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POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS | Hike Slide Mountain, the Catskills Highest
What better way to begin the new 2016 than to hike up Slide Mountain, highest in the Catskills at 4180 feet. Lovely trek up to great views. We will do the hike as a loop and enjoy a varied terrain. Plan to have all winter gear as microspikes, snowshoes, poles and maybe crampons, if needed. Dress in suitable winter gear and in layers. Have lots to drink, maybe something hot and SNACKS! Hike must be cancelled if poor weather. Hike is a little over 7 miles. Slide is a must see hike and we plan to have a full day outdoors and enjoy it there. See you on the trail!Registration limited. MUST leave a full name and phone number to register. Register ten days before hike and NO email available or registration after Friday at 7pm before hike, please. Call afternoon before hike if weather iffy! Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or 845 216-2021. Directions: Meet at the Slide Mountain Parking Area on Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. (CR 47). From SR 28 in Big Indian turn south onto Oliverea Rd. (becomes Frost Valley Rd.) and proceed about 10 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the hairpin turn at the Giant Ledge P.A.) From SR 55 west of Grahamsville turn north onto Claryville Rd. (CR19) and proceed 4.6 miles to Frost Valley Rd. in Claryville. Turn left (north) and proceed 10.6 miles to the Slide Mtn. P.A. (It will be past the Biscuit Brook P.A.)
CANCELLED: Saturday, January 16, 8:20 AM | A visit to Jimmy Dolan on the Devil’s Path, and Maybe Twin…
Join us for a Winter hike to Jimmy Dolan Notch so we can get outdoors and enjoy a great view! Depending on conditions, we may climb Twin for more views on the Devil’s Path. This will include some wonderful scrambles up and down with Views galore. If you like a winter challenge and a fun day in the Catskills come join us for the day. Dress warm and in layers and bring lots to drink, maybe something hot and snacks. Microspikes, crampons and may be snowshoes? For hikers who have hiked in the snow!Poor weather will have to cancel hike. No email after Thursday before hike. PHONE after then. Contact Deanna Felicetta at 845 216-2012 Join this CMC Club Hike by Leaving full name and reachable phone number. Pre-registration required.Come join this winter fun day outdoors!felicetta.deanna@gmail.comor Deanna at 845 216-2021Directions: Take SR 23A to Bloomer Rd., just west of Tannersville, and turn south 1.1 miles 'til it becomes Platte Clove Road (CR 16). Continue 4.3 miles to Prediger Road and turn right. Parking at the very end of the road. Catskill Map # 141. Meet at 8:20 am!
4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon
Join the Catskill Mountain Club for the 4th Annual “Christmas Decorating is for the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail, Sunday, December 13th at noon.'Tis the Season, and we’re planning our annual “Feed the Birds Hike” on the Andes Rail Trail. Join us on Sunday December 13 at 12 noon. Meet at the Andes Rail Trail on Cabin Hill Road, just outside the village. Bring something that will feed the birds, to hang on the tree in the field just passed the boardwalk. We’ll spread cheer amongst ourselves and at the same time help to soften the extreme hardness of the Catskill winters.After the hike we will enjoy snacks at the newly restored Train Station. Bring something to share (holiday treats, snacks, goodies, drinks).Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.RSVP to aroberti@catskill.net
New Year's Eve | Historical Walking Tour and 1,000 Mile Challenge Celebration
Join CMC board member Amy Beveridge and event co-sponsor O'Connor Hospital in Delhi for a special New Year's Eve celebration. Check out this Facebook page for more information. Click on image to expand.
Catskills Lark in the Park Bonus Photo
The leaves are mostly gone here in the Catskills now. There may be a little color left towards the Hudson River, but up in the mountains about the only leaves still on deciduous trees are on beech and oak. So what better time to post this stunning photo taken during the Catskills Lark in the Park and shared with the CMC by Adam Bosch of the NYC DEP? He was visiting Giant Ledge on a gorgeous day and snapped this view across Woodland Valley.You missed the Lark? Enjoy the picture and then mark your calendar for next year's Lark events, scheduled for October 1 - 10.In the meantime, get those snowshoes, crampons and skis ready. It's almost time to play in the Catskills winter wonderland!
Nov. 21 - Dec. 13 | Regular Deer and Bear Hunting Season for 2015
New York's rifle hunting season for deer and bear begins on Saturday, November 21 and ends on Sunday, December 13. This is followed by a week of muzzleloading and crossbow hunting from December 14 until December 22. Opening weekend is always the busiest for hunters.The CMC suggests that you hike in areas where hunting is prohibited or unlikely during this season. The Delhi Trails, the Andes Rail Trail, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, the Marbletown O&W Rail Trail and the Walkway Across the Hudson are good choices. Much of Minnewaska State Park Preserve is free of hunting. Other nearby state parks with no hunting are Robert V. Riddell near Oneonta, Mills-Norrie near Staatsburg and Highland Lakes near Middletown. Check nearby state park regulations here and also check properties held by land conservancy organizations.If you are hiking in the Catskill Forest Preserve, choose your route wisely. Hunting is rare on many of the Catskill High Peaks. Look for trails that are steep and avoid relatively flat areas and/or areas that are readily accessible by motor vehicle. Be aware that many DEP properties allow hunting. Check here. The CMC urges all hikers to wear blaze orange caps and/or vests when hiking. It is a good idea to hike in groups in order to increase visibility and draw attention to your presence in the woods. Be observant, be careful and be safe.• Avoid hiking close to dawn and dusk when hunters are more likely to be in the woods. Weekends are the busiest time.• Wear blaze orange – hats, pack covers, jackets, etc. Do not wear white, which can be mistaken for the flash of a deer’s tail.• Don’t forget about orange for your pets as well.• Stay on trails. Don't bushwhack in areas open to hunting at this time of year.• Hike where deer, and therefore hunters, are less likely to be found. Don’t hike in areas that you know are popular with hunters.• If you hear hunters or gunshots, announce in a loud voice, “Hikers on Trail”.
Second Saturdays at the Catskill Interpretive Center | November 14, 1 PM
The Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC) announces that a new monthly lecture series named "Second Saturdays" will present it's first event on Saturday, November 14 at 1:00 PM. This series was inspired by the success of a September presentation about John Burroughs given by Dr. Bill Birns.Hunting in the Catskills will be the topic of the presentation and discussion offered by local sportsman and licensed guide Charles "Sonny" Somelofski, owner of Catskill Outdoor Adventures. He will lead the conversation about Catskills hunting traditions, heritage, and the information needed to know how to enjoy hunting in the Catskills today.
Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series
If you haven't Hiked Them All yet, you may want to consider joining the Catskill Mountain Club for a Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series hike.
These hikes are designed to help interested hikers complete the Catskills All Trails Challenge. They may go to familiar destinations, but they'll follow lesser-used alternate trail routes to get there. Many of these group hikes include strategic car spotting to allow for straight-through routes in favor of out-and-back routes. You get to travel across more unique trail segments and avoid doubling your efforts as you pursue the challenge. And, as you get deeper into the challenge, let the Catskill Mountain Club guide you to lesser traveled sections of the Catskill Park.
You don't need to be pursuing the Catskills All Trails Challenge to participate in these hikes. However, you may find as you join us for some group hikes, that you're actually further along to the goal of having Hiked Them All than you might otherwise have thought.Fall 2015 Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series HikesSaturday, October 17, 9AM – Overlook Traverse: Platte Clove to MeadsSaturday, October 24, 9AM - Escarpment Traverse: North/South Lake to Colgate LakeSaturday, October 31, 9AM - Halloween Twin Mountain LoopWatch this page for updates, as we hope to add more Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series hikes to the Catskill Mountain Club's event schedule.Another way to meet the Catskills All Trails ChallengeConsider joining a Trail Maintenance Hike where you can help keep our Catskills Trails in great shape while hiking the many trails that the Catskill Mountain Club, its members, and partner groups maintain. Many of these trails are in beautiful areas of the Catskill Park and go near or over Catskill peaks. You can enjoy a great hike while offering much-needed volunteer efforts.Trail Maintenance: it's a group hike with tools!
Saturday, October 31, 9AM - Halloween Twin Mountain Loop
Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike covers portions of the Devil's Path and the entire Roaring Kill, Pecoy Notch and Jimmy Dolan Notch trails.
This 5.2 mile trail loop hike over Twin Mountain (3,640') passes through Dibble's Quarry.
Starting at the Roaring Kill Parking Area we will hike the Roaring Kill and Pecoy Notch trails to Pecoy Notch. Turning east on the Devil's Path we begin a steep ascent with challenging rock scrambles to the summit of Twin Mountain (3,640'), one of the 35 Catskill Peaks over 3,500', where awesome views to the south and west can be had. Continuing eastward we will reach the unofficial east summit of Twin with fine views before scrabling down to Jimmy Dolan Notch. After lunching on a rock sofa and enjoying views south we will hike the entire Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail to the cars spotted earlier at the finishing trailhead.The hike is moderately difficult due to its length (5.2 miles) and rugged steep sections with rock scrambles on the Devil's Path. We’ll be on marked trails throughout the day, but the terrain is rocky, with rock scrambles and significant 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 October 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 may come in handy, 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 29, 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 Roaring Kill Road Parking AreaFrom Greene County Route 16 (Platte Clove Road)Roaring Kill Parking Lot is located on Roaring Kill Road, 1.4 miles for its intersection with Elka Park Road. (42.151237°N, 74.130844°W)Finishing at Prediger Road Parking AreaFrom Greene County Route 16 (Platte Clove Road)Prediger Road Parking Lot is located at the end of Prediger Road, off of Platte Cove Road. (42.134122°N, 74.104417°W)
Saturday, October 24, 9AM - Escarpment Traverse: North/South Lake to Colgate Lake
Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike covers portions of the Escarpment, Mary's Glen and Rock Shelter trails and the entire Colgate Lake Trail.
This 10.7 mile trail hike at the eastern edge of the Catskill Park visits a lightly used section of the Escarpment Trail.
Starting in North/South Lake, we will hike to North Point where there are awesome postcard views to be had of North/South Lake with Kaaterskill High Peak and Roundtop in the background. (To accommodate hikers pursuing the Catskills All Trails Challenge, we will divide the group during this portion of the hike, taking alternate routes on the Mary's Glen and Rock Shelter Trails). At North Point we will regroup and make sure to visit the viewpoint to the north that is sometimes missed by hikers traveling through this area. The Escarpment Trail beyond North Point is less commonly traveled but is very rewarding. We'll pass near the summit of North Mountain on our way to Stoppel Point (3,420'), a Catskill 100 Highest Peak where there is wreckage from a plane crash and some great views down to the Hudson Valley. Continuing towards Dutcher Notch we will pass Milt's Lookout. Turning west we will hike the entire Colgate Lake Trail to the cars spotted earlier at the finishing trailhead.The hike is difficult due to its length (10.7 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 October 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 may come in handy, 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 22, 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 Scutt Road Parking AreaFrom South: NYS Thruway (I-87) Exit 20 at Saugerties. Follow Rte. 32 north for approximately 6 miles to Rte. 32A to Rte. 23A west. Stay on Rte. 23A to the village of Haines Falls. Make first right turn in Haines Falls onto County Rte. 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to the end of the road. Scutt Road Parking Area is on Scutt Road to the right just before the campground entrance.From North: NYS Thruway (I-87) Exit 21 at Catskill. Left on Rte. 23 east to Rte. 9W south. Follow Rte. 9W through Catskill to Rte. 23A. Follow 23A west to Haines Falls. Make first right turn in Haines Falls onto County Rte. 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to end of the road. Scutt Road Parking Area is on Scutt Road to the right just before the campground entrance.Finishing at Colgate Lake Trail Head Parking AreaFrom the West: Take St. Hwy. 23 East to Rt. 23A. Follow Rt. 23A to Tannersville. Make a left onto County Route 23C. Follow Route 23C to East Jewett. Make a right onto County Route 78. This leads directly to Colgate Lake.From the East: Out of Catskill, NY, take Rt. 23A West to Tannersville. Make a right onto County Route 23C. Proceed as directed above.
Thursday, October 22, 9 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP
Working with the RVW Hikers, the CMC's Roving Trail Crew will help maintain the Long Path from the snowmobile trail intersection to Palenville. The trail crosses the south rim of Kaaterskill Clove, offering great views to South Mountain and the Hudson Valley. We’ll be clearing blowdowns, cleaning waterbars and cutting understory growth that obscures the trail and markers. We’ll have plenty of tools to lend or bring your favorite pruners or loppers.Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Wednesday, October 21 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:30 AM Thursday.Directions: We'll meet at the intersection of SR 23A and SR 32A in Palenville. From there we'll spot cars on Malden Ave. and drive to Twilight Park in Haines Falls.
Saturday, October 17, 9AM - Overlook Traverse: Platte Clove to Meads
Catskills All Trails (CATs) SeriesThis hike completes the Overlook Trail, the Echo Lake Trail, and the Overlook Spur Trail.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 Plattekill Mountain (3,100’) where, if there is interest, we will bushwhack to the summit of this Catskill 100 Highest Peak. When we reach the junction with the Echo Lake Trail, 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 October 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. A hat and sunscreen are always a good idea.NYNJTC Map 141 - Northeastern CatskillsCatskill Trail ConditionsPre-registration is required and group size is limited. Pre-register by sending an email to tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com by Thursday October 15, 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.
Thursday, November 5, 8:00 AM | Southern Pine Hill - West Branch Trail Maintenance to Big Indian Mountain
The CMC Roving Crew and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers will be working on the southern end of the Pine Hill - West Branch Trail on October 29. Join us for this maintenance hike from the Biscuit Brook trailhead to Big Indian 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 you have one. No tools, no problem: we have plenty to supply you.Be sure to bring plenty of water, at least a couple of quarts, and lunch and snacks. You’ll want good hiking boots. No dogs due to safety concerns. About nine miles out and back. Rain cancels.Contact: Register by the evening of October 28 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org to let me know if you plan to come. If you need to cancel, let me know by 7:30 AM on Thursday. You can also call me at 845-586-6273.Directions: Drive south from SR 28 in Big Indian for about 12.6 miles to the Biscuit Brook P.A. on CR47 / Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd. (Past the Slide Mtn. P.A.)
Great Start to Lark in the Park 2015
The first day of the Catskills Lark in the Park 2015 was rainy and raw, causing some events to be postponed or cancelled. The would-be Pepacton paddlers headed instead to Woodchuck Lodge with hopes of clearing weather and a late afternoon paddle after getting an up close look at many wonderful birds. We didn't get to paddle, but we had a great time seeing and learning about Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls, Screetch Owls, Red Tail Hawks, Broad Wing Hawks and Kestrels. A couple of us even got a turn holding owls!The weather couldn't have been nicer for Sunday's events....here are a few pictures from the bird program and the Shavertown Trail Hike. Here is Annie Mardiney, Wildlife Rehabilitator with a few of her charges:
The Shavertown Trail
The Catskills Lark in the Park is Under Way!
During the 10 days from October 3 thru October 12, the Catskill Mountain Club along with our partners, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, host the 2015 Catskills Lark in the Park. The premier annual event celebrating the outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Catskills, as well as lectures and other events exploring diverse topics about the history of and conservation efforts in the Catskills, the Lark in the Park offers over 50 events to hikers, paddlers, cyclists and so many others.Join us for these ten days of fall color adventure. To check the schedule and register for our events, visit CatskillsLark.org.
Tickets for Annual Dinner now on sale! October 4th, 5 pm
The CMC will be holding its 4th Annual Dinner event on Sunday evening, October 4th, at 5:00 pm. We’ll again be celebrating at the Catamount Restaurant at the Emerson Resort on NYS Rte. 28 in Mt. Tremper, NY. This event coincides with the 11th annual Catskill Lark in the Park, which begins October 4th. Click here to learn more about the dinner, speakers and raffle items
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Fall hike to Belleayre Ridge
The weather couldn't have been finer for the Catskill Mountain Club's recent hike to Belleayre Ridge. The views from the deck of Sunset Lodge to the south and at the top of the ski trails to the north were clear and cloud free. We had fun identifying peaks in the distance and seeing Route 28 snaking through the valley below us. With binoculars we were able to spot three of the restored Catskill Fire Towers: Balsam Lake Mountain, Overlook Mountain and Hunter Mountain.
We had a full group of 12 hikers from as near as Woodstock and as far as England along for this pleasant 6 mile hike. The route chosen up to and down from the ridge was chosen to appeal to hikers pursuing the Catskills All Trails (CATs) challenge, incorporating the lesser traveled Lost Clove Trail and Cathedral Glen Trail into the route. Realizing that the descent on the Cathedral Glen Trail is quite steep (after all, part of it travels along a double black diamond downhill ski trail), we offered an alternative gentler stroll down some of the intermediate slopes. Most of the hikers chose to take the more aggressive trail and a smaller group had a fun zig-zagging route on grassy open slopes. The full group assembled at the point where the Cathedral Glen Trail turns into a gentler sloping trail through an attractive hemlock forest and hiked together for the journey into Pine Hill where our cars awaited.We discussed the many upcoming hikes and other events being offered during this year's Lark in the Park as well as plans for additional weekend hikes later in October. We have scheduled a popular hike to Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove on Saturday, October 17....and if you haven't already, please make plans to attend CMC's Annual Dinner on Sunday, October 4th to meet fellow members and other people interested in outdoor recreation in the Catskills.
We've entered the double digits in the Catskills All Trails Challenge!
Congratulations to our Catskills All Trails Challenge Finishers!
| #1 David White |
| #2 Ralph Bressler |
| #3 Carol White |
| #4 Mike Dwyer |
| #5 Ellen Dwyer |
| #6 George Grzyb |
| #7 Laura Smith |
| #8 Ken Morgan |
| #9 Mark Petrie |
| #10 Tom Martone |
| #11 Jim Bryden |
| #12 Laurel Bryden |
| #13 Heather Rolland |
| #14 Rick Taylor |
| #15 Steve Emanuel |
If you'd like to know more about this great milestone of Catskills Hiking, read more .....
Sunday, September 20, 9 AM - Hike Belleayre Ridge from Lost Clove
Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series: This hike covers the entire Lost Clove, Cathedral Glen and Belleayre Ridge trails and a small portion of the Pine Hill-West Branch trail.Join co-leaders Laura Sanford and Tom Martone for a 5.6 mile thru hike of the Belleayre Ridge. We’ll climb up to the ridge by hiking the Lost Clove Trail. Once on the ridge, we’ll pass two lean-tos and the site of a former firetower on east summit of Belleayre Ridge. Our lunch and rest spot is at the end of the Belleayre Ridge Trail where a ski lift terminates and Sunset Lodge provides a nice location for a restful lunch with mountain views to both the north and south. Optionally, a short out and back hike can get us to the true summit of Belleayre Mountain (3,420’) which is a Catskill 100 Highest Peak. After lunch we will backtrack across the ridge, and finally, we’ll follow the entire length of the Cathedral Glen Trail and finish in Pine Hill.
The hike is moderately difficult due to descending some steep sections on the Cathedral Glen trail. The climb from Lost Clove is steady but moderate. Most of the hiking will be on mostly level terrain along the Belleayre Ridge. 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 September 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. It can be breezy up on the exposed areas of the ridge.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 Friday September 18, 2015. In your email, let us 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 start and end points.NYNJTC Map 142 – Northeastern Catskills
NYNJTC Catskill Hiking Trail ConditionsWe’ll meet at the large parking area next to the Pine Hill Community Center which is at 287 Main St, Pine Hill, NY 12465 at 9am and then we’ll carpool over to the Lost Clove Parking Area to start the hike.