 in Margaretville, drive west about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Turn left and then bear left, following the road along the south shore of the Pepacton Reservoir for 8.3 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn left and go 5.4 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, go west on Main St. briefly and turn south onto CR 1/Tremperskill Rd. Drive 8 miles to SR 30 and turn right, crossing the the Shavertown Bridge. Turn east (left) immediately after crossing and drive 2.2 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn south and go 5.4 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the left.From Livingston Manor, take Old Rte. 17 north 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. Take a right and drive 10.8 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn north 0.8 miles to the Big Pond parking area on the right.
Trail Maintenance at Eagle Mountain
The Catskill Mountain Club's 2015 trail maintenance efforts continued on Wednesday, September 9 as several CMC members ventured out to maintain the Pine Hill-West Branch trail over Eagle and Haynes mountains.The hike from Seager to Rider Hollow was 7.95 miles and a lot of work was done along the way.
One focus was on the area surrounding the Shandaken Brook leanto on the Seager-Big Indian trail. There was quite a bit of overgrowth around the shelter which was cleared out and tidied up. Here are before and after shots of the rear of the shelter.
After having lunch at the trail junction the crew moved up the section leading to Eagle mountain. Even though this section had been previously cleared of blowdowns on a prior maintenance outing (to Big Indian) there was plenty of work to do trimming with shears and loppers.
After a rest on Eagle (where two crew members bagged a new peak), the crew continued along the next 2.1 miles of the Pine Hill-West Branch trail to the Oliverea-Mapledale trail junction. Three significant blowdowns were encountered and cleared in this section. The photos show the crew working to remove the blowdowns with the amazing Silky BigBoy 2000 hand saw leaving a clear path for hikers.
Around 6pm or so, the skies darkened, the wind picked up and the rain poured down. The crew secured their tools and scampered down the trail to the cars waiting in the Rider Hollow parking area and enjoyed the traditional post-hike tailgate snacks.Upcoming EventsNext week, the crew will visit the Touch-Me-Not trail section between Alder Lake and Big Pond. If you haven't been out with the crew yet this year, this might be a good opportunity to join in since this is a relatively easy section of trail being only 3 miles long from end to end with little elevation change along the way.After that, there will be more work on the Pine Hill-West Branch trail from the Biscuit Brook trailhead to Big Indian mountain as well as an outing on a beautiful section of the Long Path near Palenville which includes Poet's Ledge and several scenic waterfalls. Also, there's an outing scheduled to take place during the Lark in the Park on the German Hollow trail and a section of the Dry Brook Ridge trail.
Wednesday, September 9, 9 AM - Maintenance on the PW Trail over Eagle Mountain
NOTE: This hike was scheduled for Sept. 10, but moved to the 9th to avoid predicted rain.Join us to work on these trails that are maintained by the CMC's Catskill Roving Trail Crew. We’ll meet at the Rider Hollow Trailhead and then go to Seager to begin our hike. We'll hike to the ridge where we’ll turn north and work over Eagle and Haynes Mountains. We’ll be clearing blowdowns and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks.No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain postpones until Friday.Register by Wednesday, August 19 by contacting Wendell George, at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 8 AM Thursday.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 4.9 miles to Rider Hollow Rd. and turn left/southeast. Drive to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Turn left/east and go .5 mile to Rider Hollow Rd. Turn right/southeast to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.
Thursday, September 3, 9 AM - Kelly Hollow Trail Maintenance
The CMC/NYNJTC Catskills Roving Trail Crew has scheduled a maintenance hike on the Kelly Hollow Trail. Please join us if you can on this easy hike out to a Beaver Pond. Bring work gloves and loppers, pruners or shears. We’ll eat at the lean-to.
For More Upcoming Events, Check out the 12th Annual Catskills Lark in the Park Schedule
As a founding partner of the Catskills Lark in the Park, the CMC takes great pride in the wealth of various outdoor activities offered each year to recreational enthusiasts during this great celebration of the Catskill Park's founding. These events are led by volunteers from many organizations that regularly organize outings in the Catskill region. Many are led by CMC members.Together with our partners, the Catskill Center, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the NYS DEC, we look forward to seeing you out and about in the Catskills this year from October 3 through October 12. Come for one event or for 10 days full of activities. Pick your pleasure from hikes, paddles, cycling trips, natural and cultural explorations, educational events and more - truly something for everyone!After the Lark, regular CMC scheduling will resume.
Thursday, August 27, 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 and pruning back anything that is growing into the trailbed. Expect to encounter plenty of blackberries between the Hump and Thomas Cole. Bring your shears and a weed whip, if you have 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 August 26. 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 Thursday by calling 845-586-6273.Directions: From SR 23A in Hunter, take Scribner Hollow Rd. north to CR 23C. Turn west and go to CR 40. Turn north on CR 40 and go to Barnum Rd. Turn east and go to the P.A. at the end of Barnum Rd.
Sunday, August 16, 11:30 AM - Hike the Shavertown Trail
Come and join the hike of Shavertown Trail near the Pepacton Reservoir’s Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on Sunday August 16 at 11:30 as part of the Great Outdoor Experience Festival. After a good climb for the first mile there will be a beautiful view overlooking the reservoir. We will enjoy the view and walk around Snake Pond before we continue up an easier climb for a 3.3 mile loop returning to the pond. The upper loop is an nice second growth forest and lots of nice rock formations. This is an enjoyable hike for almost everyone; please come and join us. The total distance 5.3 miles.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and and snack or lunch.No registration required. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Directions: From SR 28 in Margaretville turn left on SR 30. Continue 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge. Turn right and park at the upper parking area by the boat launch.From Livingston Manor, take the Beaverkill Road, to Barkaboon Road pass Little Pond continue to the Shavertown Bridge turn right across bridge and left to the upper parking area by boat launch. Distant 20 miles.
Sunday, August 16th, 11 AM -- Paddle the Pepacton Reservoir
Join Ann Roberti of the CMC as we celebrate the Great Outdoor Experience Festival with a paddle on the scenic Pepacton Reservoir.Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business. We will launch promptly at 11 AM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge.Pre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at aroberti@catskill.netLife 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.
Saturday, August 15, 3 PM - Hike Phoenicia’s Tan Bark Trail
After attending the Catskill Great Outdoor Experience Festival in nearby Mt Tremper, join Aaron Bennett of the Catskill Mountain Club for a hike departing directly from one of our beautiful main streets in the central Catskill Mountains. Leave your car on Main Street in Phoenicia and enjoy this moderate, 2-mile loop hike led by the CMC, and then re-fuel afterwards with some of the best post-hike food and drink around right here in town. The hike will follow a portion of an historic tan bark trail and an old quarry road that once provided access to the bluestone quarries and hemlock forests back in the 1800s. Interpretive signage along the route will help tell us the story. Expect spectacular views of the Esopus Creek valley from both the Grand View Ledge and the Phoenicia Overlook on the slopes of Mount Tremper. The hike has several short, very steep inclines/declines with an overall elevation gain of 700’ - so hiking shoes/boots are a must. Meet at 3PM at the trailhead located in the Phoenicia Park/Parish Field. Group size is limited, so please register by contacting Aaron at abennett@catskill.net. Bring snacks and plenty of water (and a camera).Directions:The trailhead is located by the playground equipment in the Parish Field just off Main Street in Phoenicia.Traveling west on Route 28 (from Kingston) turn right into Phoenicia just after the Phoenicia Diner. Cross the railroad tracks and bridge. At intersection, turn right and park on Main Street. Proceed back to intersection on foot and follow Mt Ava Maria Drive walking past the grocery store and Post Office. Entrance to the park is on the right.Traveling east on Route 28 (from Pine Hill) turn left into Phoenicia on NYS Rte 214, proceed straight through town on Main Street, and park on the east end of town, (near the funeral home and grocery store). Proceed down Mt Ava Maria Drive (between Gormley Funeral Home and the Phoenicia Market) on foot, and entrance to the park is on the right after the Post Office.
Tuesday, August 12, 8:20 AM - Alder Lake to Balsam Lake Mountain Firetower
This is a CATs hike in the western Catskills.OK, then! We'll try this great hike again after two rain postponements. Third time is the charm!One of my favorite Summer hikes and I love company, so come join me. The hike has a lovely combination of walking, ups, downs and scrambles with some fun views. (Note: this hike is for experienced hikers only.) It is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this 3500 peak. Hike about 12 miles. Dipping in Alder Lake at end of hike will happen! It is Summer!Dress comfortably in moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking shoes. Bring lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 quarts). Well behaved dogs allowed.Limited registration. Must leave name and a reachable phone to register! Time will be decided.Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@ gmail.com NO email after WED before hike. Call therafter at 845- 216-2021POOR WEATHER will postpone this Catskill Hike to Wednesday, August 12. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions).Directions: Meeting at Balsam Lake Trailhead by BL Club entrance at very end of Beaverkill Road. Hike is a shuttle. From the south/west the best access is old RT. 17 to State Rd 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become CR 54. From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to 54. At CR 54 turn east and head NE on Beaverkill Road to the end.
Saturday August 8th, 2 pm, Hike the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur
Join the Catskill Mountain Club on an Andes Community Day walk on the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur. The hike begins at 2pm to give participants time to enjoy the parade, fun, food and other goings on around Andes for Community Day.The group will walk on the railbed portion of the trail and will then separate into two groups, one continuing on the Bullet Hole Spur and another returning to the trailhead.2 miles round trip for railbed only portion, 4 miles round trip for rail trail and Bullet Hole Spurt.No advanced registration necessary -- just show up at the trailhead on Cabin Hill Road at 2:00 pm.DIRECTIONS: Meet at the train depot on Cabin Hill Road/CR 2 just past the flashing red light in downtown AndesLearn more about the Trail
Thursday, August 6, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Seager and Pine Hill-West Branch Trails
These trails are maintained by the CMC/NYNJTC Catskill Roving Trail Crew. We’ll hike out on the Seager Trail and go to the ridge where we’ll turn south and work to Big Indian Mountain. We’ll be clearing blowdowns, cleaning waterbars and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Raindate is Friday, August 7.Register by Wednesday, August 5 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 8 AM Thursday.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 5.1 miles to Dry Brook Rd. and turn left/south. Drive 4.2 miles to the Seager P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 8.9 miles to the Seager P.A. at the end of the road.
Wednesday, August 5th, 4:30 PM - Hump Day Hike on the Delhi Hiking Trails
The Trail is just over 2 miles in length. Moderate ability level. This hike is within the village of Delhi limits making it a convenient and easy hike after work. Please bring water and wear sturdy footwear. Contact for more information and R.S.V.P to Amy Beveridge at albeveridge@gmail.com.Directions: We will meet at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Trail Head, 565 Andes Road (SR 28), Delhi, NY. (Across the street from O'Connor Hospital.)
Very Limited Access to Kaaterskill Falls
The DEC is currently working to improve public safety at Kaaterskill Falls after several deaths in recent years. They ask that you avoid going to the Falls entirely this summer.The Laurel House Road Trail and parking area will be closed for the remainder of the summer and fall. You can still access the falls from 23A however the trail past the wooden fence is closed, anyone found either past the fence or on the Laurel House road side will be ticketed by the DEC.This is to allow the DEC to build new stairs and other improvements that will make Kaaterskill Falls a safer and more enjoyable experience for all. Please give the DEC and contractors the space they need for yours and their safety. Work should be completed by the end of the work season, keep checking the trail update page for the latest information.More details on the work and the closures can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/102427.htmlOur friends at the Watershed Post have compiled a list of other great places to visit --10 Catskill Mountain Waterfalls to VisitPlaces to swim in the CatskillsAnd we have our own list of 20 Favorite Hikes as well as a more complete list of Outdoor Activities by Catskill Region -- Hiking, Cycling, etc.
Thursday, July 30, 9 AM - Trail Maintenance on Balsam Mountain
After spending several weeks constructing the new trail on Bramley Mountain, the CMC/NYNJTC Roving Crew will do trail maintenance on the Pine Hill-West Branch and Oliverea-Mapledale trails over Balsam Mountain, beginning at Rider Hollow.We'll be looking for fallen limbs and trees to cut and remove, cleaning out the leaves from waterbars and lopping off limbs that have protruded over the trail. At this time of year, we'll have some blackberries to cut back, too.We have a nice assortment of tools, but feel free to bring your own favorite loppers and shears. Folding saws with longer blades may be useful, too.Be sure to bring plenty of water (at least a couple of quarts), lunch and snacks. You'll want good hiking boots and extra socks in case you get wet while crossing streams. No dogs due to safety concerns. Raindate is Friday, July 31.Contact: Register by Wednesday evening to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 8 AM on Friday. You can call me at 845-586-6273.Directions: From SR 28 in Highmount, turn south onto Galli-Curci Rd. which becomes Todd Mountain Rd. Go about 4.9 miles to Rider Hollow Rd. and turn left/southeast. Drive to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Turn left/east and go .5 mile to Rider Hollow Rd. Turn right/southeast to the Rider Hollow P.A. at the end of the road.
POSTPONED - Hike Ashokan High Point
Come walk the Ashokan High Point Trail and hike along the Kanape Brook on your way to the great views at Ashokan High Point. Elevation of 3080 feet makes this mountain a hundred highest. The hike is approximately 7 miles and is strenuous. Come discover this lovely trail with me in Summer and maybe we will get to pick berries together!Bring lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 quarts). Wear moisture wicking clothing and good hiking shoes. Well behaved dogs are permitted.You can register by phone or email by Friday, July 10th . After that please use PHONE ONLY. Must leave a reachable contact phone for use on evening before/ morning of hike with your name to be registered on hike, please.Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com Phone 845- 216-2021.Directions: NYNJTC Catskill Trail Map 141 - Kanape Brook. Trailhead is on Peekamoose Road (CR 42), best accessed from SR 28 to 28A, to West Shokan, then to Rte. 42/Watson Hollow Rd. going West. From SR 17 take Liberty exit to 55/ 55A, on to Rte. 151 and Peekamoose Road (CR 42).
Monday, June 15 - From our friends at the Catskill Conservation Corps
Help Improve the Kaaterskill Falls Trail on June 15, 2015
Join the Catskill Conservation Corps and the Trail Conference’s Catskills Trail Crew on the Kaaterskill Falls Trail as we work to improve this trail.For more info and to sign up to help visit: http://catskillconservationcorps.org/2015/05/06/help-improve-the-kaaterskill-falls-trail-on-june-15-2015/Saturday, June 13, 10 AM - Hike the FLT/Campbell Mtn. Trail
CATs series hike in the western Catskill Park.
Join CMC leaders Rick Roberts and Nancy McDonald for a hike on this Finger Lakes Trail segment from Downsville to the trailhead on SR 206. The hike is a moderately difficult one of 7 miles, taking 4 to 5 hours.Bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear good hiking shoes and dress in layered moisture wicking clothing. Temperatures can vary widely in the Catskills and rain is often unpredictable, especially in spring, so be prepared.Well behaved dogs are welcome.If you have questions, contact Rick at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDirections: From Margaretville- Take SR 28 about 3 miles north to SR 30 intersection. Follow SR 30 around the Pepacton Reservoir to Downsville. Bridge is on the left as you enter the village. From Roscoe- Take SR 206 west to Downsville.
Saturday, June 13, 8:30AM – Hike to Acra Point/Blackhead/Dutcher Notch
Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series: This hike covers 1.1m of the Black Dome Range Trail, 6.3m of the Escarpment Trail and the entire Dutcher Notch Trail.Join Tom Martone for a 9.3 mile thru hike on a beautiful section of the Escarpment Trail which will include a Catskill 3500 Peak, Blackhead Mountain (3,940’) and a Catskill 100 Highest Peak, Acra Point (3,100’). This hike has a multitude of views along the way and includes a strenuous and dramatic scramble to the summit of Blackhead Mountain. After catching our breath on top of Blackhead, we will continue a short distance along the Escarpment to an area called Camp Steel which has nice open rocks to sit on and enjoy lunch, views to the Hudson Valley and hopefully, some cool breezes. After lunch we continue on the Escarpment Trail through interesting forests passing many blueberry bushes and a height of land called Arizona. Later as the Escarpment Trail descends into Dutcher Notch we will have some steep sections and scrambles to negotiate. Finally we'll follow the entire length of the Dutcher Notch Trail to the cars waiting at the finishing trailhead.The hike is the most difficult of the CATs Series thus far due to its length (9.3 miles) and several steep areas with scrambles on both sides of Blackhead. Luckily we've arranged the hike so that our starting trailhead is over 1,000' above the finishing trailhead. We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but terrain can be uneven and rocky. 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 June 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. A hat, sunscreen and bug repellent may make the day more enjoyable.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday June 11, 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 CatskillsNYNJTC Catskill Hiking Trail ConditionsThis hike requires a car shuttle and the two trailheads for the hike are:Starting 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.Finishing at Dutcher Notch Parking AreaOn Stork's Nest Road near Round Top, NY.42.25266, -74.05350Access is via Heart's Content Road (CR 31), the road to Round Top and Purling, which can be accessed from State Route 23 or State Route 32. Follow Heart's Content Road to Maple Lawn Road. Turn onto Maple Lawn Road and travel 1.1 mi to Floyd Hawver Rd. Turn left and then make a quick right at the DEC sign at Stork's Nest Road. Travel 0.4 mi along Stork's Nest Road to a small parking area on the left side of the road. Avoid entering the private property further down Stork's Nest Road.