Catskill Trailkeeper

2 Days, 3 Nights, on a Path Named for a Devil

catskillpost — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:35:24 +0000

Kirsten Luce for The New York Times

A view from Plateau Mountain.

By STEPHEN REGENOLD

Published: September 25, 2009

NIGHTFALL came after the rain had stopped, and in the wet woods columns of fog twisted around dripping trees. It was 10 p.m. on a summer Friday, the forest moonless and still at the trailhead to the Devil’s Path.

Kirsten Luce for The New York Times

The Indian Head Mountain part of the Devil’s Path. More Photos »

An opening in the woods off the parking lot looked like a dark door. Beyond, a small trail edged into the night, its route unseen. The Devil’s Path, an east-to-west voyage along the spine of the Catskills, is often cited as the toughest hiking trail in the East. In 25 miles it ascends six major peaks, plunging into deep valleys between climbs.

“From end to end the Devil’s Path is one of the more challenging trails around,” said Josh Howard, a director at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, which publishes detailed maps of area trails, including the Devil’s Path.

Backpackers hoping to complete the route face a total climb and descent of more than 14,000 feet. Steep ascents include cliff bands and traverse terrain that is vertical enough at times to be confused with a mountain climb.

“It’s straight up and straight down, and then you do it over again,” said Mr. Howard, 33, who once hiked the entire trail in a one-day feat of endurance.

Most backpacking groups commit three days of hiking to complete the route, according to the trail conference. Backpackers can camp in lean-tos along the way and purify water from streams.

Our group of three went into the woods late on a Friday night, hoping to complete the trail in a weekend.

We plodded the initial miles up Indian Head Mountain by the halo glow of a headlamp beam. Our plan was to camp two nights, hiking the bulk of the trail on Saturday and Sunday. Karl Wiedemann, my friend from Connecticut, had to be at work on Monday morning.

On the first night, shouldering about 20 pounds in my backpack, I thought I had lost the trail as it climbed up the side of a slope. “This can’t be right,” I shouted down, one hand on a root, the other clutching a crack in the rock.

Brock Foreman, a friend from Maine, shined his headlamp above the outcrop. The glint of a trail marker sign sparked in the night, verifying our position to be correct on the precipitous path.

We camped that night in the woods off the trail, having missed the lean-to in the dark. Karl pitched a one-person tent. Brock and I collapsed into waterproof bivy bags. Before sleep I piled our food for the weekend into a nylon sack, clipping it closed and tying it high in a tree to keep a cache out of reach of the bears that roam the region.

My journey to the Catskills wilderness began in Penn Station, where I caught a train north for two hours from Manhattan with a backpack and camping gear. At the train stop in Rhinecliff, N.Y., I met up with Karl, and we drove toward the town of West Saugerties and the eastern terminus of the Devil’s Path, off Platte Clove Mountain Road.

Before starting the hike, we shuttled Brock’s Subaru about 30 miles around to the other end of the Catskills, parking it at the western terminus of the trail. Then it was back again to Platte Clove Mountain Road and to the east end of the trail for some final packing before we set off into the night.

Completing the Devil’s Path over a long weekend is the goal for many motivated backpackers. But the trail can be reached from parking lots and connecting trails throughout the Catskills.

Devil’s Tombstone State Campground is near the halfway point of the path. Hikers can head east or west from a parking lot close to the campground at Notch Lake on State Route 214 to sample the trail, including a cliff-riddled ascent on a spur of Hunter Mountain, which ascends more than 1,000 feet within its first half-mile west of the road.

After our prologue hike on the first night we rose early on Saturday morning and finished the trudge skyward on Indian Head Mountain, a 3,573-foot crest near the east end of the trail. From the top the view stretched for miles. The landscape rolled as a dense carpet of green, the area’s trees and hills surrendering only to the Hudson River far in the east.

We trekked downhill into Jimmy Dolan Notch, one of several named high mountain passes along the route. My map revealed the pass as a 300-foot gouge in the landscape, the map’s topographical lines forming a hammock weave where two mountains met.

I paused in the elevated glen, a perch that was mossy and wet, with mushrooms and ferns. Then it was uphill again to Twin Mountain, a two-headed hill topping out at 3,640 feet.

The eastern section of the trail opened in 1930, and it was extended west to Hunter Mountain in 1934-5. But it wasn’t until 1973-4 that the western sections were blazed.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: September 26, 2009
A map in the Escapes pages on Friday with an article about hiking the Devil’s Path in New York State misstated the name of the park through which the trail passes. It is Catskill Park, not Catskill State Park.

Summer family fun at the Catskill Scenic Trail

catskillpost — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:36:16 +0000

Full article can be found at this address: http://www.examiner.com/x-3498-NY-Childrens-Issues-Examiner~y2009m6d26-Summer-family-fun-at-the-Catskill-Scenic-Trail

June 26, 10:45 AM

I’ll bet that many native New Yorkers who’ve decided to rear their children in the City have memories about upstate New York summer vacations. Remember the movie “Dirty Dancing” the coming of age story during a family vacation as it used to be in such popular spots as Sullivan County? Well, the Catskill Mountain region can still be a great place for building strong ties with your children and giving them the childhood memories that last a lifetime.

One such destination is the Catskill Scenic Trail that lies on top of the former rail bed of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad. This 26-mile trail has been perfectly finished with a hard surface made for biking, hiking, horseback riding and, in the winter, cross-country skiing.

What makes it so special is the gentle grade which lets your young children keep up with the family’s bike outing or hiking adventure. You can’t find more breathtaking scenery in the Northeast, and its so accessible to New Yorkers.

If you are planning a family trip to the trail, you can find reasonable accommodations in Stamford, New York where the trail intersects in several locations. Family friendly restaurants are everywhere. Or, if you are adventurous, try camping at any one of the New York State Parks. Call the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce (1-866-755-4425) for a free tavel guide to help you plan your trip.

For more info:
About the Catskill Scenic Trail call 607-652-2821 or log onto www.durr.org

For big fun, sneak a peek at the peaks

catskillpost — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:13:04 +0000

BY Joe Dziemianowicz
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Sunday, June 14th 2009, 4:00 AM

Full article can be found at this address: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/travel/2009/06/14/2009-06-14_for_big_fun_sneak_a_peek_at_the_peaks.html

When you need a lift, an altitude adjustment can do you good. So you’re in luck: There are four awesome areas nearby where the hills are alive with the sound of chirping birds, rustling breezes and, ahhh, pure peace and quiet. That beats honking cabs any day.

When you’re done hiking, biking, swimming or maybe just napping, you can soak up culture at local attractions. Family-friendly accommodations range from low-cost campgrounds, sleepy B&Bs and cottages to luxe resorts. So take a hike – and we mean that in a good way.

There are hundreds of campgrounds in all four mountain regions. You can reserve a down-to-Earth site by calling 1-800-456-CAMP or visiting www.reserveamerica.com.

THE CATSKILLS

City dwellers have hightailed it to this storybook-beautiful area in upstate New York for two centuries. No wonder – a couple of hours from sidewalks and hubbub are ancient hills, naturally air-conditioned forests and gurgling streams.

Nature calls

The popular 5-mile round-trip hike up Indian Head Mountain “will give you a better workout than you could ever pay for at a gym,” notes the Catskills Mountain Club. There are more outing ideas at www.catskillmountainclub.org.

Hippie happenings

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (at the site of the original fest) will host special concerts to mark those “three days of peace and music.” On Aug. 14, Richie Havens plays the Museum at Bethel Woods. Tickets are $50. On Aug. 15, Jefferson Starship and Canned Heat are part of the Heroes of Woodstock Concert. Tickets are $19.69-$69. Details at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org

Huggins Lake Trail, Delaware County

catskillpost — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:16:57 +0000

Huggins Lake

This past Sunday I went on my first hike of the summer to Huggins Lake. I went with my friend and summertime roommate, Ashley. During the day, when I’m not interning at the Catskill Mountainkeeper, Ashley and I spend our days gardening, reading, cooking, and (now) hiking.

Ashley had hiked this trail a few days earlier and had warned me about its rigorous incline. We rode our bikes to the trail head and started our march uphill. (The trail head is on Berry/Holiday Brook Road, about a mile south of Henderson Hollow Road in Delaware County. Car parking is available.) We played games and chatted to pass the time as we grew out of breath. But before we knew it (after 1.9 miles, to be exact) the trail opened up to Huggins Lake. We promptly dropped our shorts and jumped into the chilly lake. There was a small clearing with a site for a campfire where we snacked on peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

After chowing down, we laced up our sneakers and headed back down the trail. The way back was much speedier (we had to be careful not to twist our ankles!) and we soon got back to our bikes. When returned home our bodies felt well-used. All-in-all it was a super hike; it was just difficult enough to give us a feeling of accomplishment and it only took about two hours (including the bike ride). I’d recommend it as a great trail for a fairly quick but rigorous excursion. Check it out!

Happy hiking!

Eleanor Blakeslee-Drain (Catskill Mountainkeeper Intern)

Flowers around Huggins Lake

Huggins Lake trail

April 19, 2009, Oneonta Daily Star: Hiking in Catskills has its ups and downs

catskillpost — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:43:58 +0000

As you may know, I have spent a considerable amount of time hiking, hunting and fishing in the Adirondack Mountains over the years. It has been my love and life. I’ve always had a mystical attraction to those ancient peaks. As I’ve said once before, I can turn left or right out of my driveway. Left takes me north and it has always been the stronger pull. Yet just down the road, a piece in the other direction is another mountain range that needs a lot more consideration. The Catskills are far closer to home and seem to offer so many great things.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I took a day to climb Slide Mountain. At 4,180 feet into the sky, it’s the highest peak in the Catskills. Compared to some of the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks, which are above 4,000 feet, it was a relatively easy climb and was only a couple of hours away. Not far from there is North South Lake State Park near Haines Falls. This area is the starting point of one of the best hiking trails in the Catskills, according to some of my friends. The Escarpment Trail wanders from just outside the park gates all the way to Route 23 for a total of about 24 miles. This, obviously, would make a wonderful two- or three-day trip. For the day hiker, the initial 5 miles or so of the trail offers some of the very best views in the Catskill Mountains. Sure there are some steep sections, but any hike in the mountains is going to have its ups and downs.

At one point, the trail works its way along the edge of a cliff. They tell me it’s rather scary, but the views from Inspiration Point and Sunset Rock make the whole ascent worthwhile. From there, you have spectacular views of the Hudson Valley off to the east and North South Lake and the beautiful Catskill Mountain Range to the southwest. There are places called Split Rock and Boulder Rock. These are huge pieces of rock that have fallen from the cliffs above and dangle next to the trail. You also can climb to the site of the old Catskill Mountain House, which is quite amazing even though the buildings are long since gone. For the ambitious soul who got an early start, you can find the wreckage of a plane that crashed into the side of North Mountain.

The pilot, John Grace, lost his life there in 1983. Remnants of the plane are still next to the trail. In the next few weeks _ when the weather is good _ I’ll hike the trail. I might find something in the Catskills that will make me want to return. You never know. What’s happening? The Davenport Center VFW will hold a trapper training course from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 17. The class is limited to 30 students. For more information or to register, call Gary at 607-432-9266 evenings. Rick Brockway writes a weekly outdoors column for The Daily Star. E-mail him at robrockway@hotmail.com.

link to article is here: http://www.thedailystar.com/localsports/local_story_107041535.html

Catskills Scenic Ride N Peak Benefit Bike Ride Sets Off in May

catskillpost — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:03:23 +0000

Great Western Catskills Tourism

For more information contact: Patty Cullen, 866-775-4425

Catskills Scenic Ride N Peak Benefit Bike Ride Sets Off in May

Wind in your face. Charity in your legs.

DELHI, NY (04/14/2009; 1000)(readMedia)– The KAATS organization is ramping up for their first annual Catskills Scenic Ride ‘N Peak Benefit Bike Ride for adults and kids. On May 16th – rain or shine – riders will be able to view the beauty of the Catskills on one of five rides (104 miles ride, then a 75, 54, 25, and finally a 14 mile ride), starting and ending in Margaretville, in the Central Catskills. The day will start early with the longest route heading off first at 8am, and at half hour intervals, until the shortest ride heads off at 10am. The shortest route is a fun family ride to an historic church and back (7 miles each way). To give the kids a chance to rest there will be a water and snack stop at the halfway point. While all the rides are going on there will be bike safety classes, an obstacle course for kids, and bike related vendors at the finish line at the Pavillion on the community field in the village of Margaretville. The end of the event will be celebrated with live music.

The longest ride takes you from Margaretville west on State Hwy 28 then south on State Hwy 30 along the Pepacton Reservoir, then up the Tremperskill on Rt 1 to Andes. Rejoin Hwy 28 going north to Delhi, making a right in the village and heading east out County Hwy 10. You’ll take a back road jaunt up Elk Creek Road to East Meredith, intersecting the historic Catskill Turnpike, then south on Rt. 33 to Bloomville. Head east on State Hwy 10 again to Stamford along the West Branch of the Delaware River. Then follow State Hwy 23 to Grand Gorge and finally southwest on State Hwy 30 back to Margaretville along the East Branch of the Delaware River.

This century ride is exactly the type of training done by Georgia Gould. Gould, a member of biking Team Luna, Olympic Mountain Biking team member in 2008, and winner of all six National Mountain Bike Series events in 2007, says this of her training in the central and western Catskills. “The Catskill Mountains offer a wide variety of terrain to ride – from gently rolling hills to super-steep lung-busting climbs. I never run out of options when I am training in the region. The scenery is beautiful, and there are tons of low-traffic roads to choose from. A cyclist’s dream!”

There is a $25 registration fee ($30 for day of event registrations) that includes a commemorative t-shirt, and water/snacks at rest stops along ride route. Children from 10 – 14 ride free with a registered adult rider and are restricted to the 14 and 25 mile routes. Children under ten can be a tandem passenger with a registered adult rider. All riders must wear ANSI or SNELL approved helmets. This is a USA Cycling authorized bike ride.

For more information on the event, to preview maps of ride routes, or to register, visit centralcatskills.org/bike, or email bikerideinfo@markproject.org and get further information you may need.

Lucci Kelly, board member from the KAATS Organization, said they decided to do a fun ride as the group’s first foray into promoting cycling in the Catskills. “KAATS was formed to promote “green” related events throughout the Catskills, and eventually all of New York, bicycling to be specific as it is a “clean and green sport”! KAATS stands for “Kaatskills Art, Agriculture, Tourism, Sports”. This bicycle Ride for Charity, with a great selection of routes, mileages and degree of difficulty, has something for everyone! All encompass the fabulous vistas we enjoy here in the Catskills. It is an opportunity to do a fund raising event for a worthwhile charity (this year, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care) and showcase our Delaware County.” The Catskills Scenic Ride ‘N Peak is the result of several community based organizations coming together for a good cause. Supported by a grant from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, this event is a partnership between the MARK Project, the KAATS Foundation, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, and Delaware County Tourism. “We hope to make this an annual event.” Lucci said. “In future years, this event will take place in different areas of our county.”

Great Western Catskills Tourism

The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free travel literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.

April 2, 2009: Lonely Planet: Catskill adventure includes hiking and ghosts

catskillpost — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:54:01 +0000

Travels with Lonely Planet Posted: 04/02/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT

The rocky Catskill Mountains are a magnet for hikers, campers and climbers.

Jutting sharply above northern Hudson Valley in New York, the rocky Catskill Mountains are full of hidden mossy gorges, waterfalls and quirky, cozy villages that flourished as summer destinations during the heyday of rail travel. The area is a magnet for hikers, campers and climbers.

The small town of Narrowsburg, nestled between the Catskill and Pocono Mountains, is a good place to start your trip. From here, wend your way down Route 97 to experience river life circa 1770 at the Museum of Living Colonial History. Inside the historic fort is a splintery log stockade, and in the summer months costumed guides will walk you around the log cabins, a candle-maker and blacksmith, and an 18th-century armory.

North from Narrowsburg, on Route 52 at Kenoza Lake, you’ll cross Three Stone Bridge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was built around 1880 and has a lurid tale attached to it. Apparently, one villager suspected another of putting a curse on him. One night as the suspect (probably innocent) walked home, he was ambushed on the bridge by a friend of the cursed man, who bashed his head with a cane and tossed him into the icy waters. For the 100-plus years since, a ghostly male figure allegedly sometimes has been spotted crossing the bridge.

Don’t let the scary tales stop you from exploring the surrounding nine acres of untouched woods and fields, which are perfect for hiking and fishing. Otherwise, continue straight across and head for Callicoon Center. In the spring, numerous stands selling fresh maple syrup dot these roads; in the summer and fall, you’ll likely encounter stalls with fresh berries, corn and other farm-grown veggies.

Gallop north about 50 miles to the whimsical mountain village of Mount Tremper, in the foothills of the Belleayre Ski Resort. Stay the night in the Emerson Resort & Spa, a restored 1870s Victorian that greets guests with champagne flutes. Lovers of kitsch will prefer Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel (owned and run by Kate Pierson of B-52s fame), a modest, one-story ranch on the outside, but a treasure trove of vintage mid-century decor on the inside. The comfy suites have private decks and mini-kitchenettes, and are tricked out in Eames furniture. Coffee can be had the next morning at the Emerson Resort’s restored 1841 dairy barn, the Country Store, which contains the world’s largest kaleidoscope.

Head north into Phoenicia, a cheery, upbeat hamlet dedicated to outdoor fun. A glimpse of early railroad life is revealed in the historic Delaware and Ulster Station, built around 1899 and housing the Empire State Railway Museum. Travel in style (or pretend you did) in a 1913 luxury Pullman and enjoy the photographs and videos detailing how the old train tracks turned this corner of the Catskills into a tourist center.

If you follow the slim, winding road for another 10 miles, you’ll reach the forgotten factory town of Fleischmanns, once home to the famous yeast company of the same name. In the summer months, it fills up with Orthodox Jewish families who have adopted it as their special weekend retreat. On Saturday evenings after Sabbath, the families stroll the streets, not doffing their customary woolen clothes or heavy fur hats and wigs even in the smothering August heat. Griffins Corner Cafe on Main Street is where the modern and Orthodox worlds meet.

Continue north and east about 20 miles into the heights of Haines Falls. The mountaintop, four-turreted Rosehaven Inn, right at the cleft of Kaaterskill Clove Pass, has mammoth bedrooms with gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

Hike around gorgeous Kaaterskill Falls, a 260-foot cascading delight that has inspired generations of New York artists. The most traveled trail starts at the overlook site on Route 23A, past Bastion Falls and then up a half-mile steep incline. Also consider hiking to Devil’s Kitchen Falls or trekking up the overlooked Kaaterskill High Peak trail.

Sampling Catskills charm

Getting there » Follow Route 28 from Kingston into the northern part of the Catskills; Route 17 hugs the preserve’s western edge.

Where to eat

Griffins Corner Cafe » Main Street, Fleischmanns, 845-254-6300; www.griffinscornerscafe.com. A sunny corner diner with big country breakfasts, hearty yeoman’s lunches and dinners, and occasional live music.

Where to stay

Emerson Resort & Spa » 5340 Mount Tremper, 877-688-2828; www.emersonplace.com; s/d $190/$220. A premier Catskills resort and spa, with several first-class restaurants, and set among pine-covered mountains.

Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel » 5191 Route 28, Mount Tremper, 845-688-7200; www.lazymeadow.com; $150-$180. A kitschy, upbeat and comfortable mountain motel with 1950s-style decor and mini-kitchenettes.

Rosehaven Inn » 147 Sunset Park Road, Haines Falls, 518-589-5636; www.rosehaveninn.com; Monday-Friday, $125; Saturday and Sunday $175. Deep in the mountains, this romantic Victorian B&B is surrounded by fantastic hiking and swimming holes.

Hiking In The Catskills: 2009 Press Release

catskillpost — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:39:07 +0000

News from Great Western Catskills Tourism

For more information contact: Patty Cullen, 866-775-4425
The Trails Less Traveled

Hiking is a Zen Experience in the Great Western Catskills

DELHI, NY (03/19/2009; 1000)(readMedia)– New York State’s Great Western Catskills in Delaware County have long been a place for those who love to get away to the beauty and quiet of the mountains. With winter finally over, it’s time to make plans for hiking, and camping in and around the mountains and rivers of the western Catskill Mountains.

Hiking in the Catskills really is one of the best kept secrets of the region. Most travelers consider the Catskills home of the borscht belt resorts of decades gone by. Ignore this label if you are an outdoor adventurer. North and west of the borscht belt lays the Catskill Park and numerous state lands and public/private trail systems. For those who have experienced the Western Catskill Mountains for themselves, they have become passionate fans for these mountains. The ability to trek almost completely alone, through pristine forests, passing breathtaking vistas, traversing mountains creeks, amongst the wild forest animals and plants – finding their own special mountain peace, makes them true believers in the zen to be found in the mountains.

Finger Lakes Trail System

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference maintains a continuous footpath system across central upstate New York. This year they are hosting hikes along 71 miles from the Chenango/Delaware county line on Butts Road on to Big Pond. Hikes will be on the third Saturday of each month April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19 and a final hike followed by awards picnic on October 3rd. For more information visit fingerlakestrail.org or call their office at 585/658-9320 and get details on terrain, and fees.

Catskill Forest Preserve

In 1885 a law was passed by the NY State Congress which established the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve. From the beginning this land was protected by the State constitution as ‘Forever Wild’ land, never to be subjected to development or extraction of natural resources. In 1904 the Catskill Park was designated, which established a boundary, or ‘blue line’, around the Forest Preserve, and private land as well. Over the years the Forest Preserve and the Catskill Park grew, with the Catskill Park now comprising approximately 700,000 acres, about half of which is public Forest Preserve.

Hiking opportunities abound in the Catskill Park. There are approximately 300 miles of marked, maintained hiking trails on public Forest Preserve land. Stewardship and development of these trails is shared by the New York State Forest Rangers and local chapters of hiking clubs such as the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and the Catskill Mountain Club (www.catskillmountainclub.org).

The favorite local park trail is the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest Area and it’s Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Located in the southwest corner of the Catskill Park, Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest contains more than 13,500 acres of “forever wild” Forest Preserve. With an extensive trail network to several ponds, this wild forest is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, backpacking, canoeing and cross-country skiing. Public Access to Alder Pond.

The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest can be accessed from the Village of Margaretville along State Hwy 28, or from parking areas along Dry Brook Rd to Millbrook Road. The terrain is a combination of high mountain ridges, steep sided valleys, numerous brooks and ponds, with elevations ranging from a low of 1,740 feet along Mill Brook to a high of 3,723 feet at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain.

Both primitive and amenity camping opportunities abound in the Catskills. Primitive camping is allowed in the Wilderness and Wild Forest areas of the Catskill Forest Preserve, so long as you follow certain guidelines designed to protect sensitive summit forest communities and water quality of the streams. Wilderness camping rules include not camping within 150ft of a trail, stream, or pond, and not above 3500ft elevation except in winter.

Three-sided, roofed ‘lean-to’ shelters have been constructed on several Catskill backwoods trails. The NYSDEC maintains seven public campgrounds in the Forest Preserve; North/South Lake, Devils Tombstone, Kenneth Wilson, Woodland Valley, Mongaup Pond, and Little Pond. These campgrounds have tent and trailer sites, restroom facilities, and other amenities varying by location. For more information regarding Forest Preserve Camping opportunities, contact the DEC Region 4 at (607) 652-7364.

To obtain a free copy of maps for state lands, contact the NYSDEC Region 4 office at 607.652.7365. The Catskill Center also has an excellent map of the Park which can be obtained for $5.95. To order a copy of this map contact The Catskill Center at 845.586.2611. New York/New Jersey Trail Conference hiking maps of the Catskills can be ordered by visiting their website at www.nynjtc.org.

Catskill Scenic Trail

The Catskill Scenic Trail lies on top of the former rail bed of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad. The 19 mile Rails to Trails project offers a hard-packed surface that makes it perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The Trail’s very gentle grade is a unique feature, with only a four hundred foot change in elevation over the entire 19 miles. The young and the young-at-heart will find this an easy trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.

The trail can be accessed at several points between Bloomville on State Hwy 10 to South Kortright. Moving on to Stamford, the trail turns east, mirroring State Highway 23 to Grand Gorge and then south along State Highway 30 to Roxbury. Look for the small parking areas and blue and gold “CST” signs. The Trail is owned and maintained by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, a not-for-profit organization. For more information on the Catskill Scenic Trail, call (607) 652-2821 or visit www.catskillscenictrail.org for a trail map.

Utsayantha Trail System

The Utsayantha Trail System is made possible through the cooperation of the towns of Stamford, Jefferson, and Harpersfield and those private landowners through whose land the trail extends. The best place to access the trails is from the village of Stamford. The trails have been designed to provide enjoyment and challenge to all outdoor enthusiasts, from novice to expert. Included within the system are many fine examples of the scenic mountain tops and serene valleys which have earned Stamford, NY, its “Queen of the Catskill” reputation.

Four trails make up the Utsayantha Trail System and connect to the Catskill Scenic Trail in the village of Stamford. Archibald is a novice trail and can be accessed from the village going north, and lead out towards the more difficult trails, called Blazer and Rexmere. These wrap around the former Deer Run Ski Center. From the village of Stamford, take Route 10 north. Directly across from the Department of Environmental Conservation is Archibald Field on your right. Pull into Archibald Field. There is ample public parking at the field. The trailhead is at Archibald Field and is a gated entryway marked by an Indian head sign. This trail is easily accessible for walkers and hikers of all levels and ability.South of the village and going up to Mt. Utsayantha itself are Mountain Top and Churchill.

Car access to Mountain Top is possible by using Tower Mountain Road. This also provides access for hang gliding enthusiasts to the launch at the top of the mountain. Trails are marked by metal signs featuring an Indian head. Not all routes are currently marked, but a full map is available.For more information on the Utsayantha Trail System, call (607) 652-7581 or visit http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/mount_utsayantha_0000.asp.

Emmons Pond Bog

The history of the pond and bog date back 11,000 years when the retreat of the last glacier left a depression which was soon filled with water. Sphagnum moss and other bog plants grew in the shallow water around the edge of the pond. Plant materials broke down slowly because of the acidity and low temperature of the water. As a result, the plant materials accumulated to form a floating doughnut-shaped mat around the pond. Beavers dammed the outlet stream in the late 1970s, so the bog mat is now ringed with water.

The site is situation in the Town of Davenport about 4 miles southeast of Oneonta. From the Exit 15 ramp off I-88, turn left toward Rte. 28 South, then right on 28 South. In 0.7 mi, at the first traffic light, turn hard left onto Southside Drive. Continue 2.7 miles on Swart Hollow, then left on White Hill Road. The preserve entrance, which is well-marked, is on the left in 1 mile.

The striking and somber view of the pond and bog includes the Sphagnum moss and special plants that can survive the acidic environment (such as leatherleaf, buckbean, cottongrass, pitcher plant, and sheep laurel). Wildlife includes blackbirds and frogs. North of the pond, the trail passes through mature woods where you will see old stone walls and a majestic oak tree. West of the pond, the trail passes a smaller pond–a good location for bird watching. The trail is easy and is marked with orange markers and is 1.4 mi long, circles the pond in a counter-clockwise direction.

West Branch Preserve

The southern boundary of this 446-acre site is the West Branch of the Delaware River. To the north, the preserve extends to a mountain ridge 1,000 feet above the river valley. Woodlands make up some 250 acres. Of these, about 200 acres were logged 25 years ago, while the remaining 50 acres are thought to be the location of a farm abandoned in the 1830s.

The site is located in the Town of Hamden, about 10 miles west of Delhi. From State Hwy. 10 going east about 9 mi., County 26 joins Rte. 10 from left. The preserve entrance and parking area are on the right hand side of Rte. 10, 9/10ths of a mile beyond the junction with County Route 26.From the parking lot a path leads uphill across a meadow to the woods and a sign-in box. There are two trails, a 0.7 mile trail marked in blue markers with a moderate ascent and a 2.0 mile marked in orange on an old logging road that has a steep climb and should be attempted only by experienced hikers.

On the blue trail you can see stands of pines and hemlocks and on the orange trail you will find erosion control bumps and trees like the sugar maple, red maple, beech, and oak. In some parts of the woodlands you might see deer and near the Delaware River you will find the rare riverweed, an endangered plant species. Both the Emmons Pond Bog and the West Branch Preserve are Nature Conservancy Preserves. The Nature Conservancy, incorporated in 1951, is an international membership organization devoted to the preservation of biological diversity through habitat conservation. For more information on the Nature Conservancy and its preserves in the region, please contact The Nature Conservancy (518) 272-0195.

Great Western Catskills Tourism

The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. Call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: tourism@delawarecounty.org. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com. Any time of year, come visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and “Let the magic of our mountains move you.”

Check Out Camping In The Catskills! CampingTourist.com

catskillpost — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:01:18 +0000

Check Out Camping In The Catskills!

Though New York State is home to a number of areas that boast beauty and plentiful wildlife, the Catskill Mountains are a special place.

If you are looking for a place to go camping in the Empire State then read about the Catskills and learn the reason why people from around the country flock to this exceptional region year after year.

Exceptional Features of the Catskill Mountains

If you tried to list all the exceptional features of the Catskill Mountains, they would fit into a book.

There are cascading water falls where the spray will lightly splash your cheek, to explore as you make your way along a wine tasting tour, canoe, kayak or river raft down the Delaware River imagining what the area looked like when only native Americans inhabited the region.

It’ Hard to Say Good-Bye

Families specifically flocked to the Catskill Mountains to go to the Catskill Game Farm. A trip there was almost a right of passage for generations of Americans since it was opened in 1933.

It finally closed its gates for good on Columbus Day in the year 2006, when the game farm began welcoming visitors. In the beginning, there were just some sheep, donkeys and deer.

At the time of its closing there were more than 2000 animals that made the Catskill Game Farm their home. Reasons for closing the attractive were low attendance and rising operation costs.

Get Wet & Wild

An excellent attraction campers will need to check out when they are roughing it in the Catskill Region is the Zoom Flume Water Park. Whether you come with kids or not, the park is a load of fun for all ages.

Complete with walking paths for observers as well as the Cliffside Restaurant/Bar, even grandparents will find something to do at the park.

Hippies Reunite

The Catskills are also home to the famous musical event Woodstock that happened in 1969. There is a full menu of summer concerts in the area.

Those that wonder where such a magical event happened can look across the meadow that played host to one of a kind show during the Teen Beat and Hippie generations.

One such event is the Woodstock Music and Art Festival that is held in Bethel nearby.

You have only touched the tip of the iceberg regarding all the things to see and do in the Catskill Mountains.

See for yourself how wet, wild and wonderful the Catskill region can be, and find the best camping accommodations that’s in the center of it all.

Former Iredell County Resident Walks 1,000 Miles

catskillpost — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:42:19 +0000

from press release

Published: February 27, 2009

Former Mooresville resident Carl Zwingli, 83, recently completed his goal of walking 1,000 miles within a year, in fact, he reached his goal in less than 11 months.
Zwingli has been walking, for pleasure, for exercise, and sometimes to clear his mind for most of his life. In fact, he currently walks 7 days a week, regardless of the weather.
Zwingli is a hiker, has hiked in the wildness of the Catskills, belongs to the 3500 Club, which means he has climbed 35 peaks, each being 3,500 feet high, he has also hiked in the Adirondacks and the Appalachian Trail.
Currently, Zwingli lives in Newton at Abernethy Laurels. When Director of Life Enrichment, Greg Rossidivito, joined Abernethy Laurels, he noticed Zwingli walking through the community every day and told him that the average person walks 800 miles per year. Greg then encouraged Zwingli to set a goal of walking 1,000 miles within a year, and Greg is sure Mr. Zwingli will set a much higher goal for the next 12 months.

Zwingli, just out of curiosity, got out his atlas and drew lines to other parts of the country that are 1,000 miles from Newton. Those points, just as a frame of reference, reach the very top of Maine, above the northern most part of the Great Lakes and to the Dallas/San Antonio areas.