Catskills All Trails Challenge Update

December 19. 2020    We're adding a trail section to the list of required hikes! The Vernooy Kill Falls Trail was extended by DEC to be coaligned with the snowmobile trail that goes from Vernooy Falls to Greenville. The section is about 1.8 miles long and there is a small parking area at the Greenville trailhead. The trail is an easy hike and is marked Red. We will update the documents on the CMC webpage.  

Doubletop and Graham Mountains are Closed to Public Access

January 14. 2021     Please note that both Doubletop and Graham Mountains are now closed to public access effective immediately.The private landowners have generously allowed public access for many years. They have decided that recent trends of increased usage by hikers are having a significant negative effect on the wilderness character and ecology of these trailless mountains. Due to their long held concerns for conservation of wilderness, they will end access for all members of the public. As of today, hikers who encroach on these private lands will be in violation of laws against trespass and subject to enforcement measures, including arrest.Our Catskills Grid and Catskills 4 Seasons programs will designate changes to the required peaks in concert with the decisions made by the Catskill 3500 Club for their list of qualifying hikes. Those new designations should be finalized and available in a few weeks. As of today, no future hikes of either Graham or Doubletop will be accepted as qualifying hikes for the CMC's two programs.

Announcing a Temporary Partial Closure on the Delhi Trails

February 25, 2021   Update:  The logging operation has been suspended until June. As a result, the entire Gribley Trail is temporarily reopened.

Please note that a recent decision by the Delaware Academy School Board allowed snowmobile use of a section of the lower Gribley Trail. Please use caution when hiking with children or with dogs.

December 23, 2020  Update:  Due to severe weather related conditions, logging has been temporarily halted.  The reopening of the trail will be affected by this, possibly delaying it for several weeks.  Please continue to avoid the area until all work is completed.

November 17, 2020    We have just learned that the section of the Delhi Trails from the Sheldon Drive trailhead to the intersection of the Gribley Trail and the Frightful's Falls Trail will be closed effective immediately for about 5 weeks due to a logging operation on Village of Delhi property. For your safety and that of the loggers, please do not use this part of the trail for any reason.

All other trails remain open to the public, including the Gribley Trail to the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot trailhead, the Bulldog Run Trail, the Frightful's Falls Trail and the Smith Pond Trail.

We will announce the reopening when the work has been completed.

Andes Rail Trail gets some love....

"The Andes rail-trail in its four short miles offered me beauty, quiet, history, and it made me laugh."Thank you, Susan Barnett and Hudson Valley One for this wonderful article on the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur.Click on the first page, below, to see the whole article.  Here thanks to permission from Susan Barnett.

CMC Trails Featured in The Reporter

October 6, 2020   "The Hiker's Guide to the Catskills",  a recently published article in The Reporter, features the CMC trails and lots of other useful info and news about hiking in the Catskills from the CMC, the NYSDEC and the NYCDEP.Click on the images to expand the view.   

CMC Announces Three New Hiking Programs with Patches

October 6, 2020   The CMC is excited to add three new hiking programs that, when completed, will earn qualifiers a beautiful  embroidered patch and a certificate commemorating their achievement.

In honor of opening the sixth trail built by the CMC since 2012, we are founding a new hiking program for hikers who qualify by hiking each of the trails built by the club.  (A seventh trail will open in 2021, but hikers are free to apply based on completing each of the existing six.)  These trails have been designed to appeal to most hikers, both novice and expert. They are on some of the most beautiful  lands in the Catskills, are easy to moderate in difficulty and are located near major highways and villages.

Two of these programs are being adopted by the CMC, which will assume sponsorship of the Catskills 4 Seasons 140 and the Catskills Grid 420 programs from the Rip van Winkle Hikers.  After decades of service to the Catskills which included organizing hikes, maintaining trails and working through membership in the Catskill Park Coalition to bring our issues to Albany, the Rips decided to dissolve the club as of the end of 2019.  Among their legacies are these two hiking programs that have earned the respect of serious hikers in our region.  The CMC is proud to ensure that these programs will continue into the future.

Find out more about these programs, about the Catskills All Tails Challenge and about each of the trails on their pages on the CMC website.  Note:  Previous 4 Seasons qualifiers can receive the newly redesigned patch free of charge by contacting the CMC at info@catskillmountainclub.org.

Summer 2020 Newsletter

The Summer edition of the CMC News is available here.  Check it out for stories about Volunteers, summer in the woods, news about the Club and about recreational opportunities in the Catskills region.

A Guide to the CMC Trails 2nd Edition is available now!

August 8, 2020    The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Catskill Mountain Club Trails has just been published. You can find it at the trailheads, at the Catskills Visitor Center and at several area merchants.

In the Guide you will find maps, descriptions and trailhead locations for all of the trails.  Updated information for the Morris Hill Trail, which is still under construction, will be in an upcoming revision.

To view and download the Guide, click this link.

Note:  For best results use 11" x 14" paper. 

Sustainable and Safe Hiking Practices During the Pandemic and Beyond

Simple Rules to Help Everyone Stay Safe

During the Pandemic:

• Stay close to home.  Driving to distant sites increases the likelihood of spreading the disease.
• Keep a 6 foot distance between you and other hikers (except those in your household)
• If you are not feeling well, stay home.
• Do not expect to use any bathroom or other facilities.
• Do not share equipment except with members of your household.
• Take care when signing in to use your own pen or sanitize your hands immediately after signing. Only have one party member sign in per group.
• Do not share rides except with members of your household.
• Leash your dogs and practice social distancing rules with them.

Guidelines for all times:

• Avoid high use areas or go at off times.
• If the parking lot is full, visit a different location. For visitor safety and the safety of others, do not park on roadsides and only park in designated parking areas.
• Alert others as you pass or step to the side to let other hikers pass.
• Be sure to sign in at the registration box.
• Practice tick prevention and check for ticks after your outing at all times. Tick borne diseases are always possible and can cause serious illness.

We are thankful to first responders and essential workers. Please show your appreciation by maintaining a six foot distance from others while shopping and by wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of the virus. The virus can be transmitted days before symptoms appear, as well as by asymptomatic people shedding the virus.

How the Pandemic is Affecting Our Annual Events

July, 3 2020    In keeping with recommendations and requirements intended to keep us all safe during the Covid-19 crisis, the CMC has decided that we will not offer our Annual Picnic nor our Annual Dinner in 2020.We continue to evaluate the situation as we think about offering outdoor recreational events again.  At this time, the resurgence of cases in the country is of great concern.  It remains important to recreate locally, to socially distance when in groups and to wear masks when in close contact or when passing unrelated parties.  We recommend stepping off trail to allow others to pass.  We will continue to monitor developments. Like everyone, we look forward to resuming normal activities as soon as possible.Be safe.

Ashokan Quarry Trail Opens to the Public

July 18, 2020    Yesterday we and our partners, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, opened the new trail officially. Also in attendance was a representative from the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, which supplied a grant to pay for interpretive signage. Unfortunately, in an abundance of caution we were not able to invite the public to the ceremony. While it's always fun to have a big event, the important thing is that the trail is finished and that you are invited to hike it whenever you can!

The two mile trail begins just off Rte. 28A about 0.2 miles west of the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. There is a dedicated parking area just 100 feet into the woods. From there follow the blue markers and yellow directional signs. Just before making the turn towards the top of the old Yale Quarry, a source of rock during the construction of the reservoir, pass the ruins of an old stone building that was used to store explosives. There are sweeping views of the Catskills, including four high peaks, from the high, open ledges along the top of the quarry wall. The path is through a mixed forest of hardwoods and pine, with a 200' foot section passing through dense mountain laurel.Be sure to check out the remnants of the railroad loading zone on a short spur trail near the southern end of the main loop trail. A large seasonal vernal pool fed by water falling from the quarry walls is an added point of interest in spring. Although It retains water year round, it becomes very low in summer. As you return to the parking lot, pass through an interesting area with large mounds of tailings that line both sides of the trail.This is an easy hike with about 200 feet of elevation gain.For more information and to print a map and trail guide visit:https://catskillmountainclub.org/…/wh…/ashokan-quarry-trail/

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

Andes Rail Trail Hiking Guide

The ART begins at the restored Andes Train Station. The easy- moderate out and back hike totals four miles. It follows the old rail bed for about 0.8 miles until ending at private property. This scenic section overlooking the Tremperskill Valley is flat and wide with a few short detours provided for use in wet conditions. Along the way are several nice viewpoints, including one over a beaver pond dammed up on the creek by the resident beavers.From there the trail turns west (right) uphill onto the Bullet Hole Spur, which climbs the slopes of Hemlock Knoll. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with some short but fairly steep ups and downs.After a short distance, the trail turns north (right) and after about 0.1 miles makes a sharp switchback to begin climbing a steeper section. This section passes some nice rock formations and glacial erratics in a mixed hardwood forest.The height of land is reached in about 0.2 mile. The trail then begins a descent soon coming to a lovely fern glade. Just past the glade is a stone wall. The trail makes a sharp turn south before coming to a step-up and crossing the wall.Directly ahead lies a large spruce plantation. The trail continues straight ahead following a row through the trees before coming to nice views of the adjacent field and the hills beyond. At this point it bears slightly right and descends towards a beautiful grove of old hemlocks.After crossing the ruins of another stone wall the trail again swings right and loops through the hemlocks. The Bullet Hole Creek (on private land) can be heard and glimpsed to the left side of the trail.As you walk through the hemlock forest pay careful attention to the markers. You will come to a place where the trail turns north (right). Going straight enters private lands. The trail soon crosses a largely flattened stone wall before reclimbing the hill through the spruce trees and returning to the step-up stone wall crossing. From this point retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

© Catskill Mountain Club (Publish for non-commercial distribution with attribution. Otherwise, contact for permission.)

Spring 2020 CMC Newsletter

The Spring edition of the CMC News is available here.  Check it out for stories about Earth Day, news about the Club and about recreational opportunities in the Catskills region.  Learn more about where to hike during the pandemic, about the signs of spring in nature and learn about a yoga exercise that will help you be a better hiker.

Spring 2020 Coronavirus Edition Newsletter

Find out what you need to know about current hiking conditions in the Catskills during the pandemic, tips for hiking safely at this time and more stories about the Catskills.  Click here to view the newsletter.

CMC EVENTS CALENDAR

Photo courtesy of Bill Palmer, Palmer Hill Photography.       

February 2020
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						17:45 AMWindham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole Hike/Snowshoe
2	3	49 AMCatskill Park Day 2020	5PostponedHike Friday, Balsam Cap, Rocky, Lone, Table & Peekamoose	6	7	8
9	10	11	127:30 AMHike Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide	13	14	157:30 AMHike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) and Hunter
16	17	18	19	207:30 AMHike North Dome & Sherrill	21	22
2310:00 AMFrick Pond Snowshoe	24	25	267:45 AMPlateau, Sugarloaf, Twin & Indian Head Hike/Snowshoe	27	28	297:30 AMHike Panther via Giant Ledge

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com 

March 2020
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	2	3	4Hike Doubletop, Graham & Balsam Lake	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19  Spring Equinox	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27
29	30	31

2019 Calendar Template © calendarlabs.com    

Hike Doubletop, Graham, & Balsam Lake | Wednesday, March 4, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

We'll hike about 10 miles, over 3 Catskills high peaks: Doubletop (3874'), Graham (3868'), and Balsam Lake (3729'), with a total ascent of about 3300'. Our route includes easy trails, and both easy and challenging bushwhacks.Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack Leader(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. Headlamps are required. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Registration required by March 3rd. 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:  Moderate Pace: We must stay together as one group, with each person within easy talking distance of the person ahead and behind. Don't count on moving quickly to stay warm - dress for the weather. I'll do my best to set a steady pace that everyone can maintain all day. Hurry up & wait is stupid when it's warm, and dangerous when it's the cold. Each of you is responsible for anyone behind you. If someone behind you is falling behind, please don't make a fuss, but slow your pace & ask the folks ahead to slow down too. If you experience any difficulties, please tell me before a dangerous situation develops.The last time I led this hike (1/17/20) it took about 8-1/2 hours. Depending on conditions it could take us much longer..Driving Directions:   Preferred Option: Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/JcCPf2FMcW8qT4se9), leaving at 7:45. I plan to arrive at 7:00 when they open & will have a great breakfast (usually avocado toast with eggs). Even if you aren't eating, please arrive by 7:30 so there's time to talk, sign in, etc before we leave at 7:45.Second Option: If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the Highmount Post Office, on Galli Curci Rd, just off of Rt 28 (Google Maps link:  https://goo.gl/maps/SypSSG5hgaPR6hL97). I picked this spot because (unlike the actual trailheads) it has reliable cell service. We'll leave there by 8:15 and will drive to the Dry Brook Ridge Trail Parking Area on Mill Brook Rd. (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/cZwSdcrUVWou5wkB9) This is where our hike will end. We'll leave cars there at about 8:30, and will drive to the Seager parking area at the end of Dry Brook Rd to start the hike.If you're late, drive directly to the Seager parking area (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/mwoMq1ZLHSKwpAUk6). If you get there by 8:45 you might catch us.GPS:  Bread Alone: 41.997301, -74.263724; Highmount PO: 42.147254, -74.495306;

Hike Panther Mountain | Saturday, February 29, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

We'll hike Panther via Giant Ledge out and back from the Rt. 47 hairpin. With its spectacular views, Giant Ledge is one of the top destinations in the Catskills and will be far less crowded during winter.Event Duration:  7 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Moderate - Difficult Leader(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. Headlamps are required. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Registration required by February 24th. 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:  We must stay together as one group, with each person within easy talking distance of the person ahead and behind. Don't count on moving quickly to stay warm - dress for the weather. I'll do my best to set a steady pace that everyone can maintain all day. Hurry up & wait is stupid when it's warm, and dangerous when it's the cold. Each of you is responsible for anyone behind you. If someone behind you is falling behind, please don't make a fuss, but slow your pace & ask the folks ahead to slow down too. If you experience any difficulties, please tell me before a dangerous situation develops.Driving Directions:   Preferred Option: Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/JcCPf2FMcW8qT4se9), leaving at 7:45. I plan to arrive at 7:00 when they open & will have a great breakfast (usually avocado toast with eggs). Even if you aren't eating, please arrive by 7:30 so there's time to talk, sign in, etc before we leave at 7:45.Second Option: If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the DEC Panther parking area at the Rt 47 hairpin (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/Lqo8QUgqe5zPcxrn9), at 8:15. There is no cell service at this location. This is where our hike will start and end.GPS coordinates for meeting site:    Bread Alone, Boiceville: 41.997289, -74.263734;Giant Ledge parking area:  42.026601, -74.403711

Hike North Dome and Sherrill | Thursday, February 20, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

This (mostly) bushwhack will summit 2 Catskill peaks: North Dome (3605') and Sherrill (3558'). This is the perfect time of year to hike these trailless peaks. There's a great southerly view from the ledges on North Dome.Event Duration:  6 miles, 6 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult; bushwhack Leader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Wear warm hiking boots, and pack an extra clothing layer. Do not wear cotton. It will probably be too cold for a long lunch, bring small sandwiches or snacks that can be eaten during short breaks, and 2 to 3 liters of water/sports drink packed so that it won't freeze. Headlamps are required. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Registration required by February 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) 731-3318Additional information:  We must stay together as one group, with each person within easy talking distance of the person ahead and behind. Don't count on moving quickly to stay warm - dress for the weather. I'll do my best to set a steady pace that everyone can maintain all day. Hurry up & wait is stupid when it's warm, and dangerous when it's the cold. Each of you is responsible for anyone behind you. If someone behind you is falling behind, please don't make a fuss, but slow your pace & ask the folks ahead to slow down too. If you experience any difficulties, please tell me before a dangerous situation develops.Driving Directions:   Preferred Option: Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/JcCPf2FMcW8qT4se9), leaving at 7:45. I plan to arrive at 7:00 when they open & will have a great breakfast (usually avocado toast with eggs). Even if you aren't eating, please arrive by 7:30 so there's time to talk, sign in, etc before we leave at 7:45.Second Option: If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the DEC Shaft Rd parking area (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/8n3oZMBGDRq8qx4AA), at 8:00. Those of us coming from Bread Alone should arrive by 8:05, but we might be a bit late depending on road conditions. There is no cell service at this location. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave cars, and shuttle to the Mink Hollow (Devil's Path) Trail Head, to start the hike.Last Chance: If all else fails, drive directly to the Mink Hollow Trail Head (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/eSg7MewLXcM8wMKe6). If you get there by 8:15 or a bit later, you should catch us before we start to hike.GPS coordinates for meeting site:    Bread Alone, Boiceville: 41.997289, -74.263734;Shaft Rd. parking area:  42.165611, -74.408833Mink Hollow Trailhead parking area: 42.191932, -74.324588

Hike Westkill, SW Hunter (Leavitt) & Hunter | Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 7:30 AM

This (mostly) trail hike will summit 3 Catskills peaks: Westkill (3898'), SW Hunter (3753'), and Hunter (4030'), the Catskills second highest upon which sits the highest fire tower in New York.Event Duration:  15 miles, 12 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult Leader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Wear warm hiking boots, and pack an extra clothing layer. Do not wear cotton. It will probably be too cold for a long lunch, bring small sandwiches or snacks that can be eaten during short breaks, and 2 to 3 liters of water/sports drink packed so that it won't freeze. Headlamps are required. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Registration required by February 14th. 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 meeting place/time: Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/JcCPf2FMcW8qT4se9), at 7:30, leaving no later than 7:45. Alternate meeting place/time: DEC "horse ramp" parking area on Spruceton Rd (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/FLFvABSdGtFvZeRm8), at 8:15 to 8:30. There is no cell service at this location. This is where our loop hike will start and end.GPS coordinates for meeting site:    Bread Alone, Boiceville: 41.997289, -74.263734;Spruceton Trail parking area:  42.184224, -74.271754

Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Hike | Wednesday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:30 AM

We'll hike the Burroughs Range, summiting Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide. With lots of great views along the way, the one from Wittenberg is one of the nicest in the Catskills.  Expect lots of ups and downs as we climb three of the high peaks, including the tallest in the Catskills.Event Duration:  10 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty:  Difficult Leader(s):   Marv FreedmanBring: Wear warm hiking boots, and pack an extra clothing layer. Do not wear cotton. It will probably be too cold for a long lunch, bring small sandwiches or snacks that can be eaten during short breaks, and 2 to 3 liters of water/sports drink packed so that it won't freeze. Headlamps are required. We will probably encounter extreme ice between Cornell and Slide. Traction aids at least as aggressive as Hillsound Trail Crampons are required. Crampons are strongly recommended. I don't expect to need snowshoes, but bring them and we'll decide whether to carry them at the trail head.Registration required by February 11th. 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 meeting place/time: Bread Along on Rt. 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/44733DAqWG5EQvVk8) at 7:30. (Arrive at 7:00 if you want to eat breakfast). We'll leave Bread Alone no later than 7:45, and drive to the Slide parking area (Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/yfGmWxJYrXtqMmhK6) to drop off cars.Alternate meeting place/time: If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the Slide parking area between 8:00 and 8:15. But there is no cell service here, so we will not be able to reach you if there is a delay.After dropping off cars at the Slide parking area, we'll drive to Woodland Valley to start the hike.GPS coordinates for meeting site:    Bread Alone, Boiceville: 41.997289, -74.263734;Slide Mountain parking area: 42.008037, -74.428271