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Accessible Outdoor Recreation Destinations in and around the Catskills
Most of us take for granted the almost endless opportunities we have to get out into the great outdoors. Whether we're hitting the trail, casting for trout, paddling, or going rogue by 'whacking our way into the unknown, we know well how important that chance to connect with nature is. And we appreciate it deeply.For some of us, getting that feeling isn't so easy. Our friends and family members who have limited mobility need and deserve resources that can accommodate them so they can get out and experience that connection with nature, too. The Americans with Disabilities Act has encouraged the development of infrastructure to make getting out easier. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, other governmental agencies and even some non-governmental organizations have accessible facilities all around the Catskills, including trails, fishing areas, water access points, picnic pads, camping pads, pavilions and restrooms. Recent improvements have been completed at Kenneth Wilson Campground, a DEC facility in the Town of Woodstock and the DEC has filed notice for comments on a plan to improve and add to the accessible facilities at the North-South Lake Campground near Haines Falls. Accessible attractions also include iconic spots like Kaaterskill Falls and the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. For travelers, easy to get to trails and other amenities can be found at the Catskill Interpretive Center in Mt. Tremper.Here are links to pages that list where many of these facilities are located.NYSDEC Accessible Recreation Destinations listed by county.Accessible Catskills Hiking, Camping and OutdoorsNYS Parks – search by the park name or location and look for the "Amenities and Activities" section.Ashokan Rail Trail
Hike the Long Path from Peekamoose Rd. to Upper Cherrytown Rd. | Saturday, August 18, 8:00 AM
We'll hike the section of the Long Path from Peekamoose Rd to Upper Cherrytown Rd. The first 1.1 miles will be a steep 1150 foot climb from Peekamoose Rd to Bangle Hill. After that we'll have about 8.4 miles of relatively easy hiking. If it's hot, we should have an opportunity to cool off at Vernooy Falls, 1.7 miles from the end of the hike. Our pace will be moderate with frequent, short snack/water breaks.Event Duration: 9.5 miles, 7 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable hiking boots; swim suit, swim shoes & towel optional. hiking poles (recommended)Registration required by August 18. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The duration of the hike (which does not include the car shuttle) could vary significantly from the 6 hour estimate based on the pace of the group and how long we spend at Vernooy Falls.Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at parking area on Upper Cherrytown Rd.Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PswsZdao9EQ2From intersection of Rt 28A and Samsonville Rd. (Rt 3), drive South on Samsonville Rd. 0.2 miles. Turn Right to remain on Samsonville Rd. and continue 5.7 miles. Turn Right on Sundown Rd. and drive 1.5 miles. Turn left on Upper Cherrytown Rd and drive 1.2 miles. Parking area will be on your left. This is the end point of the hike. We'll leave cars there, and drive to the trailhead on Peekamoose Rd to start the hike.GPS: 41.86404, -74.34633
Balsam Lake Fire Tower and Millbrook Mountain* | Sunday, August 12, 9:00 AM
Event Duration: 10 miles, 8 hoursLevel of Difficulty: DifficultLeader: Deanna FelicettaBring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Wear good hiking shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!! Hiking poles are recommended, as are map and compass.Registration required: by Noon, August 1oth. Register by contacting the leader. See below. Registration requires FULL name, a phone and if you have it, an email address.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoAdditional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Raindate: The hike will be rescheduled.Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: Meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5TN7KagouEkFrom Rt 17 Exit 96 in Livingston Manor: From South, turn Right on Debruce Rd to Old Rt 17; or from North, turn Right on White Roe Lake Rd to Old Rt 17. Follow Old Rt 17 about 1 mile North to Right on Beaverkill Rd (Rt 151). After 10.9 miles, turn Right to continue on Beaverkill Rd (now Rt 54). After 8.4 miles, turn Left on Turnwood Rd, and continue 1 mile to the Balsam Lake Trail parking area on the right.From Margaretville or Andes, drive to the Shavertown Bridge on SR 30. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left (east) 1.9 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn southeast 6.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. and follow directions above.Allow time for country road.GPS coordinates: 42.024073, -74.599670 See NY/NJTC trail map # 142 and 144.
Explore the Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve | Postponed, date tbd
This hike will be lead by noted naturalist Dr. Michael Kudish. Although not difficult in terms of miles, Mike will give much talk about flora, fauna and the history of the land and its use. We will also check out some shrub thickets near steep outcrops that may or may not be first growth. Expect a bit of science!Event Duration: 4-5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: ModerateLeaders: Jeff Ditchek and John ExterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, plenty to drinkRegistration required by July 25. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 20, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event and registrations can be directed to: Jeff at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: Park in field just above 2515 Tower Mountain Road. (There will be a sign.) Tower Mountain Rd. is the road that goes to Mt. Utsayantha. Pick it up off SR 23 in Stamford.
Paddle the Pepacton | Sunday, August 12, 1:00 PM
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. Bring your own CANOE or KAYAK (it must be steam cleaned prior to putting it in the reservoir -- see more below) or rent from a local business that has kayaks stored on site. 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 by Friday, August 10th by emailing 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.
Hike the Escarpment's Windham and Burnt Knob | Wednesday, August 29, 8:30 AM
Hike this lovely western section of the Escarpment to Windham High Peak via Burnt Knob and Acra Point. Come enjoy ups and downs and fabulous views! Perfect hike to do some All Trails and get a high peak, too. Not for beginners or pets. Event Duration: 10.5 miles, 8 hoursLevel of Difficulty: DifficultLeader: Deanna FelicettaBring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Wear good hiking shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!! Hiking poles are recommended, as are map and compass.Registration required by August 27. Register by contacting the leader. See below. Registration requires FULL name, a phone and if you have it, an email address.Note: If you have registered and cannot attend, please be sure to notify the hike leader as soon as possible so that others on the waiting list can be invited to join and/or so the group will know not to wait for you at the trailhead. Thanks.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoAdditional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Raindate: The hike will be rescheduled.Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: From SR 23A in Hunter, turn north onto Rte. 296 going towards Hensonville. Turn east onto Maplecrest Rd./Rte. 40 and go to 1.8 miles to Big Hollow Rd., following it 4.2 miles to the parking area near the end of the road.From SR 23 in Windham, turn south on Rte. 296 to Hensonville. See above.See NY/NJTC trail map # 141.
Woodland Hike with Yoga: Giant Ledge | Monday, August 6, 9:00 AM
This moderately difficult climb up to Giant Ledge will include a short Yoga session at the viewpoint, one of the prettiest and most expansive in the Catskills. It's the perfect place to combine yoga with the beauty of nature. Take your memories home with you and use them again and again to set the mood for meditation or for stretching after a busy day.Event Duration: 3.5 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Leaders: Pamela MartinBring: Bring lunch or snacks, water, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking clothes that you can stretch in, hiking boots. No mats needed.Registration required by August 5. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: pamelamartininc@gmail.comDriving Directions: From State Route 28 in Big Indian, turn south onto County Route 47/ Frost Valley Road. After 6 miles, parking area is on right, just before a hairpin turn.
Boot-brush Unveiling and Hike at the Shavertown Trail | Friday, July 13, 10:30 AM
DEP TO UNVEIL BOOT BRUSH STATION AND HOST COMMUNITY HIKE AT SHAVERTOWN TRAIL IN DELAWARE COUNTY
Boot brush, designed to combat invasive species, is among the first in the Catskills
DEP will also co-host community hike at Shavertown on July 13 with Catskill Mountain Club
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will co-host a community hike and unveil its new boot-brush station at the Shavertown Trail near Pepacton Reservoir on July 13. The event, which is free and open to all, will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Catskill Mountain Club and DEP will lead the hike, which will take participants along a new section of the trail that was recently constructed by volunteers. The event will begin at the trailhead on County Route 1 in Andes, just north of its intersection with Route 30. DEP this month installed a boot-brush station at the trailhead to help minimize the spread of invasive species. The station is among the first of its kind in the Catskills. It includes a mounted brush on which hikers can clean their boots, information to help identify several invasive species that are approaching the region, and a gravel pad that is intended to trap any seeds that might get brushed off. The boot-brush station will help prevent the spread of many types of invasive species, especially invasive plants such as bittersweet and barberry. Invasive plants cannot move far on their own. Even wind-dispersed seeds generally do not blow too far. Most new infestations are started by people who unintentionally move the seeds through recreational activities such as hiking, hunting or fishing. That’s why boot-brush stations are becoming more common throughout New York, especially in the northern and western parts of the state where outdoor recreation is popular. DEP will unveil the new brush station by co-hosting a hike with the nonprofit Catskill Mountain Club (CMC). The hike will be just more than 2 miles. It will take participants along a recently finished portion of the Shavertown Trail that was built by CMC volunteers. The new section runs about two-thirds of a mile through the woods, winding its way around the mountain to a pond that includes a beautiful view of Pepacton Reservoir. Hikers could previously reach that pond by following an old woods road that was part of the trail, but that road has been closed while DEP finishes an ongoing forestry project. The woods road and new trail will be used to create a loop hike once the forestry project is complete. Thousands of local residents and visitors have enjoyed the Shavertown Trail since DEP and CMC partnered to open it in 2013. More information about the trail, including driving direction, can be found on the CMC website by clicking here. DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of high-quality water each day to more than 9.6 million New Yorkers. This includes more than 70 upstate communities and institutions in Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties who consume an average of 110 million total gallons of drinking water daily from New York City’s water supply system. This water comes from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the City, and the system comprises 19 reservoirs, three controlled lakes, and numerous tunnels and aqueducts. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 scientists, engineers, surveyors, watershed maintainers and other professionals in the watershed. In addition to its $70 million payroll and $166 million in annual taxes paid in upstate counties, DEP has invested more than $1.7 billion in watershed protection programs—including partnership organizations such as the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Watershed Agricultural Council—that support sustainable farming practices, environmentally sensitive economic development, and local economic opportunity. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program with $19.4 billion in investments planned over the next decade that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nycwater, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/nycwater.
Catskills All Trails Challenge: Adding the New Overlook Mountain Trails
There are two recent additions to the trail system on Overlook Mountain. The Meads Meadow Trail and the Overloop Trail provide new easy to moderate hikes that loop north off the Overlook Spur Trail, which has been extended to the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area. Together they add 1.8 miles of new trails. Going forward, those trails are being added to the list of trails that must be hiked in order to complete the All Trails Challenge requirements. With their inclusion their are now 347 miles of designated hiking trails that must be hiked to receive your cetificate, patch and shirt. More Happy Hiking!Overlook Mountain Wild Forest map.
Announcing the First Annual CMC Picnic | Saturday, July 28, 10 AM - 5 PM
The CMC's first annual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 28 at Belleayre Beach in the heart of the Catskills. The picnic, which is open to CMC members and their guests, will feature local hikes, games, swimming and paddling. Hikes to the summit of Belleayre or at Rochester Hollow will start the day, beginning at 10 AM and returning to the lake in the early afternoon. Snacks, yard games, swimming, paddling (boats and boards can be rented on site) and fishing (NYS license required) will be available all day. After the hikes we'll have a picnic, with hamburgers, hotdogs and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the CMC (vegetarian options will be served). All parties should bring a dish to share. You may bring beer and wine (not allowed on the beach). Not a current member? Join or renew below. We hope to see you there!What you need to know:Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a state owned and operated facility in the village of Pine Hill. It features a beach, rental kayaks and lifeguards on duty. It serves as the trailhead for the Giggle Hollow Trail. The picnic is free for all CMC members, including individuals and families with children up to 18 years old. Family and significant others who are not CMC members are welcome to attend for a fee of $5 per person. Kids under 12 are free. Please pay by cash or check at the sign-in table when you arrive. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lunch at 2:00 PM.Registration is required by July 23rd. (Click the link to go to the registration page.)Park Entrance Fee: $14 per car with up to seven passengers, or $5 per person if you walk in. (Parking outside the gate is limited.)Paddling rental fee: $15 per hour, or bring your same-day steam cleaned boat. (Click here for a list of approved steam cleaners.) PFDs required.What you'll need: If you're hiking, bring good hiking shoes and comfortable clothing, plenty of water and a snack. Hiking poles are suggested.Swim suits, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired. A dish to share. Organizers will ask for a side dish, a dessert or a salad.Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Belleayre Lake is on Friendship Manor Road and is visible from SR 28 in Pine Hill. Coming from the east it is just before the entrance into Pine Hill. From the west on SR 28 it is 1 mile past Galli-Curci Road (to Belleayre Ski Center) in Highmount.
Hike to Huckleberry Point | Wednesday, August 22,11:30 AM
The hike to Huckleberry Point is one of the most satisfying in the Catskills, While it's a short and moderately difficult trail, it's in one of the most famously rugged parts of the Catskills, beginning at the Devil's Kitchen and reaching its stunning destination on the escarpment ledges high above the deep valleys below. The breathtaking views of the ancient mountains of the eastern Devil's Path Range will make you thankful you came, whether you've been before or not. Truly a bucket list hike. We'll sit for awhile and enjoy the views while we picnic. Event Duration: 4.8 miles, 4 hoursLevel of Difficulty: ModerateLeaders: Deanna FelicettaBring: Dress and bring attire/gear for varied temperatures of the season. Have appropriate footwear. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water!!!Registration required by August 20. Register by contacting the leader. See below. Registration requires FULL name, a phone and if you have it, an email address.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leader. Bring a leash for when needed.Additional Information: PLEASE contact leader and cancel if you are not able to come as others may want to. Remember we hike together for safety and FUN!Raindate: Thursday, July 26.Questions about this event can be directed to: Deanna at felicetta.deanna@gmail.com or call 845-216 2021 and NO TEXTING PLEASE! Leave name and number. Please contact leader if you need to cancel.Driving Directions: From Exit 20 of the NYS Thruway: Go west 2.1 miles on CR 212 to Blue Mountan Rd,/Rte.35. Turn north 1.4 miles to W. Saugerties Rd./Rte. 33 and turn west. Go 1.9 miles to Platte Clove Rd. and continue straight up the clove. Follow for 2.4 miles until you reach the parking area on the right.From Tannerville: Just west of town, turn onto Bloomer Rd, and follow it as it becomes Platte Clove Rd. for 6.3 miles until you reach the parking area on the left.See NY/NJTC trail map # 141.
Woodland Hike with Yoga: Shavertown Trail to Snake Pond | Friday, July 13, 9:00 AM
A moderately challenging climb with a short yoga session at the Snake Pond vista on the recently rerouted Shavertown Trail. The views of the Pepacton Reservoir are widely admired, and the area around the pond is a great place for birding, with sightings of cedar waxwings, blackbirds, blue herons and Baltimore orioles among others.Event Duration: 3 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Leaders: Pamela MartinBring: Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and comfortable hiking clothes that you can stretch in, hiking boots. No mats needed.Registration required by July 12. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: pamelamartininc@gmail.comDriving Directions: From Margaretville go west on SR 28 to SR 30. Turn left towards the Shavertown Bridge and then right just before the bridge. Park in the DEP lot on the left. From Andes go south on CR 1 to the lot on the right just before SR30 and the bridge.GPS: N42.05.437 W74.49.196
Hike to Quick Lake and Hodge Pond Mountain | Wednesday, June 27, 9:00 AM
We'll hike 7.2 miles on the Quick Lake Trail to the Quick Lake shelter. After lunch we'll retrace our path about 1/4 mile beyond Coyote Junction before bushwhacking about 1 mile (with about 200 ft elevation gain) over Hodge Pond Mountain (#99 of Catskill Hundred Highest) to Junkyard Junction. From Junkyard Junction we'll follow the Flynn Trail 3.3 miles to the parking area. Our pace will be moderate, and we'll have frequent, short water/snack breaks. This hike is listed as difficult because of the length (14.5 miles) and the unpredictable nature of the short bushwhack.Event Duration: 14.5 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult due to length, BushwhackLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, comfortable waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), map and compass (recommended)Registration required by June 25. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The Quick Lake trail may be very wet near Frick Pond.The hike duration could vary significantly from the estimated 10 hours depending on the pace of the group.For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Quick Lake and Flynn trails shown on NYNJTC Map 144.Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Google Maps Link to trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/HMoa6UfJ75A2From Route 17, Exit 96, drive East on Debruce Rd, Rt 81 for 5.5 milesContinue on Willowemoc Rd for 0.1 milesTurn Left on Mongaup Rd and drive North for 2.7 milesContinue on Beech Mountain Rd for 0.3 milesParking area is on the leftGPS: 41.95107, -74.70692
Hike Bramley Mountain | Thursday, July 12, 10:00 AM
Bramley Mountain was once the site of a fire tower and the views from the summit to the Catskills ranges are impressive. Along the way the trail visits an abandoned bluestone quarry, caves and many outcroppings.Event Duration: 4.1 miles, 4 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-DifficultLeaders: Jeff Ditchek and John ExterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by July 10. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, well behaved onlyQuestions about this event and registrations can be directed to: Jeff at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: The trailhead is located on Glen Burnie Rd. in Delhi, 0.7 miles south of CR 18 and 3.3 miles north of SR 28.GPS coordinates: 42.2993, -74.8360
Trail Maintenance on the Delhi Trails | Saturday, June 9, 8:30 AM
Enjoy fresh country air and great conversation in a relaxed work environment. Come for as little or long as you can.Event Duration: about 4 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Leaders: Amy BeveridgeBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, tolls: loppers, shears, weed whip, and/or pruners. Work gloves are recommendedRegister by contacting the leader. See below.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: Amy Beveridge thebeveridges@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Sheldon Park Trailhead on Sheldon Drive off SR 28 behind the Delaware Academy.
Alder Lake, Cradle Rock Ridge & Balsam Lake Fire Tower | Saturday, June 30, 8:00 AM
From the Alder Lake parking area, we'll hike 2.6 miles to the Beaver Meadow lean-to (via the Southern half of the Alder Lake loop). After a snack we'll leave the trail and bushwhack 1.3 miles to Cradle Rock Ridge (3160 feet, Catskill Hundred Highest #68). After returning to the lean-to, and another snack, we'll continue along the Mill Brook Ridge trail 5.4 miles to the junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain trail. Turning North .25 miles, we'll summit Balsam Lake Mountain (3723 feet). After visiting the fire tower we'll descend 1.75 miles to the Balsam Lake parking area. Our pace will be moderate and we'll have frequent, short water/snack stops. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain.
Event Duration: 13 miles, 9 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult -- BushwhackLeader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, comfortable waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended)Registration required by June 23. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The area near Beaver Meadow may be very wet. The duration of this hike may vary significantly from the 9 hour estimate based on the pace of the group and how long we spend at the fire tower. For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Mill Brook Ridge trail, and the Southern half of the Alder Lake Loop trail shown on NYNJTC Map 142. If there's interest, we can also complete the Northern half of the Alder Lake Loop (adding 1.4 miles).Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5TN7KagouEkFrom Rt 17 Exit 96 in Livingston Manor: From South, turn Right on Debruce Rd to Old Rt 17, or from North, turn Right on White Roe Lake Rd to Old Rt 17. Follow Old Rt 17 about 1 mile North to Right on Beaverkill Rd (Rt 151). After 10.9 miles, turn Right to continue on Beaverkill Rd (now Rt 54). After 8.4 miles, turn Left on Turnwood Rd, and continue 1 mile to the Balsam Lake Trail parking area on the right. This will be the ending point of the hike. We'll leave cars here, and shuttle to the Alder Lake parking area to start the hike.GPS: 42.024073, -74.599670
Map and Compass Workshop: Essential Knowledge | Sunday, July 15, 10:00 AM
Many hikers have become reliant on their gps unit or their smartphone to navigate in the mountains. They work great until they don't, then you're up a creek without a paddle unless you have these millenia old tools. They only weigh a couple of ounces, so don't be concerned about adding to your burden. They are among the most valuable tools you will carry. Knowing how to use them can save your day, or even save your life.CMC Board member Will Soter is a NYSDEC licensed guide. This free hands on Map and Compass class will cover the basics of reading a map, plotting a course on a map, following a course in the field, recording a path of travel, and locating yourself on the map.Participants should bring a baseplate compass.Leader: Will SoterBring: good hiking shoes, baseplate compass, water.Group size is limited to 20, so register early.Registration required: by July 12.To register: contact Will at upstateadventureguides@gmail.comDirections: Meet at the Palmer Hill trailhead located between Margaretville and Andes, just off SR 28 on Finkle Rd.
Alder Lake, Cradle Rock Ridge & Balsam Lake Fire Tower | Saturday, June 30, 8:00 AM
From the Alder Lake parking area, we'll hike 2.6 miles to the Beaver Meadow lean-to (via the Southern half of the Alder Lake loop). After a snack we'll leave the trail and bushwhack 1.3 miles to Cradle Rock Ridge (3160 feet, Catskill Hundred Highest #68). After returning to the lean-to, and another snack, we'll continue along the Mill Brook Ridge trail 5.4 miles to the junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain trail. Turning North .25 miles, we'll summit Balsam Lake Mountain (3723 feet). After visiting the fire tower we'll descend 1.75 miles to the Balsam Lake parking area. Our pace will be moderate and we'll have frequent, short water/snack stops. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain.Event Duration: 13 miles, 9 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult, BushwhackLeaders: Marv FreedmanBring: good hiking shoes, moisture wicking clothing, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink (2 or 3 liters), map and compass (recommended), hiking poles (recommended)Registration required by June 23. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderAdditional Information: The area near Beaver Meadow may be very wet. The duration of this hike may vary significantly from the 9 hour estimate based on the pace of the group and how long we spend at the fire tower. For those working on the Catskill's All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete the Mill Brook Ridge trail, and the Southern half of the Alder Lake Loop trail shown on NYNJTC Map 142. If there's interest, we can also complete the Northern half of the Alder Lake Loop (adding 1.4 miles).Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5TN7KagouEkFrom Rt 17 Exit 96 in Livingston Manor: From South, turn Right on Debruce Rd to Old Rt 17; or from North, turn Right on White Roe Lake Rd to Old Rt 17. Follow Old Rt 17 about 1 mile North to Right on Beaverkill Rd (Rt 151). After 10.9 miles, turn Right to continue on Beaverkill Rd (now Rt 54). After 8.4 miles, turn Left on Turnwood Rd, and continue 1 mile to the Balsam Lake Trail parking area on the right. This will be the ending point of the hike. We'll leave cars here, and shuttle to the Alder Lake parking area to start the hike.From Margaretville or Andes, drive to the Shavertown Bridge on SR 30. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left (east) 1.9 miles to Barkaboom Rd. Turn southeast 6.3 miles to Beaverkill Rd. and follow directions above.GPS coordinates: 42.024073, -74.599670
Southern Plattekill and Round Top | CANCELLED
South Plattekill and Round Top are two of the Catskills 100 highest - just over 3000ft. There is an old road that circles just below these two peaks (we may or may not actually summit either of them). North Plattekill - the ski area - is also accessable from this road. we plan to spot a car and do a 5 or 6 mile circle. There may be some bushwhacking.Event Duration: 5 miles, 5-6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: ModerateLeaders: Jeff Ditchek and John ExterBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drinkRegistration required by July 17. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: Jeff Ditchek at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: Meet at the state forest parking area near the end of Harold Roberts Road in New Kingston. We may spot a car at the end of Mountain Brook Road in Bovina, or bushwhack back to our starting place.From SR 28 in Margaretville, turn north onto Bridge St. At the light, turn west one block to Walnut St. and continue onto Margaretville Mountain Road, following it to its end. Turn north onto CR 6 towards New Kingston. In New Kingston turn northeast onto Thompson Hollow Road. Drive 3.7 miles to Harold Roberts Rd. and continue on Harold Roberts Rd. to the state DEC parking area on the right.From SR 28 in Andes, turn north onto CR 6 and follow the above directions.
Trail Maintenance on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and German Hollow Trail | Sunday, June 17, 10:00 AM
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. We’ll hike Pakatakan Mountain and follow the ridge, passing by a 700 year 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. If you also want to help with the cleaning of the trail, bring hand tools, gloves and eye protection.Event Duration: 6 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Leaders: Laura Batellani and David LucasBring: loppers or pruners or shears, work gloves, eye protection, good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, bug spray, plenty to drink, map and compass (recommended),Registration required by June 16. Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: NoQuestions about this event can be directed to: bodyworx@catskill.net or 845-586-3101Driving Directions: From SR 28 in Margaretville, 0.4 miles west of the blinking light, turn north on Fair St. Meet at the car wash on the right.