The “Grid” and the “4 Seasons” peakbagging programs were founded by the now disbanded Rip van Winkle Hikers with the purpose of recognizing hikers who have achieved remarkable peakbagging goals. The CMC has agreed to sponsor the continuation of these programs in honor of the Rips’ long service to the Catskills hiking community and to their maintenance of Catskills trails, and in honor of the hikers who have achieved these lofty goals.

The Catskills 4 Seasons 140 program requires hikers to summit each of the 35 High Peaks in each of the four seasons. Similarly, the Catskills Grid 420 requires summiting each of those 35 mountains in each of the 12 months.

Qualifying hikes must be accomplished during designated calendar seasons and months. They may be done in any order and previously documented hikes may be counted for meeting the qualifications. Detailed records of when hikes are made, recording routes and dates, should be kept. Trails should be used where available in order to promote environmental sustainability by protecting rare plant communities and wildlife habitat from damaging use. We encourage use of well established unofficial paths when trails are not available. Hikes occurring during any closures of specific trails or lands by the NYSDEC for any reason will not be accepted as qualifying hikes. When all requirements are met, applicants should fill out and submit via email or post their hike records form and a signed statement attesting that they have met all qualifying requirements.

Membership in the CMC is required before awards will be made. Your dues help defray administrative expenses and support our programs and work on behalf of the Catskill Park and region. You can learn more about the club here. You can pay the CMC’s annual membership dues by mail or by clicking here. You will receive CMC membership materials, including the club patch and membership card plus the patch and certificate for the program you have completed. Qualifying members names will be posted on this page.

For more information, contact us.

Happy hiking!