The Bramley Mountain Trail is Set to Open on JULY 29 at 12:00 PM

We are thrilled to announce, along with the NYC DEP, that the new Bramley Mountain Trail will be officially opened to the public on July 29 at Noon. The CMC designed and built the trail, our third in partnership with the DEP. There will be a brief ceremony followed by a guided hike. The event is free and DEP permits are not required to hike on this parcel.The trail is on a 1243 acre parcel and summits the mountain at 2817', one of the two westernmost 2800+ foot peaks in the Catskills. Bramley was once the site of a fire tower. The spectacular views from the summit ledges take in parts of the southern high peaks, Mount Pisgah and the mountains traversed by the Finger Lakes Trail. A short hike west is a view over the northwestern foothills and the farms that occupy them. Other features of the hike include a significant abandoned bluestone quarry, a small pond, numerous stone walls and foundations, and the fabulous cliffs and caves that lie between the quarry and the summit.We invite you to come join the fun on this special day. If you can't, the trail is open year round. The trailhead is located on Glen Burnie Rd., about 0.7 miles south of CR 18 in Delhi.

Sunday, August 14th 10:00 AM | Hike the Shavertown Trail

Hike the Shavertown Trail near the Pepacton Reservoir’s Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on Sunday August 14 at 10:00 as part of the 90th Andes Community Days.  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.  If the group is inclined, we will  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 2.3 or 5.3 miles.This paddle is part of Andes Community Day events.  See more by clicking here.Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks or lunch.Registration not required, direct questions to news@catskillmountainclub.orgWell 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.

Sunday, August 14th 1 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 recently opened NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business.  We will launch promptly at 1PM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge.  Life jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. Many vendors store boats on site, requiring only that you visit the store to pay and to pick up paddles and PFDs. For more information on regulations, please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfPre-register and questions to Ann Roberti at news@catskillmountainclub.org.This paddle is part of Andes Community Day events.  See more by clicking here.Directions: 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,  turning north onto CR 1 just before crossing the bridge. The Boat Launch is on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right.

Saturday, July 9, 2 PM | Hike Plattekill Mt. from the Ski Center Lodge

In conjunction with the NYS Outdoor EXPO, CMC President Rick Roberts is leading a hike up Plattekill Mt. using existing ski trails. Beautiful views at the top. This moderately difficult hike is about 2.5 miles long with 800' gain.Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Pre-registration is not required for this event.Directions: Take NYS Route 28 to NYS Route 30 in Margarettville . Go north approximately 8 miles and turn west onto Cold Spring Road. Or take NYS Route 23 to Grand Gorge and turn south onto Route 30. Go 11 miles and turn west onto Cold Spring Road.  Follow signs to Ski Plattekill  - 3 miles off Route 30.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | Balsam to Belleayre

Hike to Balsam and Belleayre Mountains. Views and more!.Lovely 10 mile hike for experienced hikers and those seeking 3500 peaks, all trails and hundred highest! There is a lovely but serious climb up McKenley Hollow. We will traverse Balsam Mountain and go on to Belleayre where we will side track to see the sights from the ski mountain area, then end with a decent on the Cathedral Glen Trail. Come join the fun outdoors this summer!Please be prompt as we will be shuttling to the starting point of the hike.Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Dress in moisture wickng clothing for comfort. Wear good hiking shoes. No dogs on this hike.Poor weather, especially thunderstorms, will cause hike to be cancelled. Raindate on Sunday, June 26. Please check with leader on Thursday evening.To register contact the Leader, Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or 845-216-2021. Leave reachable phone number and FULL name.Limited registration for this peaks hike. Only Phone calls on Friday.Directions: Meet at Parking Area  'A" (by the trees side of the lot) at Belleayre Ski Area.From NYS Thruway take Kingston exit 19 and head west on SR 28 about 35 miles to Highmount. Turn south on Galli Curci Rd. and go 4/10 of a mile to Parking Area A on the left.

Thursday, June 16, 9 AM | Bramley Mountain Trail Construction One More Time

On this trip we will finish the clearing of the trails and views. We'll assess our work with an eye for small problems, checking areas where we have made improvements to be sure that they are in good condition after recent rainstorms and light use by the crew. We'll have some tools to lend, but bring sturdy shears and/or loppers, if you have them. Work gloves will be useful. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear sturdy boots.No dogs due to safety concerns. Raindate is Friday, June 17.To register, 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.

Congratulations to the Four New CATs Challenge Qualifiers

National Trails Day - June 4th, 2016The CMC is happy to announce on this National Trails Day that four more hikers have recently completed the Catskills All Trails Challenge! Congratulations to Johnny Witter (#20), Richard Williams (#21), Brian Bacher (#22) and Michele Corn Farrell (#23).It's good to have a special day to celebrate hiking trails all across our land. It's better to get out and hike them with dedication and love, as these four did when covering every foot of the 350 miles of hiking trails located in the Catskill Park!As Michele put it, "Thank you for coming up with a patch and challenge to redline the Catskill Mountains. Without this I would have never discovered so many great remote and amazingly beautiful locations.....we would have whole days and sometimes a backpacking overnight filled with hours of mud, snow, rain, sweat, painful uphills, scrapes from over grown prickers, backtracking for little half-miles previously missed, silly circles to make sure every inch of trail was accounted for and thousands of hours of joy and laughter." Now, that's what it's all about!

Postponed | Hike the Blacks, 3rd and 4th Highest Catskill Peaks

This hike was postponed due to an unanticipated scheduling conflict. It will be rescheduled during the Catskills Lark in the Park.This wonderful hike begins on a lovely streamside trail coming up a pass between the peaks. We then get to enjoy great scrambles and gorgeous views from 3980' Black Dome and 3940' Blackhead, which is the highest point on the lovely Catskill Escarpment. This hike is for the experienced hiker who wants to have a full day of hiking fun in late Spring. The hike is perfect for peakbaggers and CATs redliners, as well as those who have done it all and just want that day outdoors. Come join this challenging fun day outdoors!Always come prepared for changes in weather here in the Catskills! And please dress in layers! Have lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids, especially water.Poor weather must cancel due to terrain.Pre-register June 1-9 by email or phone, leaving full name, email and a contact phone number for day of hike. Limited registration. Note NO email after noon Friday, June 10. PHONE after then. Contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or 845 216-2021.Directions:  See Map #141 northeastern catskills At the end of Big Hollow Road (County Route 56) in Maplecrest, NY. (42.28884, -74.11505)From 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.From Hunter and Tannersville use Route 23A , turning north onto 23C, and then going on to MAPLECREST road (CR 40) and then a right onto Big Hollow Road, proceeding to the end of the road.

Lucky Rescue on the Pepacton Leaves Victim Chipper

Boaters at the CMC's season opening May 28 Paddle the Pepacton event rescued a chipmunk found struggling far from shore in the cold reservoir waters. We've seen beavers, deer, bears and other four-legged bathers in the past, but never before a chipmunk.

 After picking the chippy out of the water, the rescuers paddled to shore with it sitting on the bow of a kayak as it watched the land approach. As soon as they were within jumping distance, the chipmunk leapt and scampered off into the woods, safe and dry.    One can only the amazed that it managed to avoid being eaten by one of the many bald eagles or huge trout that call the Pepacton home. Now that's a lucky day!

A Great Day Working on the Porcupine Caves Trail

Friday, May 27, 2016Eight volunteers came out on a nice day yesterday to work on the new Bramley Mountain Trails. We put in about 40 hours of work collectively, cleaning the entire Porcupine Caves Trail of leaves, loose rocks, limbs and any remaining woody plants that were in the path. We did some sidehilling, built stairs and placed steps in potentially wet areas, too.  We also installed the roof on the trailhead kiosk. Our work is nearing completion and we'll have a weekend work trip soon. As always, we welcome your help.   Special thanks to Kathy Mario, Don Harris, John Exter, Jeff Ditchek, Elda Stifani, Bob Moses, and Rick Roberts for coming out to lend a hand!We're getting excited about the upcoming official opening of the trails. Please look for more information regularly and join us for the ceremony and inaugural hike! 

Invasive Species Workshops Prepare Volunteers for the Battle to Save Catskill Forests

On May 14 and then again on May 21 the CMC and several partners, including the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), sponsored events at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center that addressed the problem of two invasive insect species that are causing severe damage to Catskills forests. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) are spreading rapidly and causing the deaths of thousands of two of the most important tree species in the Catskills. The impacts, especially those from the loss of hemlocks, will be widespread and could fundamentally alter our ecosystem, affecting not only the forest and its inhabitants, but also our streams, our fish and other aquatic wildlife, and our water quality. Indeed, some impacts to the forests are already obvious to even casual observers.Many thanks to our presenters, Mark Whitmore of Cornell University, Jennifer Dean of the NY Natural Heritage Program and Dan Snider of CRISP for there insights and dedication. And thanks to all who attended for their concern and commitment to the task at hand.For those who were unable to attend these events, training in recognition, assessment and reporting is available through the NY Natural Heritage Program's iMapInvasives project and from CRISP. For more information please visit these websites.

Saturday, May 28, 11 AM | Paddle the Pepacton

Experience an incredible outdoor adventure, paddling the beautiful Pepacton Reservoir. Join Catskill Mountain Club board member Bob Moses for a scenic paddle on this recently opened NYC reservoir. Provide your own CANOE or KAYAK or rent from a local business.  We will launch promptly at 11AM from the Shavertown Bridge Recreational Boating Launch site on the north side of the bridge. Life jackets required. All boats must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site and have a valid DEP access sticker. Many vendors store boats on site, requiring only that you visit the store to pay and to pick up paddles and PFDs. For more information on regulations, please visit the NYCDEP website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/Pepacton_Boating_Brochure.pdfPre-register and questions to Bob Moses at rmoses@delhitel.net.Directions: 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,  turning north onto CR 1 just before crossing the bridge. The Boat Launch is on the left.From SR 28 in Andes, turn south onto CR 1 and travel 8 miles to the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the right. 

Saturday, June 4, 1:30 PM | National Trails Day Hike: Alder Lake to Big Pond on the FLT

Hike between two semi-remote Catskill Ponds along the Finger Lakes Trail. Along the way we will pass stone foundations and stone walls from a hundred year old farmstead.1:30 PM- Meet and leave a car at Big Pond on the Barkaboom Rd. then drive to Alder Lake (15 mins) to start the hike. Both Alder Lake and Big Pond have DEC, 1st come, primitive camping sites surrounding the lakes. Excellent for an overnite camping and hiking adventure.

--OR--

2:00 PM- Meet at Alder Lake Parking area and take an optional, unguided hike around the Lake (approx. 1.5 miles). Or join the longer 4 mile hike to Big Pond.Thanks to Lisa Lyons of Morgan Outdoors for sponsoring this event.Wear sensible shoes or boots, long pants and long sleeved shirt (may encounter some berry briers). Might want to bring along a raincoat and/or extra layer as weather sometimes changes quickly in the Catskills. Insect repellent is advised.Bring plenty to drink, at least one quart. Well behaved unleashed dogs allowed.How long: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: ModerateTo register or for more info, contact the Hike Leader: Rick Roberts.607 746-9694 or hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or Morgan Outdoors at 845-439-5507.Directions to Big Pond: 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.Directions to Alder Lake: See above. From the intersection of Beaverkill Rd. and Big Pond Rd, (aka Barkaboom Rd.), go east 1.4 miles to Alder Creek Rd. Turn north 2.2 miles to the Alder Lake parking access road on the right, just before Cross Mountain Rd. 

Thursday, May 26, 9 AM | Building the Porcupine Caves Trail on Bramley Mountain

The Porcupine Caves Trail, last of the three trails being constructed on Bramley Mountain, is well on it's way to completion - the route is laid out, the blowdown and views are cut, the clearing is done, much of the sidehilling is done and a bit of stone step setting has been completed.Now we need to clear the path of leaves, lose rocks, small limbs, and take care of minor problems hidden underneath them. At a little over 1 mile long, we need a good sized crew of trail builders to bring bow rakes and help clean the trailbed from the summit to the quarry. Bring work gloves, plenty to drink and lunch. Along the way you'll enjoy a preview of the great views and features. You may even see a porcupine or two and spotted salamanders. No dogs on this hike due to safety concerns.Please join us for what will be a very satisfying day as we wrap up construction of this exciting new hiking destination.Contact: To register and for more information, email Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or call 845-586-6273.Directions: We'll meet at the newly improved trailhead parking area on Glen Burnie Rd. The trailhead is about 3 miles north of SR 28 and about 1/2 mile south of CR18 in the Town of Delhi. 

Sunday, May 22 at 10:00 AM | Trail Maintenance on Section 2 of the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and German Hollow Trail

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/NJ TC. Hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 years old bog, to arrive to a beautiful look out 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. The moderately difficult hike is about six miles and six hours long.No dogs for safety reasons.Preregistration:  by May 21Contact to register and for more information: Laura at bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101Directions: On Route 28, 40 miles from Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile after the blinking light, turn right (north) at the intersection with Fair St.. Meeting is at the car wash.

Saturday, May 28, 8 AM | Hike Balsam Lake Mountain to Alder Lake

One of my favorite western Catskills hikes and I love company, so come join me. The hike has lovely combination of walking, ups, downs , scrambles and some grand views.  Note: this hike is for experienced hikers as the hike is about 9 miles, strenuous and at a steady pace. Great for peakbaggers and CATs Trail seekers.It is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this 3500 peak.Dress for weather and in layers of moisture wicking clothing. Wear good hiking shoes. Bring lots to drink and eat.Limited registration. Must leave name and a reachable phone number when registering!  Register by WEDNESDAY before hike. Poor weather will cancel. To register and for more info, contact Deanna at felicetta.deanna@ gmail.com. NO email after WED before hike. Call 845 216-2021 thereafter.See Map # 142. Meet at ALDER LAKE trailhead off Alder Creek Road. We will spot cars and drive to the Beaverkill Rd. trailhead to begin the hike.Directions: From the north, take SR 30 to the Shavertown Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left to Barkaboom Road. Go south to Beaverkill Rd. and turn left to Alder Creek Rd. Go to the Alder Lake trailhead parking lot on the right, just before ascending Cross Mountain Rd.From south and west take Route 17 to Livingston Manor or Roscoe to Beaverkill Road. It is a bit of a ride on this road to TURNWOOD. Make a left/North on Alder Creek Road. Go to Alder Lake entrance on right and go to the trailhead parking lot. 

Saturday, May 21, 1 PM | Training for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Reporting

Join Dan Snider of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for a field training in the identification of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestations and how to report your findings. HWA is a big threat to or Catskill forests. There are ways to limit the damage, but monitoring the forests for up-to-date conditions is essential. As a hiker, fisherman, birder ot other outdoor enthusiast, you will be able to make a significant impact on the success of the effort to control and eradicate these pests.The event will take place at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center on SR 28 in Mount Tremper.

Thursday, May 19, 9 AM - Maintenance of the Long Path on Kaaterskill HP

Join the RVW Hikers and the CMC Catskill Roving Trail Crew to help maintain the Long Path from the snowmobile trail intersection to Wildcat Falls. 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. Bring your favorite pruners, shears or loppers.Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No dogs due to safety concerns. Rain cancels. Register by Wednesday, May 18 by contacting Jim Gebhard at 845-626-4104 or Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org. If you need to cancel, contact Jim by 7:30 AM.Directions: On SR 23A about .5 mile east of Haines Falls, we'll meet at the intersection of SR 23A  and Wingate Rd. Look for the entrance gate, which is clearly marked as Twilight Park. We will caravan to the trailhead from there.

Thursday, May 12, 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 Palenville to Poet's Ledge. 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, May1 1 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 new Park & Ride lot next to Thruway Exit 20 in Saugerties. From there we'll drive to Malden Ave.  Call for more info.

Saturday, May 14, 1 PM | The Impending Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Disaster and How to Stop It

For some years now, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has been spreading through the forests of the eastern United States, including here in the Catskills. This tiny invasive insect attaches to the underside of hemlock needles and feasts on the plants vital fluids, resulting in the eventual death of the tree.We here in the Catskills have the opportunity to stop HWA before it completely devastates our vast hemlock forests. Some other regions no longer have that option. In the Great Smokey Mountains the mortality has turned hills and valleys a deathly grey-brown, upending centuries of ecological balance and leaving huge vistas comprised of skeletal trees. If we fail to act here in the Catskills, our forests will share that fate.Fortunately, New York is waking up to this possibility. Dedicated foresters, botanists and invasive species specialists are mobilizing to stop the attacks on living trees while they can be saved and stopping the spread on HWA in its tracks. But this is no small task as the hemlock is one of the foundational species of the Catskills, as well as of other areas in New York such as the Adirondacks. The battle requires the commitment of financial resources, and that seems to be beginning, though not nearly enough and too slowly still.For outdoor enthusiasts, whether hikers, fishermen and women, hunters, birders and all others who venture into the woods, there is an important role to play. With sharp eyes and a little knowledge we can help to identify both existing and potentailly infected stands and report the conditions in those stands. In that way, we help make it possible for the professionals to work more efficiently and effectively. We can also let it be known to our elected officials that this fight is a high priority for us, and that we want their attention and support. Indeed, the Catskill Park Coalition (of which the CMC is a founding member) has taken the message to Albany. You can amplify that voice by contacting your legislators and the governor.On Saturday, May 14th at 1 PM a lecture and workshop on the scope of the problem, some solutions and how to get involved will take place at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center in Mount Tremper. The following Saturday, May 21st a field training will be offered at the same time and place. On June 11, again at the CIC, noted Catskills forest historian Dr. Michael Kudish will give a lecture on the history of hemlocks in the Catskills from the ice age forward through the great harvesting of the trees for the tanning industry that once dominated the local economy. For the sake of our environment, our natural history and our economy, all who can attend will be equipped to help the cause of ending this threat. We hope to see you there!