The 6th Annual Catskill "Lark in the Park"
         Co-Sponsored by the Catskill Center and Catskill Mtn Club

Hike over Mt Tobias on DEP and State Land
This is a through hike from Route 212 in Willow to the top of Baker Road in Wittenberg. There is a difficult, steep climb for 45 minutes at the start to the top of Tobias, then a liesurely descent for 2.5 hours with 2-3 brief laurel bushwalks for 100 feet at a time. Most of the hike is in open woods on old woods roads. View are pleasant from the Tobias peak and from Bee Tree Hill on the descent. One way hike with car pooling to start point; 4 miles; Difficult; 4 hours

For More Information, contact Duncan Schmitt at 845-340-7870, dschmitt@dep.nyc.gov
Directions: From Woodstock green - take 212 west to Bearsville, at bridge continue straight on Wittenberg Road (C.R. 46) for 1.9 miles then turn right onto Baker Road. Meet at end of pavement in DEP parking area 0.7 miles up Baker Road. We will leave cars at Baker Road and Car pool to the select point on 212 in Willow.

October 3rd (raindate is 10/10)

8:30 a.m.

Balsam Lake Mountain Hike
Join Ann Roberti, Catskill Mtn Club Board Member, for a hike up Balsam Lake Mountain, through fragrant balsam trees, to the peak with a fire tower and wonderful views. The cab of fire tower may be closed, but we are able to climb up the fire tower stairs and see the incredible view the olden days fire watchers had while protecting our mountains from forest fires. We will hike in from Millbrook Road on the Blue Dry Brook trail and do the loop up to the fire tower.; 7 miles; Moderate; 4.5 hours; dogs are allowed; Pre-registration required by September 30th.

For more information and to register, contact Ann Roberti at 845-676-3643, Annroberti@yahoo.com
Directions: From Route 28 - Take Dry Brook Road from Route 28 in Arkville. Make a right turn on Millbrook Road (brown barn-like building at the turn) and continue approximately 2.2 miles to the trailhead on the North side of Millbrook Rd.

October 3rd

10 a.m.

Contemplating in the Catskills
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order".
-John Burroughs

Come take a hike into an autumn forest located at the foothills of the Catskills. Walking into a deep, naturally formed gorge rich in human and natural history, we will pause for reflection and inspiration from quotes and poems by several naturalist authors such as Muir, Burroughs, Thoreau, and many more. This hike will take you to a late 1800’s covered bridge, through an adventurous forest riddled with rocks, streams, and roots and finally culminate at an 80 foot Waterfall; 1.5 miles; Moderate-Difficult; 2 hours; No dogs please; donations appreciated to benefit The Ashokan Center; Pre-registration required by October 3rd.

For More Information, contact Brian Joyner at 845-657-8333, ext 14, csp@ashokancenter.org
Directions: Via the NYS Thruway - Take Kingston Exit 19 and follow the sign to Route 28 West / Pine Hill (quick right after the toll); Continue on Route 28 West for 11.5 miles to the hamlet of Shokan; Turn left at Winchell’s Pizza (red building on left) onto Reservoir Road. (Also, an arrow sign on your right for "Olivebridge 4 Miles" points left for Reservoir Road.); Cross the Ashokan Reservoir Bridge and continue to the stop sign; Turn left at the stop sign onto Monument Road; Bear right at the fork onto 28A; Take the next left onto Beaverkill Road (just past the DEP police station); Continue for one mile and turn right at the Ashokan Center sign on your right.

October 3rd (raindate is the 4th)

10 a.m.

Slide Mtn. History Hike
Take a hike up Slide Mtn., the highest peak in the Catskills, and learn some of it's history as you climb.This hike is about 6 miles total, strenuous, and takes about 6 hours total. This is a difficult and rocky hike. You must have good hiking shoes, rainjacket, sweater,flashlight, lighter, food, drinks. Walking stick recommended. No kids under 11 please.; 6 miles; Difficult; 6 hours; no dogs; bring a lunch

For More Information, contact Paul Misko at woodvalleybear@gmail.com
Directions: To get to trailhead. From RT. 28 in Big Indian, go south on Rt. 47, toward Frost Valley. Travel about 9.4 miles to the Slide Mtn. Trailhead on the left side of road. As a landmark on Rt. 47, at 7.4 miles you will come to a very sharp right turn uphill, go two more miles to Slide Trailhead on left.

October 3rd (raindate is 10/4)

10:15 a.m.

Acra Point to Black Dome Hike
We'll begin our hike at 9:30 from the Big Hollow Road parking area and head north on the Black Dome trail then South along the Escarpment trail. We'll be taking in some beautiful vistas on Acra Point, and along the escaprment itself. We'll then make a steep climb and head West over Blackhead Moutain to rejoin the Black Dome trail. We'll make a another climb to the top of Black Dome to take in the impressive southern vista, then turn back and return to the Big Hollow Road parking area via the Black Dome trail. The trail is quite steep and rugged in places and participants should be prepared for such terrain, as well as varying temperatures and weather. Pre-registration required by October 2; Dogs permitted; 8+ miles; Difficult; 6 hours

For More Information, contact Ben Murdock at 845 586 2611 x.108, bmurdock@catskillcenter.org
Directions: From the junction of Rte. 214 and 23A, head west on 23A and turn right on 'Scribner Hollow Road'. At the terminus of this road, turn left on 23C and then your next right onto Maple Crest Rd. (Co. Rte. 40) Stay on Maple Crest Road, pass Hauser and Barnum Road, and take third right onto Big Hollow Road (Co. Rte. 56). Follow Big Hollow Road to the end and meet at the NYS DEC trailhead parking area.

October 4th

9:30 a.m.

Kelly Hollow Hike
A relatively short, moderate hike on one of the most beautiful trails (NY/NJTC map #42). This is a State cross-country ski trail as well as a foot trail and is therefore well-maintained and not too steep and the streams are bridged. The trail follows a couple of streams which are quite beautiful with rocky falls and quiet pools. There are no lookouts or expansive views but it does present different woodland environments including an awesome red spruce forest and a recently re-occupied beaver pond. This trail is a loop and we will go up the east side for a half-mile and cross over to the west side. Then climb for about 0.7-mile to the beaver pond and lean-to where we will break for lunch and snacks. We will then follow the mountain contour back to the east side of the trail, down through the spruce forest, back across to the west trail and west parking lot. From there we will parallel Mill Brook road back to the trailhead. There are privies at the trailhead and at the lean-to; dogs are permitted; 4 miles; Moderate; 3 hours; please bring a lunch.

For More Information and to register, contact Howard Raab at 845 - 586 - 3112, howardjraab@yahoo.com
Directions: Meet at the Hess Station on Route 28, Arkville, at 10AM OR meet at Kelly Hollow Trailhead at 10:30AM. To trailhead - either 3 miles West to NYC road on left. NY road west 4 miles to Mill Brook Road (left) - 5.1 miles to trailhead (right); OR 0.4 miles East to Dry Brook Road (right), 5.8 miles to Mill Brook Road (right), 6.4 miles to trailhead (left).

October 6th

10:30 a.m. (raindate 10/9)

Dry Brook Ridge (Portion)
Did you ever wonder who takes care of the trails in the Catskills? Follow Laura Battelani (a Catskill Mtn Club board member), a Volunteer from the NY/NJ Trail Conference while she inspects the trail, on this moderate hike. She will take you to the ridge of Pakatakan Mountain and to an overlook from which you can admire the Pepacton Reservoir and the Fall colors; Pre-registration required by Oct. 5, 4PM via email; via phone Oct. 6, 8PM; dogs are permitted; 6.5-miles; Moderate-Difficult; 6 hours; please bering a lunch.

For More Information and to register, contact Laura Battelani at 845-586-3101, Bodyworx@catskill.net
Directions: From Rte 28w-30s from Margaretville - take Left on Fair St and Right on South Side Rd. After about 1.5 miles turn Left on Huckleberry Brook Rd. Then the first left on Hill Rd. Park on the Right after about 2 miles. The trailhead is on the Left of the road.

October 7th

10 a.m.

Slide Mountain via "The Dutcher Trail"
A hike from the Winnisook Lodge led by DEC Guide # 5133 (John Wadlin) on historic Dutcher Trail to Slide Mountain and return via Curtis/ Ormsbee Trail. Scenic outlooks, historic photos and Catskill lore. Difficult; 5.5 miles; 5 hours; Dogs allowed; Bring a lunch; Pre-registration required by Oct. 5.

For More Information and to register, contact John Wadlin at (845) 691-2089, jjwadlin@rwhm.com
Directions: From Route 28 in Big Indian turn south onto County Route 47 and continue to Winnisook Lake (at top of steep hill after hairpin turn). After seeing lake on left, turn left into the Winnisook Club driveway.

October 7th

10 a.m.

Wildcat to Winnisook
Peter Manning and Barbara Redfield have again teamed up to bring you a unique Catskill experience. This time, we will wander without wayfinding to Wildcat Mountain and wend our way to the Winnisook Club. Peter will lead the one-way hike from Biscuit Brook with a "bushwack" to and along Wildcat Ridge until we hit the trail that will take us to the club. Reaching our destination at Winnisook, we will relax and be joined by Barbara who will share refreshments, a bit of history, and some images of the club and mountains; Pre-registration required by October 7 (4pm); No dogs please; 6 miles; Difficult; 6 hours; bring a lunch

For More Information, contact Peter Manning at (845) 586-2611 ext. 104, pmanning@catskillcenter.org
Directions: On Route 28 in Big Indian turn south onto County Route 47 and continue to Winnisook Lake (at top of steep hill after hairpin turn). After seeing the lake on left, turn left into the second Winnisook driveway and meet by the moss-covered building for shuttle arrangements to the beginning of the hike. Rain or shine.

October 8th

9 a.m.

Siuslaw Sunset Stroll
Come join us for a walk through the 142-acre Siuslaw Model Forest during the sunset hours. This beautiful forest was under the thoughtful care of Eric Rasmussen for over 40 year as a Tree Farm until Eric donated it to the Agroforestry Resource Center (ARC) in 2006. Besides the serendipitous nature observations, you will see examples of biofuel materials such as grasses and willows, view our American Chestnut tree nursery, see ginseng and mushroom demonstrations and learn how to prevent erosion on your own trails or woodland paths. Finally, you will have the chance to sit and relax in an Adirondack lean-to by a pond and see one of the most spectacular views of the northern Catskill Mountains. Contact the ARC at 518-622-9820 for more information or to register; Pre-registration required by October 7; No dogs please; 1.5-miles; Moderate; 2 hours

For More Information, contact Marilyn Wyman at 518-622-9820, mfw10@cornell.edu
Directions: 1.From the New York State Thruway take Exit 21 (Catskill); 2. After going through the toll booth you will come to a traffic light. Make a left at the light and proceed several hundred yards. Turn right onto Route 23 West. Proceed on 23 West for approximately 10 miles; 3. After passing through Cairo the road splits into Route 23 West and Route 145, bear left and continue on Route 23 West;4. From this point it is about 4.5 miles to the Center. Look for Lange's Groveside Motel. Make a left immediately after the motel and an immediate right into the ARC parking lot; You will find additional directions at our web site: agroforestrycenter.org

October 9th

4-6 p.m.

Wittenberg History Hike
Join us on a history hike up the Wittenberg. This is a VERY difficult hike, but the views are fantastic, and you will learn the fascinating, funny, and mildly disturbing history about this mountain while you climb. You must have good hiking shoes, sweater, rainjacket, flashlight, lighter, and plenty to drink. Walking stick recommended. No kids under 14 or dogs please. Cold/Windy or Cloudy/Rainy postpones hike; Pre-registration required by October 9 (9pm); Please bring lunch and plenty of water; No dogs please; 8 miles; Difficult; 8 hours

For More Information, contact Paul Misko at woodvalleybear@gmail.com
Directions: From Rt. 28 near Phoenicia, make turn (left if you're headed westbound, right if you're eastbound) toward Woodland Valley. In short distance you will cross the Esopus Creek, and come to a "T". Turn right, then bear left, and continue up Woodland Valley Rd. about 6 miles, until you come to Woodland Valley Campground. Go to office and pay $6.00 fee for Parking. We will meet in the Day Use Parking Lot which is at the beginning of Campground. If you're interested in carpooling (to reduce parking fee), let me know where you'll be coming from and we'll see what can be worked out.

October 10th
(raindate is 10/12)

9:30 a.m.

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower Hike
Ride the Sky Ride Chairlift to the top of Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl. Hike the Colonel's Chair and Spruceton trails to the summit of Hunter Mountain and the Firetower. The Firetower and the Observer's cabin will be open for the day. Upon return Octoberfest with music, food, and drink will be ongoing at the Ski Area. Pre-registration required by October 7; Please bring lunch and plenty of water; No dogs please; 4.5 miles; Moderate-Difficult; 5 hours

For More Information, contact Rick Dearstyne at 518-989-6255, fjdearst@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Directions: Route 23A to the Village of Hunter. Turn into the entrance for Hunter Mountain Sli Bowl. Meet at the base of the Skyride.

October 10th
(raindate is 10/11)

10 a.m.

Hike to Red Hill Fire Tower
Come hike with Aaron Bennett (The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development) and Alan White (The Nature Conservancy) to this beautiful, secluded Catskill Mountain fire tower. The 60' Red Hill Fire Tower was the last one staffed in the Catskill Mountains (de-commissioned in 1991). Rather than tearing it down, the NYSDEC put its future in the hands of dedicated volutneers who were able to restore and re-open it for the public's enjoyment in 2000. The old observer's cabin at the summit has been turned into a museum that honors all of the observers that once watched over the soutern Catskill Mountains - which we will visit. Throughout the hike, Aaron and Alan will talk about the land use history of the area, the current threats to the forest and region, and much more. From atop the tower, we will also point out the various mountains and valleys from this elevated position offering a 360-degree view. Participants should bring a lunch and plenty of water; Good hiking boots a must; 2.5-miles, Moderate; approximately 4 hours; dogs are permitted; Pre-registration is required by 10/8.

For More Information, contact Aaron Bennett at 845-586-2611; ext 106, abennett@catskillcenter.org
Directions: From State Route 17 - Exit (in Monticello) onto State Route 42 North to Grahamsville. Make a right onto State Route 55 East. . Make left onto State Route 55A East (turns into County Route 153 n Lowes Corners). Make left onto Sugarloaf Road (now heading north). Follow until top of hill (about 4 miles), and make sharp left onto Red Hill Road, and IMMEDIATE right onto Coons / Dinch Road. Follow dirt road to the trailhead, which will be on the left.

From State Route 28 - Proceed to hamlet of Big Indian, located west of Shandaken and east of Pine Hill. Turn south on Ulster County Route 47 (Oliverea Road). Go approximately 21 miles, passing by the Frost Valley YMCA, until you reach "T" intersection. Make a left towards Claryville on Sullivan County Route 19 and make a right onto Red Hill Road. Follow until you reach an intersection with Coons / Dinch Road. Make the sharp left onto Coons / Dinch Road and follow to the trailhead, which will be on the left.

October 10th

10:30 a.m.

Creek Walk along the Rondout
Join DEP Supervisor of Watershed Maintainers, John Green, and DEP Stream Project Manager, Jenn Grieser, for a leisurely walk along the Rondout Creek just upstream of the Rondout Reservoir. A walk and talk, your leaders will discuss stream management planning and recreation access on City lands for the Rondout watershed. We'll also take time to turn over stream rocks and look for critters as well as point out some of the local flora.

This will be a family friendly walk, although infants/toddlers should be in a backpack. The walk is NOT on a paved surface or established carriageway.

Participants are invited to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy after the two-hour walk; 1.5 miles, Moderate; approximately 2 hours; no dogs please; Pre-registration is required by 10/9.

For More Information, contact either John Green or Jenn Grieser at 845-340-7852, jgreen@dep.nyc.gov or jgrieser@dep.nyc.gov
Directions: From Route 209, head west on Route 55 to Route 55A. Veer right onto Route 55A and stay on this road until it "T's". Take a right to head north on Peekamoose Rd. Watch for Grahamsville Ball Field on the right (just after left hand turn for Sugarloaf Rd) and pull into parking area. Also look for parked DEP vehicles.

From Route 28, take Route 28A off of Route 28 in Boiceville (western side of Ashokan Reservoir). Take a right onto Watson Hollow Rd. (also known as Peekamoose Rd). In Sundown at three-way intersection, stay straight. The road now becomes Sundown Rd. The ball fields and parking area will be on the left just before a right hand turn to Sugar Loaf Rd.

October 10th

3-5 p.m.

Kaaterskill Railroad Bed Walk
The Niagara of the Catskills - It is widely known that Kaaterskill Falls is a bit taller than Niagara. What is not widely known is that the two falls share other similarities. The tops of both falls are composed of horizons of erosion resistant caprock. This is limestone at Niagara and thick sandstone at Kaaterskill. Both falls formed at the end of the Ice Age when enormous amounts of meltwater were produced by retreating glaciers. Both falls have, since the ice age, been eroding their way back into the bedrock and both falls have thus been retreating. Niagara has retreated almost seven miles. Kaaterskill, being much smaller, has worked its way back only about a half mile. Structurally and historically, the two falls really are quite similar.

Our Hike will depart from the old railroad station at the Mountaintop Historical Society and follow the rail line back to Kaaterskill Falls. If possible we will try to obtain views of the falls. Co-leaders are Robert Titus and Robert Gildersleeve; Pre-registration required by October 9; bring a lunch; dogs allowed; 4 miles; Moderate; 5 hours

For More Information, contact Robert Gildersleeve at (518) 734-9701, rmgilder@yahoo.com
Directions: From the North - Exit 21, I-87, NYS Thruway. Make left onto Rt. 23B, follow sign for Route 23 West. Take 23W approx. 5 miles and make left at McDonalds. Take Route 32 south to traffic light at junction of Rt.23A (approx. 5 miles). Make right, heading towards Palenville. After the light in Palenville, travel 4.5 miles to reach Mountain Top Historical Society Campus and Art Trail Interpretive Center on the right.

From the South - Exit 20, I-87, NYS Thruway. Left at exit , then right onto NY32. Bear left at NY 32A (blinking light) then left onto NY 23A at the light in Palenville. Travel 4.5 miles to the Mountain Top Historical Society Campus and Art Trail Center on the right.

October 11th

10 a.m.

Nature Walk at Frost Valley YMCA
Come join Frost Valley Natural Resoucres Coordinator and Catskill 3500 Club member Reid Bauer to explore some of Frost Valley's most scenic trails. Participants on this hike will get a chance to see legendary sights including High Falls and the Sunrise Lookout. The trail is rough in places and will include some elevation gain (about 400 feet); participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, a camera, and hiking shoes with good ankle support. All participants must pre-register. Hike will be held rain or shine. Pre-registration required by October 9; No dogs please; 3 miles; Moderate; 3 hours

For More Information, contact Reid Bauer at (845) 985-2291 ext. 397, rbauer@frostvalley.org
Directions: From Liberty, NY - Take Route 55 east ten miles to Curry. Look for sign on the right side of the road marked "Claryville" (currently marked CLAR_VILLE) Turn left here, onto County Road 19 and go four miles to Claryville. Look for sign on right side of road marked " Frost Valley ." Turn left onto County Road 157 (it becomes County Road 47) and drive seven miles to Frost Valley's West Valley facilities;

From Kingston, NY - From New York Thruway Exit 19 ( Kingston ), go 30 miles west on Route 28. Look for signs on the left side of the road marked "Big Indian." Turn left onto County Road 47 and go 14 miles to Frost Valley.

October 12th

9 a.m.

Newman's Ledge
A walk along the Escarpment Trail to Newmans' Ledge from the North-South Lake Campground, offering spectacular views into the Hudson Valley and across to the mountains of New England. Please bring water and a snack. Co-leaders are Marian and Stu Morgenstern; Pre-registration required by October 9; $8 for parking at North-South Lake Campground; dogs allowed; 3 miles; Moderate-Difficult; 3 hours

For More Information, contact Marian and Stu at (516) 944-8080 or (518) 263-4535
Directions: Travelling north on NYS Thruway, take Exit 20 (Saugerties) and follow Route 32 north until junction with Rte. 32-A; take Rte. 32-A left to Palenville. At Palenville, merge left onto Rte. 23-A and continue up the Kaaterskill Clove to the top. Turn right onto County Rte. 18 (North Lake Rd.) and continue to park entrance, pay fee, and continue on North Lake Rd. Staying left, take North Lake Rd. past the campsites to the end and meet at the North Lake Parking Lot.

Travelling south on NYS Thruway, take Exit 21. Turn left at light after toll booth onto Rte 23-B and continue underneath bridge for Rte. 23 and pass through residential area for about two miles. Look for sign for Rte. 9-W and take ramp on right, through greater Catskill Business District to Rte. 23-A. Take Rte. 23 to Palenville and follow directions above.

From Route 23-A west, continue through Tannersville to Haines Falls, turn left on County Rte. 18 and follow directions above.

October 12th

2 p.m.

Cannonsville Paddle
Join Catskill Mountain Club board members Ann Roberti & Jack McShane for this event to be held on the NYC Cannonsville Reservoir - only recently opened for paddling. We will be paddling upstream where much wildlife has been observed, such as bald eagles, great blue herons, little green herons, kingfishers, geese, ducks, many fish leaping and even a black bear swimming across the waterway. All participants must have an appropriate life vest; the bear strangely did not have one but made it across.

To participate, 1) paddlers must acquire a NYC DEP access permit; 2) each boat (canoe or kayak) must be cleaned ON THE DAY OF THE PADDLE; and 3) a boating permit must be obtained. Participants should obtain a DEP access permit prior to the event. To obtain a access permit via email (recommended), please visit: www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/recreation.shtml) DEP access permit assistance is recreation@dep.nyc.gov or call 1 800 575 5263. Access permits can also be obtained onsite. A boating tag application may be printed from the DEP website at: www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/recreation/recreational_boat_tag_application.pdf The boating tag can be issued onsite. Pre-registration required by 10/2; bring a lunch; Moderate; 8 miles; 4 hours.

For More Information, contact Jack McShane at 845-676-3534 , jackandnancy@catskill.net
Directions: We will meet at JMT Enterprises (a DEP-approved vendor) at 10AM. From Walton proceed west on Route 10 for approximately 13 miles to Chamberlain Road (there is a sign for boat cleaning JMT Enterprises), turn right and proceed up for about 2.5 miles to the cleaning station. From Deposit, take Route 8 north to Route 10, turn right and go approximately 8 miles to Chamberlain Rd. Participants have the option of getting their boat cleaned that morning prior to this event at a different DEP-approved vendor. If choosing this option, please meet at the Apex Bridge Launch Site at 10:45 a.m. This launch site is 3 miles east of Chamberlain Rd. on Route 10, just east of the bridge with Route 268 on the south side of the road.

October 5th

10 a.m. (at vendor); 10:45 a.m. at site

Catskill Outback Adventures presents: Canoes and Kayaks at BIG POND
Canoe and Kayak rentals located at BIG POND! Come to the OUTBACK of the CATSKILLS with the CATSKILL OUTBACK ADVENTURES and paddle one of the most beautiful gems tucked away. Come paddle Big Pond, this lake is a half mile long and over a quarter mile wide surrounded by colorful mountain peaks. This is a great place to truly enjoy a picinic. This is a very clean and clear lake also good for swimming, so if it is warm bring a swim suit and towel. Maybe you will have the opportunity to witness one of the Bald Eagles that graces its presence upon Big Pond. See Ya In The OUTBACK!; Canoes & Kayaks: $10/ hr, $15/ 3hr, or $20/ 5hrs ; Pre-registration ASAP, reservations are always guaranteed their time slots & boats, walk-ins will need to wait for an opening or reserve for the afternoon; bring a lunch; dogs permitted

For More Information, contact Craig Apolito at 845-254-9888, catskilloutback@juno.com
Directions: Route 28 west past Margaretville, 2.3 miles past entrance of Margaretville on rt. 28 you will make a left on to Reservoir Rd. and make a right at that stop sign staying on Reservoir Rd. for about 9 miles the Rd. will reach a T-intersection. Make a left onto the Barkaboom and go for about 8 miles and the lake is on the left. You will see our rack of boats at parking area. See Ya In The OUTBACK!

October 7th (raindate is 10/8)

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ride the Rails and the Trails!
Back by popular demand, you are once again invited to partake in a "multi-modal" excursion of the Delaware and Ulster Railroad and Catskill Scenic Trail. Beginning in Arkville, we will board the historic rail-ride with our bicycles and set out for Roxbury. At Roxbury Station, we will pause for lunch in historic Kirkside Park and then begin our cycle on the newest section of the Catskill Scenic Trail, taking the trail to the headwaters of the East Branch of the Delaware near Grand Gorge. Returning to Roxbury for a 3PM departure, we will sit back and enjoy the scenic return trip. "Mountain" or "hybrid" bicycles and helmets required. Bike rental options include Arkville-Bikeville in Arkville (845-586-5637) or Catskill Outback Adventures in Big Indian (845-254-9888). (Please rent bicycles and purchase tickets early - we must be ready to depart at 10:45 AM). Please bring lunch; Train ride is $12; Bicycle and helmet rental, as applicable; pre-registration by 10/9 (4pm); 20 miles on train, 10 on bike; Moderate; bring a lunch; no dogs please

For More Information, contact Peter Manning at (845) 586-2611 ext. 104, pmanning@catskillcenter.org
Directions: The Delaware and Ulster Railroad is located on State Route 28 in Arkville, forty-three miles west of Kingston. The Depot is on the left. You really can’t miss it. From Albany: Interstate 88 to the Schoharie exit is the best route. Take Route 30 south to Margaretville. Make two left turns following the signs for Route 28. Take Route 28 east approximately 3 miles to Arkville. The Depot is on the right. You really can’t miss it.

October 10th

10:45 a.m.

"You CAN Get There From Here"
Illustrated discussion by members of the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown and other area residents about vintage maps showing former roads in Middletown. Learn how road building, maintenance and snow removal were done in the days before mechanized graders, backhoes and plows. Weather permitting, a fall foliage walk on a former road will follow the program. Call 845-586-4973 for level of difficulty. 2.0 miles; 3 hours (including program); Bring a lunch; Dogs permitted.

For More Information, contact Diane Galusha at 845-586-4973, cybercat@catskill.net
Directions: Halcottsville Grange Hall. Follow sign for Halcottsville off NYS Route 30 between Margaretville and Roxbury. Grange Hall is next to fire station. Park on street.

October 3rd

10 a.m.

Guided Tours of Woodchuck Lodge
Knowledgeable docents explain the life and work of literary naturalist John Burroughs, who spent summers during the last ten years of his life (1910-20) in this rustic c. 1862 farmhouse near the homestead where he was raised. Burroughs Memorial Field, where the writer was buried, is a short walk away from the Lodge. Come learn about this celebrated observer and writer who was visited here by 20th century industrialists like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Inspiring views and serenity found here are an antidote to the pace of today's worried world.

For More Information, contact Diane Galusha at 845-586-4973, cybercat@catskill.net
Directions: From NYS Route 30, just north of hamlet of Roxbury, take Hardscrabble Rd., to Burroughs Memorial Road. Woodchuck Lodge is about 2 miles from Route 30.

October 3rd & 4th

Catskill Fire Towers, Then and Now
Longtime hiker and author, Marty Podskoch, will bring the history and the lore of Catskill Fire towers to life - giving a talk and slideshow. Podskoch is the author of five books: "Fire Towers of the Catskills: Their History and Lore" and four books about Adirondack Fire Towers. A retired teacher, he also writes a weekly newspaper column, "Adirondack Stories," published in five Adirondack area newspapers. The program will be followed by a book signing.

Years ago, fire observers watched the Catskill forests from some 23 towers, searching for the tell tale signs of forest fires. Today, only 5 steel towers remain in the 1,102 square-mile Catskill Park. All were recently renovated and re-opened to the public in 2000-01. The 5 fire towers are: Balsam Lake Mountain, northeast of Lew Beach; Red Hill, north of Grahamsville; Tremper Mountain, southeast of Phoenicia; Hunter Mountain, in Greene County, and Overlook Mountain north of Woodstock.

Concurrently, Morgan Outdoors has a Fall Firetower Climb 2009 program running through November 28th. Hike to any of the 5 Catskill Firetowers between Sept 4th and Nov 28th, 2009 and enter the hike details on your Morgan Outdoors Fall Firetower Passport. Turn in the Passport at Morgan Outdoors by 6:00pm on Saturday November 28th to earn a chance to win your choice of one of 4 fabulous prizes. Pre-registration required by 10/10 (12PM).

For More Information, contact Lisa Lyons, Morgan Outdoors at 845-439 5507, info@morgan-outdoors.com
Directions: In Sullivan County, from Rt. 17, take exit 96. Follow signs 1/8 mile to Main Street. Morgan Outdoors is at 46 Main Street, on the river side of the street near the stoplight.

October 10th

Catskill Outback Adventures Presents: Portable Rope's Course and Mt. Bike Rentals
We will set up a Rope's Course and Mt. Bike Rentals at the Belleayre Fall Festival. You can pre register for a guided Mt. Bike ride or just come and rent a Mt. Bike and go for a ride on one of many trails located on Belleayre Ski Mountain, Also try our Rope's course that will be set up at the festival. Fun for everyone. Bring a camera! See Ya in the OUTBACK! 1-6 hours; no dogs please; pre-registration only if you want a guided ride; Mt. Bike Rentals - $10/hour, & $15/ 4 hours, Rope's Course - $10/ participant

For More Information, contact Craig Apolito at 845-254-9888, catskilloutback@juno.com
Directions: Driving directions to event: Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to exit 19 to Rt. 28 west for 35 miles. Make a left at the top of the big hill at sign for Belleayre Mountain and follow signs for Fall Festival. Drive safe and we will, See Ya in the OUTBACK!

October 10th and 11th

Pine Hill Community Center and Catskill Outback Adventures Present: Rope's Challenge for Families & Youth
Ropes Course & Zip Line Activities! The Pine Hill Community Center is teaming up with the Catskill Outback Adventures to offer a free morning of sampling the challenge of a High Rope's Course & Zip Line. This is a unique ropes course and zip line being built on the side of a mountain. The thrill and challenge will always exist, however, due to being on a mountainside we were able to take the climb out of elements that don't require a climb to fly. This makes it more accessible for participants that want to fly, but do not want climb. Also, try to navigate through the Catskill Forest blind-folded in our Blind Folded Maze. If you are not into the thrill of a climb or fly, come and relax in our campfire & picnic area. This has a full view of the course your loved ones are going to challenge. Sit back relax with a marshmallow or smoker. See Ya in the OUTBACK! Free in the morning; Lark Discount Rates (LDR's) in the afternoon!

Free for either 2 rope elements, or 1 zip line ride; $10 for both, noon - 4pm $5.00 off normal price - 2 elements and zip line $25.00 with LDR $20.00, zip line only $15.00 with LDR $10.00; 1.5-2 hours; Easy-Moderate; Co-leaders are Craig Apolito and James Krueger.

For More Information, and to register (ASAP, reservations guarantee a time slot. Walk-ins need to wait for opening or make afternoon reservations) contact Craig Apolito at 845-254-9888, catskilloutback@juno.com
Directions: NYS Thruway rt. 87 to exit 19. take rt. 28 west for 32 miles; when you see the welcome sign for Big Indian/ Olivera Valley, 1 more mile on left. Please enter slowly, children and dog at play. Drive safe, See Ya in the OUTBACK!

October 3rd