Sunday, July 2, 11 AM | Paddle the Pepacton -- POSTPONED -- NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED

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 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 Ann Roberti at aroberti@catskill.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.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CMC’S 2016 SEASON

STEWARDSHIP- The CMC annually maintains five CMC trails totaling 20 miles and seven DEC trails totaling nearly 25 miles. In 2016, 36 trail maintenance hikes were conducted totaling 750 volunteer hours, all headed by the Club’s VP , Wendell George.TRAIL BUILDING- Since 2011, the CMC has built 5 new hiking trails on lands owned by NYC DEP as well as Delaware Academy. The newest trail, that to the former fire tower on Bramley Mountain near Delhi NY, was opened on July 29th . The opening ceremony was attended by nearly 40 hiking enthusiasts, local, state and City officials and followed by a hike to the summit.The five CMC trails have been very popular since their openings. Over the past year nearly 5600 hikers have signed-in on these trails. Approximate counts by trail are:

• Delhi Trails – over 1000 visitors in 2016
• Palmer Hill Trails - 1300 in the last year
• Shavertown Trail - 1200 in the last year.
• Andes Rail Trail & Bullet Hole Spur- 1500 in the last year
• Bramley Mountain Trails - 600 hikers from opening day thru December

This year the CMC produced a brochure/map highlighting these five trails. The brochure is being distributed at all CMC trailheads as well as various informational kiosks and at the Catskill Interpretive Center in Mt. Tremper. The maps of the five CMC trails can also be viewed on our website from the Where to Go menu.CMC EVENTS- CMC members led over 40 Hikes, paddles and other CMC events in 2016 that were enjoyed by 400+ participants. In addition CMC members are leading over 25 events for this year's Catskill Lark in the Park. Upcoming hikes and other CMC events can be viewed on the CMC website at Upcoming Events.ADVOCACY - The CMC is involved with several organizations advocating for outdoor recreational concerns affecting the Catskill area.The Catskill Park Coalition is a partnership of many Catskill organizations, all concerned with outdoor recreation and related public land concerns. Each February the Coalition members travel to Albany for Catskill Park Awareness Day, advocating for increased funding for outdoor recreation, conservation and tourism related issues. In 2016 the Coalition succeeded in obtaining $500,000 dedicated for use within the Catskill Park. Part of this allocation is being used for the creation of a new comprehensive recreation plan as well as various infrastructure improvements. In addition, the continuation of the NYS Ranger Academy was stressed as well as the hiring of 2 assistant Forest Rangers, both which were granted. Also, $994,000 was asked for and allocated for the Catskill Interpretative Center, which opened on NYS Rte 28 in Mt. Tremper in July of 2015. The funding will allow for the building of a full scale old style fire tower, a fire warden’s cabin, a picnic pavilion, an amphitheater and new road side signage.Information on the 2017 Awareness Day can be viewed at catskillcenter.org/awareness-day/.The Catskill Park Advisory Committee -  The Committee is a group of local government representatives, agencies and  area organizations representing the various communities and user groups of the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed. The purpose of the Committee is to provide assistance, advice and guidance to the NYSDEC, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and other land managers in the management of the New York State Forest Preserve, the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed. The CMC is a charter member of this Committee and meets with it on a quarterly basis.STAFFING of the Maurice Hinchey Catskill Interpretitive Center (CIC) - The CMC is one of five operating partners for the CIC and provides part of the volunteer staff operating the center 363 days a year. In all,  CMC members volunteered over 600 hours for its operation in 2016. The CIC opened in July, 2015. catskillinterpretivecenter.org.CMC DONATIONS -  $1000 to Summit Stewards Program - Summit Stewards patrol the summit areas of Giant Ledge/Panther, Slide, Wittenberg, and Cornell mountains during the summer hiking period. They work closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and address the unique concerns of these peaks to the hikers they encounter. See Summit Stewards.$1000 to the Catskill Interpretive Center - The CIC is the Catskills Tourist Information Center.LARK IN THE PARK 2016- Last year was the 12th annual Lark in the Park and featured 50 separate events over 10 days from October 3rd to the 12th and was enjoyed for nearly 750 attendees. For this year’s 2016 program we had 60 events , many being held by 19 Catskill Based organizations such as Mountain Keeper, Catskill Rec. Center, Trout Unlimited and the 3500 Club. The CMC has been the main driving force of this annual event celebrating the creation of the Catskill Park. CMC members have spent over 200 man hours, planning and leading events. See catskilsllark.org.CATSKILL ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE- In 2014 the CMC created this unique opportunity for hikersto receive recognition for the hiking of all 87 trails and 350 miles of Catskill Park Trails. This year wehad 15 hikers complete the Challenge bringing the total to 32. For more on the Challenge go tohttps://catskillmountainclub.org/the-all-trails-hiking-challenge-redlining-the-catskills.SOCIAL MEDIA- The Board of Directors of the CMC sees the use of the various social media platforms as vital for the future dissemination of CMC information, news, advocacy issues as well as trail conditions and hiker safety concerns. The CMC currently uses FaceBook for communicating with CMC members.CMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS- The CMC Board meets every other month in Arkville, NY to discuss Club business, outdoor recreational issues, interface with other Catskill organizations and governments entities, plan events and review financial concerns During 2016 the all volunteer Directors spent on over 2000 man hours on club business.

Saturday, February 11, 10:00 AM | Bramley Mountain Trails

Join the Catskill Mountain Club on a hike on the recently opened Bramley Mountain Trail. We have a few markers and a sign to put up and thought we’d make a fun hike out of it.  We’ll visit the 2817’ summit with its site of a former fire tower, a beautiful abandoned bluestone quarry, and the impressive cliffs and caves that lie between. We’ll hike about .9 miles to the quarry on a woods road with little elevation gain. After the quarry, we’ll continue on the steeper trail that ascends about 1.2 miles through mixed hardwoods while passing stone walls and many impressive rock outcroppings and cliffs, some with caves. The hike will descend the mountain on the Summit Trail, a 1.8 mile long direct hike on old woods roads, with its views to the west and to the southern high peaks and Mount Pisgah.  It has some steep pitches alternating with long gentle climbs. This route (Quarry Trail up, Summit Trail down) offers the best views of all the sights this trail has to offer.The Bramley Mountain Trail is the fifth addition to the hiking options in the Catskills designed and built by the Catskill Mountain Club. It is located on a NYC DEP parcel in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina, totaling about 4 miles in length.Leader: Ann RobertiDogs not allowed but there will be dogs on the hike – hike leader’s dog is not great with other dogsEvent Duration: 4.2 milesLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult                              Microspikes are probably needed for this hike.Registration required by Friday Feb 10th: email aroberti@catskill.net or call 845-676-3643Group size is limited so register early.Questions can be send to  aroberti@catskill.netDriving Directions: The trailhead is located on Glen Bernie Road in Delhi, seven tenths of a mile from the intersection with County Rt 18, or 3.3 miles from the intersection with State Rt. 28.gps coordinates for trailhead:  42.2993, -74.83

Saturday, March 18, 9:00 AM | Winter Hike on Wittenberg from Woodland Valley

Hike to Mt. Wittenberg (3780 ft.), starting in Woodland Valley. Enjoy great view from the top looking down the Esopus Creek all the way to Ashokan Reservoir. If time allows, we will proceed to Mt Cornell (3680 ft.). Either way we return on the same trail to Woodland Valley. Warm clothing and micro spikes or crampons are highly recommended. It is a tough climb for small dogs so if you bring one keep this in mind.Pre-registration required by Feb. 12. Group size is limited. Contact Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.com or (607) 746-9694.This is a strenuous hike. Bring lunch and snacks. Bring snowshoes and microspikes or other traction footwear. Full crampons may be desired on certain steep sections. Poles will be helpful.Well behaved dogs are allowed. Due to the hike's difficulty, bringing small dogs is not recommended. Directions: NYS Rte. 28 to Phoenicia Village. Use High St. from the south side of the Bridge St. Bridge. (The Woodland Valley Bridge is closed.) Follow it west about 1 mile to Woodland Valley Rd. and then stay left (south) about 6 miles to the DEC campground. Park in the parking area (no fees during off season).

Saturday, February 18, 12:00 PM | Hike on Rail Bed in Pine Hill to Cathedral Glen and Belleayre Lake

Join CMC board member Erwin Karl to explore the old rail bed through Pine Hill.  There is little change in elevation making the hike moderately easy even if recent snows necessitate use of snowshoes. In addition to hiking/snowshoeing, we will stop to ID and discuss some of the edible and medicinal fungi and plants which can be found throughout the year in the forests of the Catskills.Leader: Erwin KarlEvent Duration: 3-5 miles; 2.5 - 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Easy-ModerateRegistration required by Friday Feb 17th: Send to eakarl@yahoo.com. Include your phone number and the number of registrants.Bring lunch, good hiking shoes, traction footwear (e.g. microspikes), and snowshoes (depending on conditions).Dogs allowed with advance notification of hike leader.Questions can be sent to  eakarl@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Enter hamlet of Pine Hill from State Route 28 (via Main Street if westbound or via Old State Route 28 if eastbound), at junction of Old SR 28, Main St. And Academy St, turn southwest onto Bonnie View Ave. Take second left onto Station Road, along which there is parking. 

IT'S HUNTING SEASON, SO WHERE CAN YOU HIKE?

Hiking During Hunting Season

Each year the popular deer and bear hunting seasons mean that everyone who goes into the woods in the Catskills needs to be aware, be alert and ALWAYS BE DRESSED IN ORANGE (dogs included). Whether you are on forest preserve, state forest or NYCDEP lands, the early two week bear hunting season and the regular three week fall deer and bear season, during which hunters are permitted to use rifles, are a time for added care.  Check here for annual season updates:  https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65231.html

Alternatives where hunting is not permitted do exist. Most are not within the Catskills proper, but all are close enough to make a day trip practical. It is advisable to wear orange even when hiking on these trails. The added precaution affords peace of mind.
Listed below are 21 great places to get outdoors where hunting is not permitted. We suggest that you consider exploring new territory or revisiting your favorites. Happy Trails!

Andes Rail Trail/Bullet Hole Spur (in Andes)
Bear Mountain State Park (near West Point)
Black Creek Preserve (near Esopus)
Delhi Trails (in Delhi)
Ferncliff Forest & Fire Tower (Rhinebeck)
Harriman State Park (near Harriman)

High Banks Preserve (near Ulster Park)
Highland Lakes State Park ***(near Middletown)
Israel Wittman Sanctuary (Saugerties)
Mills-Norrie State Park (near Staatsburg)
Minnewaska State Park Preserve* (near New Paltz)
Riddell State Park (near Davenport/Oneonta)
Sloan Gorge Preserve (Saugerties)
Snake Rocks Preserve (Woodstock)
Thacher State Park** (near Voorheesville)
Thorne Preserve (Woodstock)
The Willows at Brandow’s Point (Athens)
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (Kingston to Gardiner)
Walkway Over the Hudson & 
Franny Reese State Park (can be combined) (Poughkeepsie/Highland)
Zena Cornfield (Woodstock)

The North-South Lake Day Use Area is one place in the Catskill Park where hunting is not permitted. Be aware that the area does not include Kaaterskill Falls or the Escarpment Trail to the south of the intensive use area. It does extend on all trails north to Badman Cave.

*No bear season. For deer seasons, no hunting in the vicinity of hiking trails – check map here: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaMinnewaskaHuntingMaps.pdf

**Hunting allowed in a some areas. See map for details: https://parks.ny.gov/…/ThacherThacherStateParkHuntingMap.pdf

***Archery hunting only allowed Monday - Friday. See map for details. https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/HighlandLakesHuntingMap.pdf

$500,000 in Newly Released Funding Announced for a Catskills Comprehensive Recreation Plan and More

November 3, 2016   The Catskill Park Coalition, of which the CMC is a founding member, has successfully lobbied Albany for funds to support the Catskills since its founding four years ago. $500,000 has just been released for a variety of projects that will improve planning and public access. Read about the CPC's latest success in this Watershed Post article. We will be in Albany again this February with our Coalition partners to speak to our government leaders about the needs of the Catskill Park and the region. 

Friday, November 4, 12:40 PM | Hike Campbell Mountain

One of the less used trails in the Catskills passes over Campbell Mountain and is coaligned with the FLT for part of its path. With leaves down, this western Catskills hike will offer nice views through open woods.Event Duration:  4.4miles,  4 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeader(s): Wendell GeorgeBring:  good hiking shoes, snack, something to drinkRegistration required by 11/3, 6 PM.Group size is limited to 8, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: Car shuttle will be required.Questions about this event can be directed to:  wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273Driving Directions: Take SR30 (west from Margaretville or east from Downsville) to CR 206. Go south about 2 miles to the trailhead on the west side of the road. From Roscoe, go north on CR 206. Trailhead parking is just north of Jug Tavern Rd. 

SUNY Delhi Students Work to Maintain Trails in the Western Catskills

On October 26 a group of SUNY Delhi students, led by Professor David DeForest of the Division of Applied Science and Recreation, maintained sections of the Mary Smith Trail and the Pelnor Hollow Trail from Berry Brook Road to Split Rock. The group cleared several blowdowns and lots of blackberries, etc. that had grown into the trail, making this area difficult to pass through.The CMC would like to thank all participants for coming out on a chilly day and showing some love for the path to the spectacular Split Rock view.

Sunday, November 13, 10 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 at a beautiful look out over the Pepacton Reservoir. The return will be on the German Hollow trail.Event Duration: 6 miles, Approx 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultWear 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.Registration required by 11/12. Please contact Laura if you need to cancel.Dogs allowed: NoFor more information about  this event contact Laura at bodyworx@catskill.netDriving Directions: On Route 28, 40 miles from Kingston, Village of Margaretville. Half mile after the blinking light, turn right at the intersection. Meet at the car wash  on the right. 

DEC Announces Start of Early Bear Hunting Season - Sept. 10-25

In southeastern New York, including the Catskills, the early bear season runs from September 10 - 25. The early bowhunting season for bears will open in the entire Southern Zone on October 1, followed by the regular firearms season beginning November 19.For more about hunting in New York visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7857.html

CMC Receives the 2016 Alf Evers Award for Excellence

We are very pleased and proud to have received the prestigious 2016 Alf Evers Award for Excellence from the good folks at the Catskill Center. The presentation occurred during the Annual Summer Gathering at the Catskill Center's offices in Arkville, NY.As an organization that greatly values cooperation and collaboration, we salute the Catskill Center for its continuing leadership in our region, and we thank them for recognizing the CMC for playing a constructive role in the work at hand.Following are remarks made by Catskill Center Executive Director Jeff Senterman at the presentation.The Alf Evers Award for Excellence from the Catskill Center is presented to an individual or organization for their distinguished service to the Catskill region.We are blessed in the Catskills to have so many individuals and groups who • work hard to be stewards of our natural resources • educate visitors about the proper use of the great outdoors • and who have a sense of community spirit to improve our region.One such group is the Catskill Mountain Club.Founded in 2004 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Catskill Park.The early Catskill Mountain Club, which included many Catskill Center staff grew and evolved since it’s founding to become committed to efforts to ensure sustainable and safe outdoor recreation on public lands throughout the Catskill region.Today the Catskill Mountain Club strives to raise public awareness and appreciation of the Catskill region, something they rightly describe as “America’s First Wilderness”The Catskill Mountain Club offer dozens of guided hikes, paddles, snow shoe excursions, bike trips and more all over the Catskills.Offering visitors and residents amazing opportunities to get out and experience all that our Catskill Mountains have to offer.But the Catskill Mountain Club isn’t only taking advantage of our region’s vast outdoor recreation resources, they are doing something to help ensure they are available for generations to come!The Catskill Mountain Club stresses and promotes volunteer stewardship of our Catskill Park and public lands by getting their hands dirty!They have constructed five new trails in the Catskills over the last four years - an amazing accomplishment, especially when considering at least some of those trails have been on New York City Department of Environmental Protection lands!Those five trails… • The Andes Rail Trail • The Delhi Trails • The Palmer Hill Trail • The Shavertown Trail • And most recently • The Bramley Mountain TrailRepresenting almost 20 miles of new trails, the Catskill Mountain Club is offering the public more options and leading the way on opening DEP lands for public recreation!When not building trail, the Catskill Mountain Club maintains miles of hiking trails throughout the Catskill Park for the New York State Department of Environmental ConservationThey offer workshops and take part in events that highlight • The natural and human histories of the Catskills, • The issues that are affecting the health and preservation of the Catskills • And teach the skills that are needed to safely enjoy our great outdoors!They join with others of the Catskill Park Coalition to knock on doors in Albany, helping to ensure that the Catskill Park is represented and receives ongoing support.Members of the Catskill Mountain Club even find time to help staff the Catskill Interpretive Center where their expertise on everything outdoors comes in handy to educate visitors to the Park!All this and the Catskill Mountain Club is an all-volunteer grass roots led organization - SIMPLY AMAZING!The Catskill Mountain Club is helping to lead the way towards a sustainable outdoor recreation based economy that while utilizes our vast and beautiful open spaces, while teaching our visitors and park users the value of the region and how to protect it for posterityAs a former member of the Catskill Mountain Club’s Board of Directors, I am truly honored and humbled to have had the chance to be part of this amazing organization and the amount of work that that the members of this organization have put in since my time is astounding!For their work • Protecting our natural resources • Raising awareness and appreciation of our Catskills • Leading activities across the public lands of our region • Working with DEP to increase public access to watershed lands • Building almost 20 miles of new trails • Maintaining miles of Catskill Park hiking trails and • Staffing the Catskill Interpretive CenterAnd most importantly for their love of the Catskills and their ability to protect and preserve the regionI am pleased to present the Alf Evers Award for Excellence to the Catskill Mountain Club in recognition of their leadership in creating and expanding opportunities for the public to enjoy and understand the unique beauty and remarkable nature of our Catskill region.They have made a true impact across the region and it gives me great joy to present this award to • Rick Roberts, the President of the Catskill Mountain Club • Wendell George, the Vice-President of the Catskill Mountain Club • And all members of the Catskill Mountain ClubTHANK YOU from the Catskill Center and from the Catskills!

Thursday, September 22, 9 AM | Black Dome Range Trail maintenance to Camel's Hump

The CMC's Catskills Roving Trail Crew will be working with the Rip van Winkle Hikers on the western end of the Black Dome Range Trail next. Join us 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 Sept. 21 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.

Thursday, September 15, 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, Sept. 14 by contacting Wendell George at wendell@catskillmountainclub.org or 845-586-6273. If you need to cancel, contact me by 7:30 AM Thursday. Raindate Friday, Sept. 16.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.

Thursday, September 8, 9 AM - Maintenance on the Seager and PW Trails to Big Indian Mtn.

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, Sept. 9.Register by Wednesday, Sept. 7 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.

Thursday, September 1, 9 AM - Trail Maintenance on Balsam Mountain

Following last week's hike to Eagle, 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, Sept. 2.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 Wednesday. 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.

Thursday, August 25, 9 AM - Maintenance on the PW Trail over Eagle Mountain

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 24 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 miles to Dry Brook Rd. Meet at the intersection.From SR 28 in Arkville, turn south onto Dry Brook Rd. and travel 4.7 miles to Todd Mountain Rd. Meet at the intersection.

Sunday, September 4 | Through Hike Across Panther and Giant Ledge

This hike is to be a full traverse of Panther and the scenic Giant Ledges. One of the best hikes in the Catskills, it offers a full range of treats for an experienced hiker.  A lovely combination of ups, downs and wonderful scrambles offering a variety of woods and some fabulous views. This is one of my favorite late Summer hikes and I love company, so come join me for a fun day! Note hike is for experienced hikers. No pets. Bring plenty of water and lunch. Dress in wicking layers for comfort. We will go at a fair pace but plan to treat ourselves to time to admire nature’s beauty. This traverse is by far the prettiest way to enjoy this unique 3500 peak. Hike about 12 miles. Hike requires a shuttle from hairpin turn on Route 47/Frost Valley-Oliverea Rd.  We will have a full day!Registration limited. Must leave full name, email AND REACHABLE phone to register. Register August 19th to September 1st. Limited email after Friday the 2nd, so call thereafter. Exact Time to meet to be decided. As always, bad weather will cancel hike.Hikeleader: Deanna (845) 216-2021felicetta.deanna@gmail.comDIRECTIONS: See NYNJTC Catskill Trails Map #142 for Panther Mountain.  The Giant Ledge parking area is located on CR 47 (Oliverea-Frost Valley Rd.), 7.3 miles south of SR 28 in Big Indian and 13 miles north of Claryville. 

Announcing Our New Trails Brochure!

August 1, 2016    To celebrate the opening of our fifth trail this past Friday, located on Bramley Mountain, we have published a brochure called "A Guide to the Trails" that provides a map and description of each trail. The full color brochure will be available at each trailhead, at several village kiosks, at the Catskill Interpretive Center and at other locations that distribute tourism information.With the guide, you'll be able to hike each of our trails with confidence. The trail maps show contours at 20' intervals, show notable features and indicate where trailheads are located, making it easy to find your way. Pick one up and keep it in your car or with your pack. You'll always be prepared!You can also download our trail maps to your iPhone or Android device for free. Look for links to the Avenza App and directions for how to get the maps in the Where To Go menu on this site.

Bramley Mountain Trail Opens

July 30, 2016On July 29 the CMC's newly constructed hiking trail on Bramley Mountain in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina officially opened to the public. Built on NYC DEP lands, the 4 mile trail is open year round.The ceremony began with comments by DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci and CMC President Rick Roberts. Each spoke about the importance of DEP's efforts to open its lands to public recreational use. Among the benefits of greater access are increased options for a range of low impact outdoor activities, economic growth due to increased visitorship and improved health for community members due to the proximity of attractive recreational options.Following the ribbon cutting, the large crowd headed off for the inaugural hike. Some participants chose to take the easy hike to the quarry and then return to the parking area, while others continued up the trail. After we reached the summit and enjoyed the views we took a little break for lunch or a snack, only to be surprised by a brief shower that chased us off the top. As we descended, we ate raspberries growing beside the trail and noticed that the blackberries will be rippening soon. There are tons of them, so we'll be back for the feast in a few weeks.The Bramley Mountain Trail is one of five that the CMC has built over the last five years. To celebrate that work and for the convenience of hikers, we've published a brochure that provides a map and describes each of them. Look for it at the trail registers, in visitor information sites in the villages and at the Catskill Interpretive Center on State Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.Click here for WBNG News coverage:  http://www.wbng.com/news/local/A-new-hiking-trail-opens-at-Bramley-Mountain--388708722.html?vid=a