Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike | Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 8:00 AM

This 14+ mile hike/snowshoe will traverse Windham High Peak (3525'), Blackhead (3940'), Black Dome (3994') and Thomas Cole (3953'). We'll encounter beautiful forests, and spectacular views. Total ascent will be about 4700'.Event Duration:  14 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  DifficultLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Wear warm hiking boots, and pack an extra clothing layer. Do not wear cotton. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring lunch, snacks, and 3 liters of water/sports drink. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Don't forget to wear blaze orange during hunting season.Registration required by November 20th. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Driving Directions:   We'll meet at the Village Market & Deli in Tannersville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/9fufbiXgXu8BU44r5), and leave there no later than 8:00. We'll drop off cars at the end of Barnum Rd (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/XT1mLqUc827CnH5i6), where the hike will end, and will drive to the end of Peck Rd (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/APfX23TGdS3p586f6) to start the hike.GPS coordinates for meeting site:    42.195930, -74.144268

2019 Past Events Calendar

January 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		1  New Year's Day10:30First Day Hike in Kelly Hollow	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10Postponed due to weatherDry Brook Ridge Hike/Snowshoe	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	1910:00 AMBramley Mountain Hike
20	21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30Postponed due to weatherWinnisook Lake Mountain Bushwhack	31

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com

February 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1	28 AMBlackhead Range from Colgate Lake to Barnum Rd.
3	4	5  Chinese New YearCatskill Park Day	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	139:00 AMPostponedWinnisook Lake Mountain Bushwhack	14	15	16
17 10:00 AMAndes Rail Trail	18  President's Day	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	2810:00 AMPalmer Hill

March 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1	2
3	4	5	6	710:00 AMKoop Road	8	9
10	11	12	13	149:30 AMBalsam Mountain	15	16
17	18	19	20	21 Spring Equinox10:00 AMSplit Rock in the Pepacton Range	22	23
24	25	26	27	2810:00 AMHike to Trout Pond	29	3010:00 AM CMC at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo
31

April 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	1	2	3	410:00 AMCabot Mountain in the Pepacton Range	5	6
7	8	9	10	118:00 AMDry Brook Ridge	12	13
14	15	16	179:00 AMMongaup Loop	18postponedMiddle Mountain to Mary Smith Hill	19	20 PassoverBramley Mountain and Delhi Trails Maintenance
21 Easter	22   Earth Day	23	24	2510:00 AMBramley Mountain	26	27
28	29	30

May 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
			1	2PostponedBarkaboom Mountain Bushwhack	3	4
5	611:00 AMTrail Maintenance at Kelly Hollow	7 Ramadan	8	9PostponedHike to Split Rock in the Pepacton Range	10	11
12 Mother's DayCancelledAnnual Ephemeral Wildflower Hike at Kelly Hollow	13	14	1510:00 AMMiddle Mountain to Mary Smith HillcancelledBarkaboom Mountain Bushwhack	16	17	18
191:00 PMBiking Around the Pepacton 1:00 PMShow a Little Love at Frick Pond	20	21	227:30 AMHike Woodland Valley to PhoeniciaPalmer Hill Trail Maintenance	239:30Bramley Mountain Trail Maintenance	24	25
26	27 Memorial Day10:00 AMHike to Split Rock in the Pepacton Range	28	29	30	31

June 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1
2	3	4	5	6PostponedEast Wildcat Bushwhack	7	89:30 AMOutdoors Day Hike on the Tanbark Trail
9	10	11	12	13	14	158:20 AMHiking the DP on Twin and Indian Head9:30 AMPre-Father's Day Paddle on the Delaware11:00 AMBiking Along the West Branch of the Delaware
16  Father's Day	17	18	19	20	21  Summer Solstice	22PostponedLooking for Mountain Laurel on AHP
2310:00 AMTrail Maintenance on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and German Hollow Trail	24	25	268:00 AMLong Path Hike – Peekamoose Rd to Trails End Rd.	27	28	299:00 AMHike the Blackhead Range
301:00 PMFrick Pond Revisited: Trail Maintenance 2

July 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	1	2	3	4  Independence Day	5	6Alder Lake to MBR & BLM postponed until July 7th
79:00 AMAlder Lake to Mill Brook Ridge and Balsam Lake Mountain	8	9	10	11	12	1310:00 AMViews from the Watershed
1410:30 AMHike to Long Pond in the Willowemoc Wild Forest	15	16	179 AMPepacton Range: Mary Smith & Middle Mountain Trails	18	19	20
218 AMLong Pond - Beaver Kill Ridge and Neversink Hardenburgh Trails8:30 AMThrough Hike Across Panther and Giant Ledge	22	23	249:00 AMCampbell Mountain to Pelnor Hollow in the Pepacton Range	25	26	278:00 AMLong Path - Peekamoose to Upper Cherrytown Hike
288:00 AMHike to Mud Pond and Trout Pond in the Western Catskill Park	29	30	31

August 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
				111:30 AMOutdoor Yoga for Kids and Their Caretakers at the Catskill Visitors Center	2	310:00 AMViews from the Watershed
4	5	6	710:00 AMHike in Rochester Hollow	8	9	108:30 AMHike to a spur of Mt. Pisgah in Andes
1110:00 AMCMC Annual Members Picnic @ North-South Lake	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	2010:00 AMHike the Burnt Knob and Acra Point Loop	21Postponed to 10/1Hike to Quick Lake	22	23	2410:00 AMHike With Us at Kelly Hollow   (co-sponsored by NYSDEC)
258:30 AMHike Panther and Giant Ledge to Woodland Valley	26	27	28	29	30	31

September 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
19:00 AMHike from Berry Brook Rd. to Alder Lake in the Pepacton Range	2 Labor Day	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	1010:00 AMHike Balsam Mountain from Rider Hollow	11	12	13	14
1512 - 3 PMNYC Reservoir Cleanup DayAshokanPepacton	16	17	18	19	20	217:45 AMFriday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table Peekamoose Hike10:00 AMHike With Us at Vernooy Kill Falls (co-sponsored by NYSDEC)
22	23 Autumnal Equinox	24	25 8:00 AMPepacton Range: Little Spring Brook to Pelnor Hollow and Berry Brook Rd. to Campbell Mountain Rd.	26	27	288:50 AM Hunter Mountain and the Devil's Path
29	30

October 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		18:00 AMHike to Quick Lake	28:30 AMBelleayre Mountain via Lost Clove and Giggle Hollow	3	4	5Lark in the Park
6Lark in the Park	7Lark in the Park	8 Yom KippurLark in the Park	9Lark in the Park	10Lark in the Park	11Lark in the Park	12Lark in the Park
13Lark in the Park5:00 PMCMC Annual Dinner and Silent Auction	14 Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples DayLark in the Park	15	16	178:00 PMShavertown Trail Night Hike	18	19Bramley Mountain Trail maintenance with the SUNY Delhi Crew10:00 AMHike With Us at North Point (co-sponsored by NYSDEC)
20	21	22	23	2410:00 AMRochester Hollow Trail	25	269:00 AMHike With Us at Overlook Mountain (co-sponsored by NYSDEC)
27	28	29	30	31 Halloween

November 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1	2
3	4	510:00 AMHike to Huckleberry Point	6	7POSTPONEDCastle Point in the Shawangunks	8	9
10	11 Veterans’ Day	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	239:00 AMHike the Delhi Trails
248:00 AM Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike	25	26	277:45 AM Fir, Big Indian, Eagle & Balsam Hike/Snowshoe	28 Thanksgiving Day	29	30 Kaaterskill High Peak Hike

December 2019
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	2	3	4	5	6	77:45 AMFriday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose Hike
89:00 AMHike in Riddell State Park	9	10	11	128:15 AMAshokan Rail Trail End to End (pending work completion)	13	14
15	16	177:45 AMHunter, SW Hunter (Leavitt) ,  & Rusk	18	19	209:45 AMHike Plateau and Sugarloaf Mountains	21 Winter Solsticepostponed, date tbdAshokan Quarry Trail First Hike
22	23  Chanukah	24	25  Christmas Day	26  Kwanzaa	27	28
29	30	31	1  New Year's Day8:00First Day Hike at Ashokan High Point

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com

Shawangunks - Castle Point Carriage Trail | Postponed

The carriage roads in Minnewaska Stage Park and Preserve are beautifully maintained for hiking, biking and xc skiing. The views from Castle Point along the Shawangunk Ridge are spectacular. Although the 'Gunks are only a few miles east of the Catskills, they are an entirely different geological formation with a distinctly different plant community, including dwarf pines. The Wallkill River Valley to the east is an important migration route for raptors and other birds. Join us for a hike in this nearby area.Event Duration:  9 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeaders: Jeff DitchekBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfortRegistration required by November 6.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Yes, leashed onlyQuestions about this event can be directed to:  Jeff Ditchek at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions: The Minnewaska Lake/Awosting Falls parking area is south of US44/SR55 is 5.8 miles southeast of the US 209 junction in Kerhonkson and 10.3 miles west of New Paltz. Contact the leader for the exact meeting spot.

Rochester Hollow Hike | Thursday, October 24, 10:00 AM

   Historic Rochester Hollow follows a stream for awhile on an old woods road towards the former site of the Colonel Rochester estate. Along the way is a memorial plaque to Catskills' native son, naturalist and widely read author John Burroughs.Event Duration:  4 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeaders: Jeff DitchekBring: good hiking shoes, lunch, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfortRegistration required by October 23.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  Yes, leashed onlyQuestions about this event can be directed to:  Jeff Ditchek at jiditchek@gmail.comDriving Directions:  Meet at the Matyas Rd. Parking area at trailhead.  Matyas Rd. intersects SR 28 just west of the Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian.

Hike to Huckleberry Point | Tuesday, November 5, 2019 @ 10 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:  ModerateLeader(s): 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 November 5th.  Use registration form below to register.Group size is limited to 12 so register early.Fee:  NoDogs 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!Questions about this event can be directed to:  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.

Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose Hike | Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 7:45 AM

This is a long, difficult hike, with no viable bailout route. We'll encounter steep terrain, dense fir, and blowdown. We'll begin with a bushwhack to the 4 most remote Catskills high peaks, and finish with a trail hike to 2 others. Several of the peaks have excellent views. At times the bushwhack will be very challenging.Event Duration:  12 miles, 12 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult - BushwhackLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Headlamps with extra batteries, comfortable hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), lunch, snacks, at least 3 liters of water/sports drink, tick repellentRegistration required by September 16th. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Driving Directions:   Preferred option: 7:00 to 7:45 at Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/b6SHL3ejiz32)I plan to arrive close to when Bread Alone opens at 7:00. I'll have breakfast & will be ready to leave by 8:00. I prefer to meet at Bread Alone because it has cell service, and we can reach each other if any of us is delayed. There will be limited parking at the trail heads, so we'll leave extra cars at Bread Alone. If you don't plan on eating, please arrive by 7:45, to allow time to sign in, have a chat, and arrange the carpool.Second Option: 8:30 at the Peekamoose Trailhead (Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ecQ1amEsEKiL2tzk8)If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the Peekamoose Trailhead. This is where the hike will end. We'll leave cars there, and will drive to the End of Moonhaw Rd to start the hike. There's no cell service on Peekamoose Rd near the trailhead. (But there should be cell service about 5 miles east.)Last Chance: 9:00 at the End of Moonhaw Rd (Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/WTim1iGxLum)If you're late and all else fails, drive directly to the End of Moonhaw Rd. You might catch us before we start the hikeGPS coordinates for meeting site:   41.997345, -74.263702

16th Annual Lark in the Park | October 5th - 14th, 2019

The Lark in the Park is coming soon.  As usual, we will host many events over a 10 day celebration of the Catskill Park. Whether you prefer hiking, paddling, cycling, mountain biking, art, science, cultural studies, fishing, service, yoga or more, we'll have something for you. Wheelchair accessible events included.Check it all out at catskillslark.org

Belleayre Mountain via Lost Clove and Giggle Hollow | October 2, 2019 @ 8:30 AM

We'll hike the Lost Clove trail to the junction with the Pine Hill - West Branch trail, turn left, and continue past the site of the former Belleayre Fire Tower to the junction with the Mine Hollow trail. Then we'll retrace our way back past the Lost Clove trail, and will descend on the Giggle Hollow trail.All Trails Challenge hikers take note.Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-DifficultLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Comfortable hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), lunch, snacks, at least 2 liters of water/sports drink, tick repellent.Registration required by September 30th. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Driving Directions:   We'll meet for Breakfast at Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/85B9JtdgJ8Rv95dg9), leaving there at 8:00 am. We'll caravan to the Belleayre Day Use Area, and will leave a car just outside the entrance. (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5U9at4hGmKRzjBZL8), Then we'll drive to the Lost Clove Parking area to start the hike. (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/1cNeeT9QtnvNpTtT9)GPS coordinates for meeting site:  41.997273, -74.263734

Pepacton Range: Campbell Mountain, Little Spring Brook, & Pelnor Hollow | September 25. 2019 @ 8 AM

This will be a double shuttle hike. First we'll hike the Little Spring Brook, and Pelnor Hollow trails. Then we'll start from Berry Brook Rd, and hike West on the Mary Smith trail, repeat a section of Pelnor Hollow, and complete the Campbell Mountain trail.Event Duration:  14 miles, 12 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  DifficultLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Headlamps, comfortable water resistant hiking boots, hiking poles, tick repellent, lunch, snacks, at least 3 liters of water/sports drink. Registration required by September 23rd. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional info:  The Little Spring Brook trail is likely to be wet and overgrown. Sections of the Pelnor Hollow trail are likely to be overgrown.Driving Directions:   We'll meet for breakfast at the Roscoe Diner, Old Rt 17, in Roscoe , NY (https://goo.gl/maps/tAxtKN1qcVcJUygs6), and will leave to start the shuttle at 8:00 am. We'll caravan to a parking spot on the side of Pelnor Hollow Rd, where the first hike segment will finish, leave a car there and drive to the end of Little Spring Brook Rd, to start the hike. For the second segment, we'll drive from Pelnor Hollow to retrieve cars from Little Spring Brook, drop off a car on Campbell Mountain Rd, and drive to the Berry Brook trailhead to start the second hike segment.GPS coordinates for meeting site:  41.930818, -74.909067

Pepacton Range: Finger Lakes Trail, from Berry Brook Rd to Alder Lake | Sunday, September 1, 2019 @ 9 AM

We'll hike the Finger Lakes trail from Berry Brook Rd. to the Alder Lake parking area.   The route crosses six named summits with a few nice scenic vistas.Event Duration:  12.7 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  DifficultLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Comfortable hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), snacks, at least 2 liters of water/sports drink, sun screen, tick repellent, headlampsRegistration required by August 30th. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional information:  For those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge, this hike will complete 3.3 miles of the Mary Smith trail, and all of the Middle Mountain and Touch-Me-Not trails.Driving Directions:  Alder Lake parking area (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/AFHgNjp9YwxQUmbQ9). This is where the hike will end. We'll leave cars here, and will drive to the DEC parking area on Berry Brook Rd.  to start the hike.  (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/WyB49pFkxTfyh3JFA   GPS: 42.03866, -74.84741)GPS coordinates for meeting site:   42.049790, -74.682688

Pepacton Range: Cabot Mountain, Touch-Me-Not & Little Pond | Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ 9 AM

This hike over Cabot and Touch-Me-Not Mountains, with a loop to Little Pond is designed for those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge.  It completes the following trails on map 144: Campground Trail, Little Pond Trail, and Touch-Me-Not Trail.Event Duration:  10.25 miles, 8 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate-DifficultLeader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Comfortable hiking boots, hiking poles (recommended), lunch, snacks, at least 2 liters of water/sports drink, sun screen, tick repellent.Registration required by September 18th. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Driving Directions:   We'll meet at the Alder Lake Parking Area (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/AFHgNjp9YwxQUmbQ9). This is where the hike will end. We'll leave a car there and will drive to a primitive parking area on the East side of Beech Hill Rd, just North of the Finger Lakes trailhead (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/eSTJwbRmVcTQ6PZ59, GPS: 42.050659, -74.779176) to start the hike.GPS coordinates for meeting site:   41.950982, -74.706931

Hike Balsam Mountain | Tuesday, September 10, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

At about 5 miles, Balsam is one of the shortest of the 3500 peak hikes. Great views from near the summit.  Plenty of bang for your buck.  A lollypop loop hike with short in-and-out stick at the beginning and end. Somewhat strenuous - about 1600 feet of vertical gain.Event Duration:  5.2 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:   Moderate-Difficult Leaders: Andes HikersBring: Good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfort.  Tick repellent.  Lunch and snacks.  Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by September 9th.  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: John Exter at (845) 586-4524Additional Information:Driving 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.

GPS:  42.102026, -74.517004

Hike Panther and Giant Ledge to Woodland Valley | Sunday, August 25, 2019 @ 8:30 AM

We will hike from Fox Hollow to Woodland Valley, crossing Panther Mountain and Giant Ledge. A great ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE EVENT, the hike will cover a lightly traveled Phoenicia-East Branch Trail section that features an impressive staircase constructed in the 1930s by the CCC.

Poor weather must cancel.

Event Duration:  11 miles, 9 hoursLevel of Difficulty: DifficultLeaders: Deanna FelicettaBring: Good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfort.  Tick repellent.  Lunch and snacks.  Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by August 23rd.  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:  NoQuestions 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.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!There is a modest fee for parking at the campground.Driving Directions:  From SR 28 in Phoenicia turn south at the sign for Woodland Valley. Cross the bridge and turn right. Follow Woodland Valley Rd. to the state campground parking lot. We will shuttle from there to the starting trailhead in Fox Hollow.GPS:  42.036069, -74.360025

Hike to Burnt Knob and Acra Point | Tuesday, August 20, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

This loop hike is on the Escarpment Trail with great views from both points. Mostly on the Long Path. Approximately 600 ft elevation gain.Event Duration:  6 miles, 5 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeaders: Andes HikersBring: Good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfort.  Tick repellent.  Lunch is optional.  Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by August 19th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  YesQuestions about this event can be directed to: John Exter at (845) 586-4524Additional Information:Driving Directions:  Take SR 23 to Rte. 296 east of the village of Windham. 296 becomes Rte. 40, then Rte. 56 / Big Hollow Road. Go  north and then east from Maplecrest to the trailhead at the end of the road.GPS:   42.289045, -74.115115 

Hike to a spur of Mt. Pisgah | Saturday, August 10,2019 @ 8:30am - 10:30am

Mt. Pisgah is the site of the closed Bobcat Ski Area in Andes.  This hike will visit land originally prepared for a housing development.  It has the remains of paved and gravel roads to the top of the easternmost spur of Pisgah. The land includes abandoned pastures, forest, and a multitude of stone walls, rock piles, a small quarry and cliffs.  The leader is a mycologist and he has found several species of edible mushrooms in recent summer and autumn hikes on this spur, although this year has been dry so far.Event Duration:  ~2.5 miles; 2 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy-ModerateLeader(s):  Erwin KarlBring: Good hiking shoes, tick repellent, sunscreen, plenty to drink.  Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by August 9th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  NoRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: Erwin Karl at eakarl@yahoo.comDriving Directions: Meet at the entrance to DEP land about 100 feet west of 34265 State Highway 28, Andes. There is parking at the entrance and also across the street at 34260, which was an auto repair shop with a small lot.GPS coordinates:   42.179084, -74.721016 

Rochester Hollow Hike | Wednesday, August 7, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

Historic Rochester Hollow follows a stream for awhile on an old woods road towards the former site of an estate. Along the way is a memorial plaque to Catskills' native son, naturalist and widely read author John Burroughs.Event Duration:  5 miles, 3 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  ModerateLeaders: Andes HikersBring: Good hiking shoes, plenty to drink, wear moisture wicking clothing for comfort.  Tick repellent.  Lunch is optional.  Hiking poles are recommended.Registration required by August 6th.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed:  YesQuestions about this event can be directed to: John Exter at (845) 586-4524Additonal Information:  in and out hike to ruins of old Rochester mansion. slight uphill. may be able to make it a loop or lollypop on side trail(s).Driving Directions:  Meet at the end of Matyas Rd. at the parking area.  Matyas Rd. intersects SR 28 just west of the Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian.GPS:  42.114371, -74.454828

Delhi Town Council Supports the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project

July 30 2019   The Catskill Mountain Club is happy to announce that the Town of Delhi has passed a resolution in support of the CMC's efforts to restore the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to its former home on the mountain's summit, overlooking vast areas of the Catskills. The tower, originally raised in 1950, was decommissioned and then removed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 1975. At that time, the Clark family of Delhi bought the tower, removed it, and has stored it in a barn since then, well protected from the elements. We are grateful to the Clarks for their generous offer to lease the tower to the Town for $1 so it can be placed on the summit again. This is an exciting development that will provide a great new recreational destination in the western Catskills and benefit the communities of Delhi and Bovina with the business of the many hikers who will visit the tower.Bramley Mountain is the site of the well-loved Bramley Mountain Trail, built by the CMC in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and opened to the public in 2016. Currently, the trail attracts over 1500 hikers a year. The CMC estimates that visitorship will more than double when the fire tower opens.The CMC looks forward to working with the NYCDEP, the NYSDEC and the Town of Delhi to finalize the agreements needed to proceed and then begin the task of raising the necessary funds for the project.The CMC is dedicated to improving access to outdoor recreation in the Catskill region. We believe that the communities we serve, including outdoor recreation enthusiasts and the local towns and villages that host public recreational lands, benefit from the presence of conserved lands and waters in many ways, including improved personal happiness, physical health and more robust local economies.Many Catskills residents have spoken enthusiastically in support of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower Project.  Tom Clark, a Delhi resident and owner of the fire tower said,  “As a child I have fond memories of climbing to the top of Bramley Mountain, going to the fire tower and looking out over the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is my hope, that the once tower again stands on Bramley Mt., that children and others can make the great memories of it that I have been privileged to have.”Matt Krzyston, a member of the  Delhi Town Council and an early supporter of the project said,  "I am grateful for the CMC and their contributions to the Town of Delhi. Their volunteer efforts are a rare and beautiful thing. Their hiking trails have been a perfect addition to our community. The fire tower will be a crowning jewel."Ray Pucci, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce commented,  “The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce applauds the start of this collaborative relationship between the Town of Delhi and the Catskill Mountain Club.  Restoring such unique attractions as fire towers create more reasons for visitors to choose Delaware County as a destination."Hope Knapp, President of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce, had this to say,  "We at the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce are extremely happy that the fire tower on Bramley Mountain has been approved. We look forward to the start of this project. The fire tower will be an amazing attraction to Delhi and will have a positive effect on our community and small businesses."Also in support was Laurie Rankin, Director of the NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association.  “I was very pleased to hear of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement so that the CMC can move forward with their efforts to return the original Bramley Mountain Fire Tower to its home. The nearby Catskill Fire Tower Project has been in existence for over 20 years and contributed greatly to not only a hikers experience and education, but also to the local economy.”Reflected Rick Roberts, President of the Catskill Mountain Club,  “I, too, remember climbing to the top of Bramley Mountain as a kid and visiting the tower. I was in wonder as to just how the builders got it up the mountain. With luck, I hope to be around to witness its re-erection and to see just how those workers achieved that original build.  I also look forward to seeing how the local public responds to the restoration of this historic structure.”  

Outdoor Yoga for Kids and Their Caretakers | Thursday, August 1, 2019 @ 11:30 AM

Join Pamela Martin at the Catskills Visitor Center for a free child centered outdoor yoga event.  Ages 4 - 10.  A caretaker must accompany each child during the class and is welcome to participate.  Mats are provided.What to bring:  water, snacks, sunscreen, bug sprayDogs allowed?:  NoFee:  NoneDirections:  The Catskills Visitor Center is located on SR 28 in Mt. Tremper, approximately 1.2 miles north of Boiceville.GPS:  42.028408, -74.272997 

News about the CMC in the Oneonta Daily Star

The CMC was featured in the Oneonta Daily Star recently.  We are grateful for the recognition of our work on behalf of outdoors enthusiasts and of the communities of the Catskills that benefit from the great recreational assets of our region.

Oneonta Daily Star

Go take a hike

Catskill Mountain Club's trails encourage folks to get outdoors

• By Allison Collins Contributing Writer

Jul 19, 2019

Photo contributed by the CMC - The Pepacton Reservoir as seen from the  Shavertown Trail.

Since 2012, members of the Catskill Mountain Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004, have been designing, building and maintaining user-friendly, close-to-home hiking trails throughout the Catskill region.CMC Executive Director and Margaretville resident Wendell George said the roughly 250-member group is working on building its sixth trail with plans for a seventh next year. The Shavertown Trail, the club’s first build and first collaboration with the New York City Department for Environmental Protection, opened in 2012 in Andes. The group has created about 20 miles of trails.According to catskillmountainclub.org, the Shavertown Trail “offers families and novice hikers … a spectacular view after only 1 moderately strenuous mile.” Trail features include a “lovely pond” and view of the Pepacton Reservoir, with a round-trip distance of about 2 miles.The site says the CMC’s Palmer Hill Trail, its third construction and second DEP partnership, promises “spectacular views for most of its 3.7-mile length.” The Palmer Hill Trail crosses meadows, Bryant’s Brook, historic stone walls and farmhouse foundations, but has a trailhead two miles from Andes and nine from Margaretville, with parking available at the Finkle Road scenic overlook.The approximately 4-mile Bramley Mountain Trail, on DEP property in the towns of Delhi and Bovina, takes hikers to a 2,817-foot summit with views of the mountain’s former fire tower, an abandoned bluestone quarry, caves and peaks of the western Pepacton Range. The trailhead is on Glen Burnie Road in Delhi.The club’s trail building, George said, epitomizes its mission to make outdoor exploration accessible.“We’re trying to offer the general public the opportunity to discover outdoor recreation in the Catskills that is not motorized,” he said. “We want to introduce people to what the Catskills have to offer, so we’ve built these five trails. It takes a season to build a trail; typically, we’re able to get them open by July, but we would’ve started working on them the previous fall.“We’ve generally put trails close to communities, like we did in Andes and Delhi, and next year’s trail will be in Arkville,” George said. “Part of the reason for building the trails closer to communities was to make it easier for people to go hiking. If you have to get in the car and drive 40 minutes to a trailhead, it limits the opportunity to do it. But if there’s a trail right in your hamlet like there is in Andes … or this trail we’re going to build in Arkville, people have a much greater opportunity to go out and hike.”The soon-to-come Arkville-area trail, he said, will likely open in September because of lengthy research required for interpretive signage.“The trails that we’ve built are more introductory-type trails,” CMC board member and Andes resident Anne Roberti said. “That was our focus. There are a lot of trails in the Catskills more suited to strenuous hikers — 35 mountains over 3,500 feet — but there weren’t a lot near towns that were not so hard. We envisioned trails that people could bring small children to or older adults that aren’t up to walking straight up a mountain.”During the design and building phases, George and Roberti said, planners also focus on how to keep hikers engaged.“Going out and laying a trail, there are certain guidelines you want to follow so that it’s not too steep, you minimize erosion and give people a scenic route,” George said. “So we explore around to find the most interesting features — whether that’s rock outcroppings, quarries or waterfalls — and design a trail that visits those kinds of places.”“When the DEP is involved, it can take a little bit longer because they have to issue permits, but the thing that takes the longest is actually laying out the trail,” Roberti said. “We visit numerous times to get a sense of where the best place is. We want to make it sustainable so that there’s no erosion, (ensure) it’s easy enough to walk on and maintain and that it passes interesting things. That’s a big part of what we’re doing when laying it out — looking for what’s fun to see.”The club’s work to facilitate such forest forays, members said, has been met with enthusiasm.“It takes a while to get your message out there and get known, but we have a lot of support,” George said. “Over 8,500 people last year hiked on trails we’ve built … and just this past year we’ve established a relationship with SUNY Delhi. We have a crew of students that take care of the Bramley Mountain Trail and we’re looking to expand that relationship, so we’re definitely in a period of growth and change.”“People love them,” Roberti said. “Some people hike these trails every single day. When I’m out working on them and see people using them, it makes me feel great. It warms my heart to see them making such good use of it and … when people use the outdoors, they’ll protect it more and that’s important.”As an extension of its mission, George said, the group introduced the “Catskills All-Trails Challenge” four years ago.“We started a program to hike all the designated hiking trails in Catskill Park, which is 347 miles, and that’s really starting to catch on,” he said. “We started a Facebook group for it just a couple of months ago and it’s got 380 members, so there are a lot of folks out there that like this idea.”“There are lots of places in the park and Delaware and Sullivan counties … with a lot of trails that simply don’t see a lot of use,” he continued, so this (challenge) is a way to encourage people to explore the park, learn more about it and spread that use around.”A commitment to trail building, George said, goes beyond construction.“Maintenance is a huge part of our program,” George said. “Going out and maintaining these trails, that’s the long-term thing. We have crews of people who do it, but recently we’ve been looking for people willing to adopt specific trails and take care of those on their own, because we’re getting to a place where there’s a lot of work to do.”“We go out twice a year, usually in spring and late summer, and cut trees that have blown down or tall grasses and blackberry bushes that have grown into the trail,” Roberti said. “We also put up trail markers if they’ve gone missing during the winter. We’re always looking for additional volunteers.”The pros of opening and maintaining trails, George and Roberti said, are many and worthy.“We realized that there was a big economic benefit to a community when there are trails close to town,” Roberti said. “You get people coming to stay or have lunch that day.”“We live in this place and we want these lands to be protected for the health of the planet and our own health,” George said, “but we also recognize that the people here need to make a living. When people come up here … you’re attracting people that go to restaurants and stay in bed and breakfasts, so there’s a benefit to the economy.”“The benefits to public health are really tremendous,” he said. “And not just physical health; we’ve all known for years that we should do more physical activities, but the benefits to mental health when people get out and in nature are also tremendous. That is widely recognized as being an important way of helping people cope with the stress of life, so that’s important to us.”

Second Annual Members Picnic | Sunday, August 11, 2019 @ 10:00 AM

🎵 Summer's here and the time is right for picnicking in the park!  🎵       At North-South Lake, that is!

It's time for our Annual Members Picnic!  Join us on August 11th from 10 to 5 at the South Lake pavilion for food, games, hikes, swimming, paddling and just a plain old good time chatting with like minded lovers of the great outdoors.Your club will provide free hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You bring a dish to share.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.Not a current member? Join or renew below.Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Lunch at 1:00 PM.Registration is required by August 6th.  Click here to go to the registration form. There is a day use area entrance fee to the facilities, and if you want to paddle you'll need to rent or bring your own kayak or canoe.First thing in the morning, we'll depart on one or two easy hikes to one of the amazing attractions along the Escarpment. Sunset Rock, Inspiration Point and Kaaterskill Falls are all possibilities.For those who prefer not to hike, choose from several other options.   Afterwards, we'll return to the pavilion for a cookout followed by a few more hours of relaxing, swimming, boating or playing a friendly yard game or two.What you'll need to bring:If you're hiking, bring good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing and plenty of water. Hiking poles are suggested.  Bring swim suits, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes and folding chairs, if desired.Bring a dish to share. Organizers will ask for an appetizer, a side dish, a dessert or a salad.  Please see the registration form.Questions can be directed to Rick Roberts at hikerrick2000@yahoo.comDriving directions:   From SR 23A in Haines Falls turn north onto North Lake Drive and bear right at the Twilight General Store, continuing to the entrance gate.Make your reservations here: https://catskillmountainclub.org/cmc-annual-picnic-registration/