Thursday, May 5, 9 AM | Black Dome Range Trail maintenance to Camel's Hump

The CMC's Catskills Roving Trail Crew will be working on the western end of the Black Dome Range Trail next. Join us and our friends from the Rip van Winkle Hikers for this maintenance hike to the Camel's Hump. 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. Rain cancels.Contact:  Register by the evening of May 4 to wendell@catskillmountainclub.org, or call Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104. If you need to cancel, let Wendell know by 7:30 AM on Wednesday 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.

Saturday, May 7, 9:30 AM | Help Build the Bramley Mountain Trail

The parking area is improved, the new trail section is flagged, and now it's time to finish the construction of the CMC's 5th trail (and 3rd on DEP land). This new trail will be a major addition to the hiking options in the Catskills. When finished, it will visit the summit site of a former fire tower, the site of a significant bluestone quarry and the impressive cliffs and caves that lie between.The design of the trail will ascend to the summit gradually, providing a scenic and sustainable path for hikers. On this work day we will widen and level the path wherever the slope is too great for hiking comfortably. Sidehilling requires careful planning, special tools and precise work, so we will have tools available and will provide instruction in the methods and skills needed.If you have a maddock with pick or a rouge hoe, please bring it along. Also bring plenty of water for a days work, lunch and snacks. Wear sturdy boots and comfortable clothing, preferably moisture wicking for your comfort.No dogs allowed.To register or to ask a question, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273.Directions:  From SR 28 a few miles east of the Village of Delhi, turn north on Glen Burnie Rd. Drive about 3 miles to the parking area on the right, located on a sweeping curve. From CR 18 east of Delhi, turn south on Glen Burnie Rd. and travel less than a mile to the parking area, located on the left.

Saturday, May 7, 9 AM | Community Fit Day Hike on Delhi Trails

Celebrate  Delhi's Community Fit Day by joining Amy Beveridge and Sarah Kellogg on a guided hike of the Bulldog Run Loop of the Delhi Trails. Amy was instrumental in building these trails and can give you the back story of their creation.Amy and Sarah will meet hikers in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Parking lot at 9:00 a.m.Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and comfortable clothes. Bring bottled water. The trail is moderate level, however, the pace will be slow.    2.4 miles.Contact Amy with questions; Amy can be reached at albeveridge04@gmail.com or call 607-278-5461.Driving Directions: 565 Andes Rd, Delhi, NY 13753 (Rt 28). Across the road from O’Connor Hospital

Sunday, May 8th at 11:00 AM | Sixth Annual Ephemeral Wild Flower Hike At Kelly Hollow

There's no need to bring flowers to mom when you can bring mom to the flowers this Mother's Day. You are invited to join with CMC board members for the Sixth Annual Ephemeral Wildflower hike. 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 the remains of 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 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.

Saturday, May 14, 1 PM | Help Stop Alien Invasive Species from Eating the Catskills' Forests!

Yes, you read that right. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer are causing a massive loss of two of the Catskills' most important tree species. Already well established, these pests are expanding their territory rapidly. We've got to stop them or the resulting devastation will change the character of our forests and their viability as habitats for many of the amimals that live in them forever. Come to this lecture and workshop (and look for our May 21 event, too) to learn about the urgency of acting now. Learn what's happening and how you can help stop it. Only if the hiking community and area residents get involved can we be successful in protecting the Catskills from losing these trees that have defined the region for centuries.Mark C. Whitmore, forest entomologist at Cornell University, will present a program on controlling the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the status of the Emerald Ash Borer in the Catskills. The event will be held at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center in Mount Tremper on May 14 at 1 PM.Hemlock represents approximately 14 percent of the trees in the Catskill Forest Preserve and in the region. The loss of the major part of this species would have devastating consequences for our forests and on the wildlife that inhabits them. Erosion where hemlock currently stabilizes the soil adjacent to streams would increase sediments in the New York City water supply, eventually requiring the investment of billions of dollars in water filtration systems. Large stands of dead trees would have a shocking visual impact on areas of the Catskills, potentially harming the growth of our rapidly expanding eco-tourism economy.Mark conducts research on the forest stand dynamics of invasive, non-native forest pest impacts, and he implements biological control strategies aimed at limiting those impacts. He works with professional land managers, state and federal agencies, government officials, and concerned citizens to help them understand these issues and the strategies involved in fighting infestations. Mark has initiated extension projects and provided leadership on issues relating to forest health and invasive forest pest issues throughout New York State. He writes and lectures widely concerning the issue. He is the 2014 recipient of the Excellence in IPM Award from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYS IPM) at Cornell University.                                                                           Mark Whitmore sinks his teeth into the work.Join us as we learn how to help control these threats to our environment, recreation and economy.Mark's presentation will be preceeded by an introduction to IMapInvasives, a program used to collect and report data about infested areas to a statewide database. It will be presented by Jennifer Dean of the NY Natural Heritage Program.On May 21, Dan Snider of the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) will conduct a field training on identification and reporting of these pests. This workshop will also be held at the Catskill Interpretive Centerbeginning at 1 PM. These events are co-sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Club, the Catskill Center, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference, Catskill Mountainkeeper and the Catskill 3500 Club.For more opportunities to learn how to use iMapInvasives with your GPS enabled device, check the schedule here.

Now Available! Maps of CMC built trails on your iPhone and Android devices!

Using the free PDF Maps App for iPhone or Android from Avenza, and the CMC's free maps available in their map store, you can now follow your route as you hike the trails built by the Catskill Mountain Club: the Palmer Hill Trail, Shavertown Trail, Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur, the Delhi Trails and soon, the Bramley Mountain Trail.  There is also a beta version for Windows phones.find out more....  

Bramley Mountain Trail Scheduled to Open in Late Spring

We've recently made some real progress in the construction of our new trail on Bramley Mountain. The trail route is nearly finalized... a few more tweaks are needed before we start clearing and grading the path.The big news is that the parking area has been completed! We want to thank LeFever Excavating for donating culvert pipe and the Clark Companies for donating gravel for the project. Many thanks to SUNY Delhi students for designing and constructing our new trailhead kiosk. And special thanks to the Town of Delhi Highway Department crew and to Superintendent Darren Evans for bringing out the heavy equipment and getting the job done. Nice work, guys!

ATV Bill Allowing Access to Park and State Forest Hiking Trails Defeated

Great news! The ATV bill was stricken from the New York state budget. The bill would have allowed ATVs to use the trails in our parks and forests, doing great damage to the environment and creating unsafe conditions for other users. Our efforts, along with those of many other allied organizations including the Adirondack Mountain Club, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and the Catskill Center, paid off. Thanks to everyone who sent letters and made phone calls asking Albany to defeat this effort!

NEWS FOR CATSKILLS ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE HIKERS

Want to report the trail conditions that you find while hiking the CATs? The recently formed CATSKILLS TRAIL CONDITIONS group on Facebook is a great place ot share your information and comments. You'll need to have a Facebook account to access the group page and to post comments and pictures. By joining, you'll be sharing helpful up-to-date information with a rapidly growing hiking community, and enjoying other members insights into what you may encounter on your hikes. Win, win! Sign up for a Facebook account and get started by signing in here: www.facebook.com/groups/CatskillsTrailConditions

Thursday, April 21, 9:30 AM | Maintenance of the Mill Brook Ridge Trail

This great trail has been neglected for a few years and needs attention!  The trail connects Alder Lake and Balsam Lake Mountain via the Mill Brook Ridge, which is just a bit under 3500' itself. It's a great hike, but the trail has become ovegrown, especially in its mid-section. We'll hike in from both the Alder Lake trailhead and from the Beaverkill Rd. trailhead, working until we meet. Please give us a hand and we'll put this trail back in shape. Happily, our friend and crew member Terry Shultz has agreed to adopt the trail, so when we've finished it'll stay in good shape.As usual, we have tools to lend. If you prefer to bring a favorite, we'll especially need loppers and shears. If you have a good quality, light weight saw. such as a Silky, please bring it. This is a nine mile trail, so bring plenty to drink and eat. Wear good hiking boots and bring work gloves.Rain postpones until Friday, April 22nd. No dogs due to safety concerns.To register, contact Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273 by Tuesday, April 19. If you need to cancel, call by 8 AM Thursday.Directions: Meet at the old Turnwood General Store on Beaver Kill Rd.,  just east of the intersection of Big Pond Rd./Barkaboom Rd. (42.032130, -74.728483)From SR 28/30 in Margaretville, drive west about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Turn left and then bear right, following the road along the south shore of the Pepacton Reservoir for 8.3 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn left and go 5.8 miles to Beaver Kill Rd./ CR 54.From SR 28 in Andes, go west on Main St. briefly and turn south onto Tremperskill Rd./CR 1.  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 5.8 miles to Beaver Kill Rd./CR 54..From Livingston Manor, take Old Rte. 17 north 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. Take a right and drive 10.9 miles to Turnwood.

Help Protect New York's Parks, Preserves and State Forests from ATVs

We have just learned of a proposal currently being considered by the NY State Senate that will have devastating impacts on potentially all lands managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, including the Wilderness and Wild Forest areas of the Catskill Park and of the Adirondack Park - lands that are designated as "forever wild" by the NY State Constitution.Special interests are trying to push through a bill that will open these protected natural treasures to All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) usage. This irresponsible legislation would allow New York's 250,000 ATVs access to our parks and forests, where they would gouge deep ruts into trails, illegally ride roughshod off trail, cause extensive and irreparable damage to vegetation, disturb wildlife, and bring noise and pollution into the very heart of our pristine natural recreation areas. It would even allow children as young as 10 to operate these machines on public roads and lands!This proposal has been included in the state budget bill, "must pass" legislation that will be acted on during the next few days. We appreciate very much our members and friends actions to help us achieve our Catskill Park funding goals to protect and improve the Catskills. Now we must ask you to help prevent this destructive policy from being enacted.Please follow this link to the Adirondack Mountain Club's web letter addressed to Governor Cuomo and Senate President Flanagan and let them know that you want this language removed. The letter can be customized with your own comments in the field below the text. Then call your State Senator to let them know what you think. Enter your address here to find your Senator.Thank you once again for helping to preserve and protect New York's great Parks and public forests! 

Spring is Here - Get Ready for Some Ephemeral Wildflower Sightings

March 20, 2016The robins have been back for a week or so now. The snow is long gone except on some shaded slopes of the high peaks and the ice is quickly disappearing. A little chill is in the air for a few days, but mild temperatures have been the rule this winter and they will return very soon. The buds are swelling on some trees and crocus, dwarf daffodils and other early bloomers are showing their colors in sunny, protected environs.Yep, it seems undeniable that Spring has sprung unusually early here in the Catskills. We may get a late wintry surprise, but at this point it seems unlikely. Time to dust of the field guides, plan the garden and start dreaming of nature's glorious show that is about to delight us once again.Take a few minutes and look at our Common Wildflowers of the Catskills page here. It's sure to please. 

Parking Problems at Overlook Mountain Trailhead

These pictures are from a recent weekend at the Meads trailhead on Overlook Mountain. The popularity of the hike means that the trailhead parking area is full to capacity early on any weekend and on many other days, too. People then park on the sides of the road, often illegally, which creates hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. The narrow road can become difficult for emergency vehicles to use, so it is crucial that hikers park legally. You can download a map of the area below, which will help you avoid getting a parking ticket.          Print PDF map here: Overlook_parking

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED! LET'S STAND TOGETHER FOR THE CATSKILL PARK AND FOREST PRESERVE!

March 14, 2016Over the next several days, the NY State budget for the coming fiscal year will be drawn up. It is crucial that New Yorkers act now to support the budget request for a line in the Environmental Protection Fund designating $4M for the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve. Never before have we had such an opportunity to secure support for the ongoing infrastructure, environmental protection, and community development needs of our Park. When enacted, this budget line will, for the first time, allow long term planning and timely response to developing needs in the Catskills. As we deal with issues from invasive species management to stewardship of our vast public lands and ecosystem, from maintenance and development of recreational facilities to plans for the increasingly greater tourism in the Catskill Park and region, it is incumbent on us to put in place the means for addressing these needs. By securing a line in the annual state budget, we will have the ability to do this important work. The Assembly and the Senate Democrats have agreed to our request. We now need Senate Republicans to sign on.PLEASE take a minute right now to show your support for the Catskill Park. Catskill Park Coalition member Catskill Mountainkeeper has posted a letter online that you can sign onto. Click here to be taken to the letter: http://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/park_budget.  Just fill in the required fields and your letter will be delivered. When you've finished, please pick up the phone and call Governor Cuomo's office (518-474-8390) and let him know that you support a dedicated $4M Catskills line in the EPF.If you live in the Catskills, you can have a significant additional impact by calling your state senator. Their districts and phone numbers are as follows:James Seward,     S 51               (607) 432-5524John Bonacic,       S 42               (845) 344-3311George Amedore, S 46               (845) 331- 3810The CMC in partnership with nearly 30 other area organizations formed the Catskill Park Coalition to better represent the needs of our Park and area to our state and local government leaders. The fact that we are in a position to accomplish such a significant goal is testament to that vision, to our work and to the support of our communities.Thank you for your support of this important initiative! 

Welcome to the (very exclusive) Club

The CMC is happy to announce that two more long time hikers have qualified for the Catskills All Trails Challenge Certificate of Completion. Kathy Mario (#18) and Jim Gebhard (#19) completed the requirements this winter. Both Jim and Kathy say that they were encouraged by friends who are themselves qualifiers! That makes us feel like we've started something pretty cool.The Challenge attracts dedicated hikers, new and experienced, to our 350 miles of hiking trails, all of which must be hiked in order to qualify for the awards. Nope, you can't buy a membership, nor can you buy the shirt or the patch. Not with money, anyway. A little blood, sweat and tears will do. You can learn more about it here.

Sunday, March 20, 10 AM | Big Pond to Cabot Mountain: Touch-me-not Trail and more

CATs series hike.  Map 144, Western Catskills.Join the CMC as we hike this great 7.5 mile hike from Big Pond to Cabot Mountain, with it's wonderful view to Little Pond. After summitting, we'll complete the trails that loop around Little Pond before returning to the Touch-me-not Trail and to Big Pond. This is a difficult hike with some significant climbing. Be sure to dress in layered, moisture wicking clothing and wear good hiking boots. Snowshoes, microspikes and crampons may be needed, so be sure to bring them. Gaiters are always good to have in snow. Bring plenty of water or hot beverages, lunch and snacks. This will be a full day hike.Pre-registration is required and limited. Register by Thursday at 6 PM, March 17. Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216-2021. Be sure to give a phone number and email address where you can be reached. No emails after March 17. This hike will be postponed if weather conditons are poor.Directions: From the south the best access is from Livingston Manor. Take old Rte. 17 to County Road 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. Drive to Barkaboom Rd. and turn north (left) 1 mile to the Big Pond parking area, just south of the pond. From the north take SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge and turn east (left) 1.9 miles to Barkaboom Road. Turn south (right) and drive 5.4 miles to Big Pond P.A..

Watershed Steward Program

Many of us who paddle the Pepacton Reservoir frequently tout its many charms to other paddlers and would-be paddlers.  We also pick up litter and debris we find, and help people who want to know how they can paddle, sail or fish on the Reservoir.  The DEP is looking for people who are interested in doing this in a more formal manner, as part of their pilot Watershed Stewards Program.   If you'd like to join us and become part of this program, click here to learn more and then contactLydia Lewis at the DEP at (845) 340-7855 or llewis@dep.nyc.govWe hope to see you at the training session on March 30^th at 6:30 at the Catskill Watershed Corp. in Margaretville.

CATSKILL PARK AWARENESS DAY IS A GREAT SUCCESS

45 volunteers from the CMC and our Catskill Park Coalition partners paid a visit to Albany yesterday to talk with some 47 members of the New York State Senate and Assembly. We took the message of our plans and needs for the Catskill Park, and its role as a main economic driver for our region, seeking support for funding a wide variety of priorities to improve and protect this great natural ecosystem and recreational destination. These included funds to fight invasive species, build and improve infrastructure, and support programs that help our visitors better enjoy their time in the Catskills. (Read more about our goals and how you can help: https://catskillparkawarenessday.splashthat.com/) CMC President Rick Roberts and Vice President Wendell George served as team leaders for the day, along with six other partners. We are happy to report that we received a great deal of encouragement and support from many of the legislators that we visited.While there, the Coalition delivered over 1835 petitions of support for our requests to the governor from members of the public. The following weeks will be very important to our success. So, if you have not already, please click on the link above and use it to find and contact your representatives in Albany. Let them know of your support for our efforts. All New Yorkers, and especially those who reside in or love to recreate in the Catskills, will benefit from our success as we BUILD A MODERN PARK.

Sunday, February 7th | Gorgeous ALDER LAKE and Beaver Meadow Hike

If you just like being out in the winter snow this will be one of your favorite hikes. Rambling up and down, old stone ruins, a gorgeous lake and a trek to Beaver Meadow and Shelter. This is a wonderful hike or snowshoe. Can be a little strenuous, but we go at a good pace. Bring poles and microspikes( snowshoes just in case, as last year they were essential!!!) Plan to bring warm drinks, water and snacks. Dress in warm layers, may want to have handwarmers. This is a regular club hike for the winter, and we always have a great time! Limited registration open ten days before hike.  MUST leave a reachable phone number and full name, please. NO EMAIL or registration after Friday at 6:30 pm. Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com  or call at 845 216-2021.Call for meeting time and place.Do note POOR WEATHER will cancel this Catskill Hike. (Call between 7-8 evening before hike for poor weather decisions). SNOW DATE will be given if cancelled.…Come join the FUN!Directions: From the south/west the best access is from Livingston Manor. Take old RT. 17 to County Road 151/152, known as Johnson/Beaverkill Road. This will become County Rd 54.From the North take Barkaboom Road past Big Pond to CR 54. At CR 54 turn left and head NE.Once on CR 54, all will travel until reaching Turnwood. Here CR 54 MAKES A LEFT turn North and becomes Alder Creek Road. Travel a few miles until  road ends at Cross Mountain Rd. near the Alder Lake parking lot, which is closed in winter. Turn right and park on the shoulder of the access road.

Catskill Park Awareness Day 2016 - A Time for Action

On February 9, the CMC and some 30 partner organizations of the Catskill Park Coalition will head to Albany to deliver a call to action to our state government leaders. The message will focus their attention on the needs and aspirations of our region and, especially those of the Catskill Park.Even while we suffered massive cuts in funding for stewardship, planning and capital improvements during the recent great recession, we have had a huge increase in usage. Economic realities that saw many people focus their travel plans closer to home have now combined with increases in visitors from around the world. From feature articles naming the Catskills one of the top “must visit” destinations in the world (see here and here) to Governor Cuomo's recently announced initiative to spend $5M on advertising to promote the Catskills worldwide, we realize that these important achievements mean that we must rise to the occasion to meet the challenges that the increased use of our recreational assets will bring. On the basis of this knowledge, we are seeking funding for a number of programs and initiatives that will help address these needs.Please take a look at our list of priorities on the web page linked to here. You will find a sample letter that you can use to send a message of support to your state legislators. You'll also find a petition to sign that will be delivered with our requests. Your support is crucial to our success, so please act now. It will take a few minutes to inform yourself and act, but the positive results for the Catskills that we love will last for years.