2020 Hikes and Events Are in the works.
We hope to explore:
- Prohibition in the Catskills
- The Catskill Forest - with two different talks by well known experts
- Walk in the footsteps of Sanford Robinson Gifford to find where he set his easel.
- Tannersville's Jewish History
- Other events - Catskill Ramble, Lark in the Park, Hikefest and other hikes and walks.
In the meantime the 2019 schedule below will give you an idea of our activities.
2019 Hikes and Events
April 14th (Sun) :Hike Mountain Top Arboretum. Spring has sprung! Meet MTHS hike leader, Nancy Allen, at the Mountain Top Arboretum at 1:00 p.m. for a spring walk through the flora waking up to a new season. The easy walk will be around trip of about 3 ½ miles going from the Arboretum to the trails on the Hathaway property and back via the marsh. The exact route will be determined by the conditions on the day of the hike. Choose footwear that will keep your feet dry.
5/12/2019 Update: Fourteen enthusiastic hikers spent the morning and early afternoon of a picture-perfect day sharing, discovering and interpreting new details about the structure and operation of the Hotel Kaaterskill. It couldn't have been done without the NYS Dept. of Conservation's stewardship of the land, the Free Library of Philadelphia's preservation and sharing of the 1883 survey of the property, and George M. Harding's gift of his collection of unique photos of the hotel. Thanks to all.
June 8 (Sat) South Mountain by the historic Direct Path. To honor the gift of an original Catskill Mountain House hiking stick donated by Kathy (Van Schaack) Boyer and Peggy (Van Schaack) Phillips, we will take a popular 19th Century path from the Mountain House site on Pine Orchard to sites on South Mountain. This now unusual route will pass through the first ledge on South Mountain (sometimes called the Lemon Squeezer) take a short detour to Druid Rocks, pass through Puddingstone Hall, and reach the state trail at Bootjack Rock. Once on the modern trail, we will see the lookout called the Sphinx, walk on to "Bowlder" Rock and offer optional excursion through Fat Man’s Delight to the Natural Bridge.
The pristine CMH walking stick joins our other walking stick from the Hotel Kaaterskill which was donated to MTHS by the Mohonk Barn Museum. The new gift is in too fine a condition to risk carrying it through the whole walk, but we will bring it to Pine Orchard for an official presentation. The hike is considered Easy to Moderate with a short bushwhack. We will provide an easier alternative route along the state trail to Bowlder Rock but missing the sites before we reach the modern trail. Meet at 9:00 am at the MTHS campus wear appropriate shoes for hiking bring lunch and water. Return mid afternoon.
Some additional notes on this hike:
We're calling this hike easy to moderate but, because the first part is on an unmarked path through rarely trodden woods, it will involve a few short but steep hills and a few waist-high ledges that may require a hand up for inexperienced hikers. We may get a bit dirty and I recommend wearing sturdy clothing including long pants as well as appropriate shoes. We will take the trail at a comfortable pace for all hikers and will stop to see sites that have been enjoyed by vacationing hikers for more than 195 years. This will be fun and I encourage most hikers not to miss an opportunity to see how 19th century vacationers explored the grounds of the Catskill Mountain House.
He is the author of Thoreau’s Morning Work and The Pastoral Moment in Cooper’s Fiction, both books published by Yale University Press. Professor Peck’s other publications include two Penguin Classics editions of Thoreau’s works, the Oxford World’s Classics edition of Cooper’s Deerslayer, and the Barnes and Noble Classics edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer. A contributor to the Cambridge Literary History of the United States and the Heath Anthology of American Literature, he is a past chairman of the Modern Language Association’s Division on Nineteenth-Century American Literature. Professor Peck has received two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and an American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship. He has directed two NEH Summer Institutes for College and University Faculty, as well as a national NEH conference. His current research links American literature and landscape painting, and in recent years he has often team-taught at Vassar with an art historian. Recent examples of his work on painters are an article on Asher B. Durand, in American Literary History (Oxford University Press), and one on Georgia O’Keeffe in American Art (Smithsonian Museum publication). His current project, funded by an Andrew W. Mellon Emeritus Fellowship, is a study of the overlapping careers of the landscape painter Thomas Cole and the novelist James Fenimore Cooper.July 7,(Sunday) 2019 at 4 PM – 8 PM Join us for an evening soiree with Kim Hawkey and Band to celebrate the rich history of the Catskills. 
The event will take place at the historic Haines Falls Train Depot. Look forward to refreshments and hors d'oeuvres in the train station and a performance by Kim Hawkey with music from and inspired by the Catskills.
Proceeds from the "Song of the Catskills will benefit the Mountain Top Historic Society and go towards the maintenance and repair of the train station.
Kim Hawkey is an accomplished musician whose music harkens back to times past and is the perfect artist to help celebrate and support the work of the Mountain Top Historic Society.
July 13 (Sat) 10:00 a.m. MTHS will hold its Annual Meeting at the Train Station. Members of the MTHS are invited to attend.
Note: We will not be descending into Platte Clove. Most of the hike is along the trail toward Overlook Mountain and visiting the quarry at Codfish Point with a possible bushwhack to a quarry on Plattekill Mountain.
July 26 (Fri) 7:00 p.m. The Justine L. Hommel Memorial Lecture – Talk about Hudson River School Artist Sanford Robinson Gifford by Peter Jung at Twilight Park Clubhouse. For the past 27 years Peter Jung has owned a gallery at #512 Warren St. in Hudson, NY featuring traditional American paintings. During that time he has handled many examples of the Hudson River school of art (1825- 1875), a style of painting that is an important part of our national heritage. Jung has served on the Board of Directors at the Olana Partnership, the Hudson Opera House, the Hudson Planning Commission, and the Friends of Hudson. In recent years he has restored the family gravesite of the great artist Sanford Robinson Gifford (1823-1880), who is at rest in the Hudson City Cemetery. The slideshow features 70 images, and will be followed by a question-and-answer conversation.
- Hike # 1: Rip Van Winkle Hike – Join geologist Bob Titus in a moderate, 2 mile hike to Sunset Rock above North Lake. Along the way he will point out Devonian stratigraphy and Ice Age history while telling the tale of Rip Van Winkle, stopping at sites that closely match those described by Washington Irving. Meet at KRT Parking Lot at 9 am to car pool to North Lake
- Hike # 2: Historic Survey of North-South Lake – The area of North-South Lake has been home to various business, railroad, and recreational sites. Pete Senterman and Paul LaPierre will lead this easy 2 mile journey with possible side trip to the Catskill Mountain House Site. Meet at KRT Parking Lot at 9 am to car pool to North Lake.
- Hiike # 3: Elka Park Colosseum: Join Nancy Allen on this easy to moderate 3 ½ mile hike through the historic community of Elka Park along a dirt road to the Park’s Colosseum (reservoir). Meet at the KRT Parking Lot at 9 am to car pool to Elka Park.
- Hike # 4: Sphinx Rock and the Sofa on Prospect Mountain – Bob Gildersleeve will lead this approximately 2.5 mile easy to moderate hike starting from MTHS’ s U&D train station partially following along the Kaaterskill Rail Trail and using old woods roads and a short bushwhack to the ledge above Molly Smith’s parking area. Here we will look down on the location of Sphinx Rock. Nearby is a natural bench once called the sofa, and a unique view taking in Kaaterskill Clove, Kaaterskill Falls, and across the clove, Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top. A natural ramp can take us to the ledge on which the Sphinx rests for a close-up view. If hikers wish, we may also have time to visit the platform at Kaaterskill Falls and be back for the BBQ at 1:00. Meet at the MTHS’s U&D Train Station at 9 am.
Mountain Top Historical Society
2018 Hike & Event Preliminary Schedule
Check back here at our website for any last minute changes in our schedule as the hikes & events that interest you approach.
April 14 (Sat) Colgate Lake and Colgate Family Homestead. Join Moe Lemire,
New York State licensed guide, for a hike to explore the old Colgate Family Homestead. Walk around Colgate Lake during this easy 3 mile round trip excursion. Meet at the MTHS parking area at 9:00 a.m. and return around 1:00 p.m. This is a fundraiser event for MTHS - $10 suggested donation.
April 22 (Sunday) Celebrate Earth Day with the MTHS. Explore Sloan Gorge and Snake Rocks, two Woodstock Land Conservancy Preserves. Hike with Catskill Geology Prof. Robert Titus in the picturesque hidden Sloan Gorge canyon (1.5 miles). Explore an interpreted trail of distinctive Catskill geological features. If there is enough time and interest, an optional hike to Snake Rocks Preserve (1.5 miles) will be coordinated by MTHS VP Adrienne Larys. Snake Rocks is an enchanting mountain top bluestone quarry with panoramic views of the Catskills. Meet at the MTHS Visitors’ Center at 8:30 a.m. for carpooling, or meet at the Sloan Gorge parking area at 9:30 a.m. (2195 Stoll Road). Parking is very limited at both Preserves and carpooling is encouraged. No dogs please at the WLC request for these hikes. Rating: Moderate — rough ground with a few steep sections and rock scrambles.
May 5 (Sat) Campus Clean-up Day 9:00 a.m. - the Mountain Top Historical Society will emerge from its annual winter hibernation into the sunlight of another exciting season of hikes, programs, and special events. A thorough cleaning needs to be done in the Visitors' Center, in the Train Station, and around the grounds. The more volunteers we have there, the quicker the chores will be completed. Looking forward to seeing you then and throughout the summer.
May 12 (Sat) Rochester Hollow Walk 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Led by New York State licensed guide Moe Lemire, Explore the old Homestead, 5.60 miles, difficulty: moderate, meet at the parking area on Matyas Road in Shandaken, this is a fundraiser event for MTHS - $10 suggested donation
May 19th (Sat) Annual Spring Fling - 'Robert Selkowitz - Presentation will be in the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Station on the MTHS campus on NYS rt. 23A in Haines Falls, NY at 7:00 p.m. Car Clubs will be contacted and invited to a Cruise-In beginning at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will include the history of the 1903 run and the birth of macadam stone road building in New York State, as well as mention of the 1908 motorcycle endurance run which came up the Mountain Top. Robert Selkowitz is an artist, his book A Painter's Path through the Catskill Mountains features a series of maps showing where the 50 pastel landscapes in the book were painted. He has been active in the Catskill Region for more than 40 years. Come on over for the first presentation of the 2018 season, our Annual Spring Fling! We are requesting a $5.00 per person donation for the talk. The money we collect goes to Building and Grounds maintenance.
May 26 (Sat) - Tory Fort. Led by Rick Brooks. In 1975, as a Bicentennial Project, MTHS worked with Ed West, Buck Farrell,
and our hike leader, Rick Brooks, who led an Edward G. West Associates mapping and survey crew. We visited and West Associates then mapped the location of Tory Fort. The fort was more accurately a small holding area where Native Americans associated with Joseph Brant (seen here in a painting by Gilbert Steward in the collection of the Fenimore Art Museum) held captured Hudson Valley settlers before a long trip to the British headquarters at Fort Niagara where the settlers were turned over for profit. Meet at the Mountain Top Historical Society Visitors' Center at 9:00 am. The hike should be considered moderate to difficult with some bushwhacking. We expect to return by 3:00 pm
In a recent email Rick gives this update on the route.
Leaving from Byrne Road hiking an existing woods/mill road to the intersection of Canda Creek and the Forest Preserve line then hiking the 1000-1500 feet to the Fort site. [The] hike ... would allow us to travel through interesting abandoned agricultural fields, a few different forest types, explore the former Holtz Railroad and its associated mill, and experience the Canda Creek. Our meeting place and time hasn't changed - 9:00 am at the Visitors Center Rt. 23A Haines Falls
Thanks to Rick and Patti Brooks and Bert Winne who led our successful hike to Tory Fort. Rick led the 1976 crew who surveyed the location Bert drew the original survey map. Both returned to the spot 42 years later.
June 2 (Sat) Dedication – Justine Hommel Highway – 11:00 a.m. on the lawn of the Visitors' Center - Come join the MTHS in honoring Catskill Mountain icon Justine Hommel and celebrate the dedication of the entrance to Kaaterskill Clove, Route 23A as the Justine L. Hommel Memorial Highway. With the sponsorship and great efforts of Assemblyman Peter Lopez and Senator George Amedore, the New York State Assembly and Senate passed bills that officially memorialize Justine’s contributions to New York State and Greene County history. The "Justine L. Hommel Memorial Highway" will be a constant reminder of Ms. Hommel's remarkable contributions to the mountaintop region of Greene County and her life-long dedication to enhancing and preserving the natural splendor of the Catskill Mountains landscape.
June 9 (Sat) Historic Harding Road Walk 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Led by New York State licensed guide Moe Lemire, 7.60 miles round trip, difficulty: moderate, meet at the MTHS Kaaterskill Rail Trail parking lot, this is a fundraiser event for MTHS - $10 suggested donation
June 22 (Fri) Bill Horne Presentation - The Improbable Community – 7:00 p.m. in the Ulster & Delaware Train Station. In 1939, a group of idealists inspired by the spirit of New Deal reform put their vision of American democracy into practice by creating Camp Woodland, a racially and ethnically inclusive summer camp for city kids located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The camp’s innovative programs profoundly influenced campers for 24 summers from 1939 through 1962. Bill was a camper at Camp Woodland from 1950 through 1960. The impact of his experience at Camp Woodland was one of his primary motivations for writing The Improbable Community.
July 7 (Sat) Annual Meeting. The MTHS will hold its Annual Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Train Station. All members of the MTHS are invited to attend.
July 13 (Fri) Hotel Kaaterskill: an Illustrated Presentation by George Harding and Bob Gildersleeve – 7:00 pm in the Ulster & Delaware Train Station. George Harding, great-great grandson of the original owner of the Hotel Kaaterskill has generously donated approximately 50 photographs of the Hotel Kaaterskill, its grounds and out-buildings. The photos were apparently taken in preparation for the sale of the property. George and Bob have been making a careful study of the photos which include interior views of the billiard room, bowling alley, kitchen, theater, a guest room and other surprises. Included is the only photo we’ve ever seen of the wood frame hotel laundry. Further details to be announced.
July 14 (Sat) Hike to Hotel Kaaterskill Site – 9:00 am – mid afternoon. In connection with the presentation on July 13, join George Harding, Art Fries and Paul LaPierre on a two-part hike and exploration of the grounds of the Hotel Kaaterskill and its Laundry. There are still some open questions that we will try to resolve. Exactly where did the laundry building stand? How many people did it employ? What was the function of the extant stone building sometimes referred to as the Wash House? The morning session will concentrate on the Laundry area. Immediately following the morning session we will climb the carriage road to the Hotel site where we will stop to eat (bring your lunch) and explore the grounds looking to identify the sites seen in the newly acquired photographs. The hike should be considered Easy (morning) to Moderate (afternoon or full hike). Meet 9:00 am at the Mountain Top Historical Society 5132 Route 23A Haines Falls, Kaaterskill Rail Trail parking lot.
July 28 (Sat) The Justine L. Hommel 3rd Annual Memorial Lecture: Talk by Vernon Benjamin 7:00 p.m. at Twilight Park Clubhouse. Vernon is the author of "The History of the Hudson River Valley: From Wilderness to the Civil War" and "The History of the Hudson River Valley: From the Civil War to Modern Times".
Aug. 4 (Sat) Wittenberg Mountain Hike – Canceled Led by New York State licensed guide Moe Lemire. See a part of the Catskill very view get to see and search for the historic "Boy Scout Cave." This 10.3 Mile Round Trip hike will meet at Woodland Valley Parking at 9am. Bring a bagged lunch, water and wear appropriate hiking shoes for this difficult hike returning by 5pm. there will be a $10 fee to benefit the Mountain Top Historic Society.
August 11 (Sat) Thacher State Park NYS Museum geologist Chuck Ver Straeten and Thacher Park naturalist Nancy Engel will co-lead a 3 hour hike through John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. Meet in the Paint Mine parking area, south side of Rt. 157 at 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. start. If that lot is full, the Mine Lot parking area is across the street.; The hike will follow the Indian Ladder Trail and Mine Lot Creek through scenic glens, past impressive sinkholes, and other beautiful views and geological features. Bring a lunch, water and wear good hiking shoes. NO dogs please. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Aug. 25 (Sat) Rip’s Country Bazaar/Open House – The MTHS campus will be filled with tents full of vendors: craftspeople, antique dealers, local food products, flea market items and more. Music for toe-tapping and hand clapping will be provided by John Quinn and the 77th Regimental Balladeers. Food for fun and food for lunch will be available for purchase. The Visitors’ Center will be open for browsing maps, books, brochures, or checking out the Archives. The Ulster & Delaware Train Station will be open for a presentation by Jonathan Palmer from the Vedder Research Library of the Greene County Historical Society. There will be kites and bubbles for kids and wannabe kids. Wildflowers and grass for running around. Rip Van Winkle may even appear! It will be a beautiful day for chatting with friends and family, learning something new about local history, listening to music from the Civil War Era, finding treasures among the offerings of over 35 vendors. The excitement begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues all day! Come on over to the Mountain Top Historical Society’s campus on Route 23A in Haines Falls and join in the fun.
Sept. 15 (Sat) 7th Annual Postcard Show & Talk - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ the U&D Train Station. Talk by John Duda at 2:00 p.m. Food will be available. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $3.00 entry fee will be charged at the door.
Oct. 6 (Sat) 5th Annual Hikefest - Plans for our contribution to the Lark in the Park are complete Click Here Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Oct. 6 – Owl Prowl Hike -A Special Addition to the Hikefest Schedule at the MTHS, October 6, 2018
An Owl Prowl/Night Hike led by Moe Lemire. This special hike will be limited to 12 people so register early!
Meet at the U & D Train Station on the MTHS campus at 7:30 p.m. Moe will give a brief talk about night hiking: safety and wonder. Depending on the size of the group and ability of the hikers there a couple of options for viewpoints as you walk along the Kaaterskill Rail Trail. Moe will lead this opportunity to listen as the forest wakes up and surrounds you with the sounds of the night. There’s hope that you’ll hear the call of an owl (no guarantee).
What you need to bring: head lamp or flashlight with fresh batteries; sturdy shoes (boots or trail runners for the inevitable mud), water, snacks, a sense of adventure and wonder.
The trail is relatively level and round trip mileage is about 3 miles. A $10 donation is requested.
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation however, we encourage you to join as a member or make a donation to the MTHS to support our work. We do request that you register for each hike. Participants can register on our contacts page or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and # in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site http://www.mths.org. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.'
Events 2017
Mountain Top Historical Society 2017 Hike & Event Schedule
Check our website as the hikes & events that interest you approach.
See entry for May 20 for news on the Kaaterskill Rail Trail
April 15 (Sat) Overlook Mountain Led by Bob Gildersleeve. The Overlook Mountain House had three incarnations and was considered comparable in views and location to the Catskill Mountain House.; Trails around the Hotel featured outlooks and romantic locations such as Turtle Rock, Lover's Cave, and the Duke's Profile. We plan to explore the area and the concrete shell of the last hotel. Meet 9:00 am at the Municipal Parking Lot at Route 212 and Rock City Road Woodstock, NY. Return around 4:00 pm. Bring lunch, water, and appropriate hiking shoes. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name, phone number # in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
April 29 (Sat) Saugerties Lighthouse and Walkway over the Hudson The Saugerties Lighthouse [http://www.saugertieslighthouse.com/ http://www.saugertieslighthouse.com/] is located on land jutting out into the Hudson and gives the feeling of being in the center of the river. The trail and Lighthouse area will allow us to view the river and give a nice view of the Catskill Mountains. From the Lighthouse we will drive south to The Walkway over the Hudson for another Hudson River view. Difficulty: Easy with little or no climb and the opportunity to walk at the pace most comfortable to you. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Meet at 9:00 am at the Thruway parking area across from the Southbound Thruway entrance on Route 32 (Exit 20 Saugerties-Woodstock).
May 6 (Sat) MTHS Clean-up Day The Mountain Top Historical Society will emerge from its annual winter hibernation into the sunlight of another exciting season of hikes, programs, and special events. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. we will be staging groups of willing workers around the Haines Falls campus to clear the cobwebs and clutter of winter. Please plan to join us. It is an opportunity for you to get to know more about the MTHS and to meet other community members who are involved in keeping things moving forward. A thorough cleaning needs to be done in the Visitors' Center, in the Train Station, and around the grounds. The more volunteers we have there, the quicker the chores will be completed. Check out the 2017 schedule of events on our website: www.mths.org and come out to help us prepare on May 6. Looking forward to seeing you then and throughout the summer.
May 20 (Sat) Spring Fling - Opening of the expanded Kaaterskill Rail Trail Hiking the Kaaterskill Rail Trail since it opened on June 1, 2013 has meant taking a detour from the MTHS parking lot out to Osborn Road to North Lake Road and then south on Featherbed Lane to re-join the KRT about ¾ mile from the Railroad Station.
Now, on Saturday, May 20, 2017, there will be another community celebration beginning at 10:30 a.m. This time we will mark the end of the detour and the opening of the missing link with a few speeches, a ribbon cutting, and a beautiful, delicious cake. Walkers and hikers will be able to enter the KRT along the old train route just east of the MTHS' historic Railroad Station. Read details here.
June 10 (Sat) Presentation by author/publisher Nick Lyons -- Reminiscing about the Laurel House, fishing in South Lake and Lake Creek and fly-fishing in the Catskills -- Nick Lyons is a well-known and well-respected Catskills fisherman. He began fishing during the summers he spent as a boy at the Laurel House which was owned by his grandfather Louis Bernstein and operated by his uncle and aunt Nathan and Sadie Bernstein between 1929 and 1953. 7:00 p.m. at U&D Train Station We had a very nice afternoon sharing with Nick the information that MTHS has about the Laurel House during the period from 1929 to 1953 when his family owned the property. Nick's evening presentation was exceptionally well received -- interesting, humorous, and warm. He brought his experiences at the Laurel House to life and gave us an appreciation of the sport of fly fishing.
June 17 (Sat.) Colgate Lake - Hike and Presentation At a brunch beginning at 9:00 am in the U&D Railroad Station, Gerry Loucks of the Eastkill Valley Historical Association will share photos, maps and information about the Colgate family and their connection to East Jewett. The presentation/brunch will be followed at 11:30 am by a hike in the area around Colgate Lake led by Pete Senterman and Moe Lemire. Reservations required for the bunch ($10.00) by Wednesday, June 14th. Register for the hike by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
July 8 (Sat) Giant Ledge Discovery Hike with Paul Misko. Join us for a hike to a fantastic view up Giant Ledge. Along the way learn about some local history, hear some great stories, and see some critters. Bring lunch, drinks, rain jacket, and wear good hiking shoes. NO DOGS please. Level of difficulty; Moderate, about 5 miles total, with some steep and rocky places. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Giant Ledge trail head parking area, located on Rt. 47, about 7.4 miles south of Rt. 28 in Big Indian. Register with Paul at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party).
July 14 (Fri) Presentation on Women’s Suffrage – Johanna Titus - 7pm Twilight Park Clubhouse The Centennial of Women’s Suffrage in New York: The Keystone of the Women’s Rights Movement Join author and MTHS Board Member, Johanna Titus, for an historic prospective of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Beginning with Seneca Falls and defining an often chaotic trail, women’s suffrage in New York was not successful until it became both local and inclusive. Many full and part-time residents of Greene County were vital to the effort of establishing not only women’s suffrage in New York, but also the passage of the 19th Amendment, and advancement of Women’s Rights. Some of those women are remembered and celebrated in this short discourse.
July 29 (Sat) Rip Van Winkle Hikers - All Along the Escarpment the Rip Van Winkle Hikers will explore the Catskills Escarpment, the eastern edge of the dissected Catskill plateau overlooking the Hudson Valley, with several coordinated hikes designed to suit a wide range of abilities and interests. Hikes will include: Escarpment Highlights at North South Lake (5 miles), Acra Point Loop (5.2 miles) and Traverse from Black Dome Valley to North South Lake (12-14 miles). Hikers will meet at the MTHS campus in Haines Falls at 8:30 am, to sign in, form carpools, and fan out All Along the Escarpment for a fun-filled day in the Northeastern Catskills. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Aug. 12 (Sat) Thacher State Park NYS Museum geologist Chuck Ver Straeten and Thacher Park naturalist Nancy Engel will co-lead a 3 hour hike through John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. Meet in the Thatcher Park Visitors Center parking area, at 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. start. The hike will begin with a walk through the visitors’ center and then follow follow the Indian Ladder Trail and Mine Lot Creek through scenic glens, past impressive sinkholes, and other beautiful views and geological features. Bring a lunch, water and wear good hiking shoes. NO dogs please. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Update on parking: Thatcher Park has reinstated a $6.00 per car parking fee.
Aug. 18 (Fri) Historical Trivia Quiz by Paul Misko Enjoy learning some little known facts about local history as contestants match wits with each other and the host. Stay afterward for dessert and informal history chatter. 7 p.m. at the U&D Train Station
Aug. 26 (Sat)
Rip's Country Bazaar
Saturday August 26th
10 am to 5 pm
Mountain Top Historical Society Campus
Route 23A, Haines Falls
Fun for the Whole Family!
ANTIQUES, CRAFTS, FLEA MARKET
OVER 35 VENDORS
Live Music: 77th Regimental Balladeers
Food -- Open Archives
Ulster & Delaware Railroad Exhibit
Children's Activities
Sept. 9 (Sat.) Hudson River Ramble - Indian Head Mountain. Join New York State Licensed guide Moe Lemire on a loop hike up and over Indian Head Mountain. This hike will take place on September 9th. Meet at the parking area at the end of Prediger Road off of route 16. This loop hike is a total of 6.25 miles from start to finish. Ascending up to the summit of Indian Head Mountain at an elevation of 3573 then descending This is a moderate to difficult hike climbing up and over ledges and some boulders. Please wear sturdy foot wear. Bring a bagged lunch as we will be eating lunch on the southern view point. This hike offers several views of the valley, Platte Clove, Kaatterskill High Peak, Round Top as well as the old Police Camp which is now the Platte Clove Community. Remember to bring plenty of water, rain gear and a warm layer in case of cool weather on top. This hike will take place rain or shine. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sept. 16 (Sat) 6th Annual Postcard Show – 10 a.m. to 3p.m. @ the U&D Train Station. Food will be available. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $3.00 entry fee will be charged at the door.
Sept. 22 (Fri) Presentation by Carolyn Bennett – Pratt’s Five Wives – 7 pm @ U&D Train Station. A unique look at the role of women and the struggle for women’s suffrage from the Colonial period through the 19th century through the lives of Congressman Zadock Pratt Jr.’s five wives, Esther Dickerman, Beda Dickerman, Abigail Watson, Mary Watson and Susie Grimm. This is also the theme of the Zadock Pratt Museum’s 2017 exhibit, which will contain quilts, period clothing & jewelry, kitchen and cleaning items, magazines, books, paintings, etc.
Oct. 7 (Sat) 4th Annual Hikefest - Kaaterskill Rail Trail and the Falls. Exciting things are happening since we explored the Rail Trail and Falls last year. Plans for our contribution to the Lark in the Park will develop and be announced as the highly anticipated changes come in to clearer view. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register on our [http://www.mths.org/contact-mths.html contacts page] or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and # in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site [http://www.mths.org/undefined/ http://www.mths.org]. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
Thanks to our 2020 business sponsors:
Brookside B&B, Bruce Feml, Claude W. Lutz, Elena Suditu Dentist, P.C., Ethel & Orville Slutzky Family Foundation, Fred’s Photography, Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty, Haines Falls Auto/Hunter Towing, Highmark Builders, Kaaterskill Liquors, Pancho Villas Mexican Restaurant, Pure Mountain Yoga, Rosehaven Inn, Highmark Builders, The Mansion House at Alfie’s, Thorpe Contracting Inc., Thorpe GMC Inc., Traphagen’s Honey
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2020 MTHS Business Sponsors
Brookside Bed & Breakfast
Ethel & Orville Slutzky Foundation
Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty
Haines Falls Auto/Hunter Towing
Kaaterskill Liquors
Karen’s County Kitchen
Pancho Villa’s Restaurant
Pure Mountain Yoga
Snow Bird Ski Shop
The Mansion House at Alfie’s
Thorpe Contracting Inc.
Thorpe GMC Inc.
Traphagen’s Honey
Tryon Family Foundation
2017 Hike Schedule
Mountain Top Historical Society 2017 Hike Schedule
Check our website as the hikes & events that interest you approach.
Walk back in time on one of our popular hikes through the High Peaks of the Catskills. These were America's first hiking trails whose beauty was immortalized in the novels of James Fenimore Cooper and romanticized in the poetry of William Cullen Bryant. The breathtaking views seen along these trails today were first captured in the 19th century by the premiere artists of the Hudson River School of art, our country's uniquely American school of landscape painting.
MTHS hikes are conducted by volunteers knowledgeable about the area and include historical narrative and insider information, the result of years of study about the area’s trails, overlooks and historic sites. Robert Gildersleeve, author of the Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, is a frequent hike leader. Bob Titus, the Catskill Geologist and author of The Catskills: A Geological Guide, leads a few hikes every season as well.
The trails, the views and the history are still here, preserved by New York State's designation of the Catskills as lands to remain forever wild. A walk through the woods with MTHS makes the past come alive for those who are adventurous and want to see and hear the story of America's first wilderness for themselves. All hikes are free and the public is invited. Please wear proper hiking attire and boots (no sneakers!), pack a lunch, don't forget rain gear or sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
April 15 (Sat) Overlook Mountain Hike Led by Bob Gildersleeve. The Overlook Mountain House had three incarnations and was considered comparable in views and location to the.
Catskill Mountain House Trails around the Hotel featured outlooks and romantic locations such as Turtle Rock, Lover's Cave, and the Duke's Profile. We plan to explore the area and the concrete shell of the last hotel. Meet 9:00 a.m. at the Municipal Parking Lot at Route 212 and Rock City Road Woodstock, NY. Return around 4:00 p.m. Bring lunch, water, and appropriate hiking shoes. Hike is moderate to difficult with about a 1400 ft climb. The top of Overlook is expected to be colder than the Valley and trail-head; dress warmly. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We Found it! Also found several other spots. Our thanks to Robert Grubsmith who provided not only the inspiration to do the hike but the critical details on finding Turtle Rock.
April 29 (Sat) Saugerties Lighthouse and Walkway over the Hudson The Saugerties Lighthouse
http://www.saugertieslighthouse.com/ is located on land jutting out into the Hudson and gives the feeling of being in the center of the river. The trail and Lighthouse area will allow us to view the river and give a nice view of the Catskill Mountains. The cell-phone photo to the left was taken from the picnic deck at the lighthouse and shows Kaaterskill High Peak in the distance. From the Lighthouse we will drive south to The Walkway over the Hudson for another Hudson River view. Difficulty: Easy with little or no climb and the opportunity to walk at the pace most comfortable to you. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Thruway parking area across from the Southbound Thruway entrance on Route 32 (Exit 20 Saugerties-Woodstock).
May 20 (Sat) Spring Fling - Opening of the expanded Kaaterskill Rail Trail Check back for details including time and activities.
June 17 (Sat.) Colgate Lake - Hike and Presentation At a brunch beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the U&D Railroad Station in Haines Falls, Gerry Loucks of the Eastkill Valley Historical Association will share photos, maps and information about the Colgate family and their connection to East Jewett. The presentation/brunch will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by a hike in the area around Colgate Lake led by Pete Senterman and Moe Lemire. Reservations required for the brunch ($10.00) by Wednesday, June 14th. Register for the hike by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
July 8 (Sat) Giant Ledge Discovery Hike with Paul Misko. Join us for a hike to a fantastic view up Giant Ledge. Along the way learn about some local history, hear some great stories, and see some critters. Bring lunch, drinks, rain jacket, and wear good hiking shoes. NO DOGS please. Level of difficulty; Moderate, about 5 miles total, with some steep and rocky places. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Giant Ledge trailhead parking area, located on Rt. 47, about 7.4 miles south of Rt. 28 in Big Indian. Register with Paul at [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] or us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party).
July 29 (Sat) Rip Van Winkle Hikers - All Along the Escarpment the Rip Van Winkle Hikers will explore the Catskills Escarpment, the eastern edge of the dissected Catskill plateau overlooking the Hudson Valley, with several coordinated hikes designed to suit a wide range of abilities and interests. Hikes will include: Escarpment Highlights at North South Lake (5 miles), Acra Point Loop (5.2 miles) and a Traverse from Black Dome Valley to North South Lake (12-14 miles). Hikers will meet at the MTHS campus in Haines Falls at 8:30 a.m., to sign in, form carpools, and fan out All Along the Escarpment for a fun-filled day in the Northeastern Catskills. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Aug. 12 (Sat) Grand Canyon House - What were those ruins?? We've planned a hike in the area of Platte Clove's early 20th Century resort known as the Grand Canyon House to replace the previously scheduled Thacher Park Hike. Although the actual site of the Grand Canyon House is now on private property there are some nearby areas of beauty and interest including some (to us at least) recently discovered ruins on the south side of Platte Clove Road. The ruins are on the property of the Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve. While in the area we will visit Pomeroy (aka Platte Clove) Falls and walk to Paradise Point and perhaps to Huckleberry Point. This is an exploratory walk. We will avoid the areas of known danger in Platte Clove. We will meet at St. Francis de Sales Church parking area in on the road to Platte Clove at 9:00 am on August 12. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Aug. 26 (Sat) Open House – details to follow
Sept. 9 (Sat.) Hudson River Ramble - Indian Head Mountain.Join New York State Licensed guide Moe Lemire on a loop hike up and over Indian Head Mountain. This hike will take place on September 9th. Meet at the parking area at the end of Prediger Road off of route 16 at 9:00 am. This loop hike is a total of 6.25 miles from start to finish. Ascending up to the summit of Indian Head Mountain at an elevation of 3573 then descending This is a moderate to difficult hike climbing up and over ledges and some boulders. Please wear sturdy foot wear. Bring a bagged lunch as we will be eating lunch on the southern view point. This hike offers several views of the valley, Platte Clove, Kaatterskill High Peak, Round Top as well as the old Police Camp which is now the Platte Clove Community. Remember to bring plenty of water, rain gear and a warm layer in case of cool weather on top. This hike will take place rain or shine. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Oct. 7 (Sat) 4th Annual Hikefest - Kaaterskill Rail Trail and the Falls. Exciting things are happening since we explored the Rail Trail and Falls last year. Plans for our contribution to the Lark in the Park will develop and be announced as the highly anticipated changes come in to clearer view. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register on our contacts page or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and # in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site http://www.mths.org. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
To our hikers:
The 2017 hiking schedule can be found at: http://mths.org/hikes.html or by selecting the Hikes link under the Interpret section in the side menus. As always, hikes are subject to change. Please check this site just prior to the date of any scheduled hike.
Thanks to the Kaaterskill Rail Trail Facebook Page for posting this notice.
Please everyone stay on the marked trail, do not cut across the private land to access the trail from MTHS. Please follow Trail up North Lake Road to Featherbed down to the rail trail.
The last section is in the process of being acquired by the Mountain Top Historical Society however it is still PRIVATE LAND, please respect the private land owners and their property.
The grand opening for the new final section connecting Kaaterskill Falls with the MTHS Campus will be opening on May 20th- more details to follow.
Thank you everyone for you help and cooperation in this matter.
Hikefest 2016
The Mountain Top Historical Society Presents Hikefest 3 as part of the Catskills Lark in the Park.
On Saturday, October 8, 2016 the Mountain Top Historical Society will be just the place to begin your Lark in the Park! This year we’ll be offering a choice of five hikes.
Two longer, more challenging hikes will be meeting at the MTHS campus at 8:00 a.m.
Hike #1 Kaaterskill High Peak
Difficult: 7 miles, 2,500’ ascent
Leaders: Tom and Anna Martone
A special Lark in the Park route to Kaaterskill High Peak from the north side. We'll see nice views to the Blackhead Range on our way up the north side to the summit of Kaaterskill High Peak. We'll take a short walk over to Hurricane Ledge to see awesome views of the Devil’s Path peaks and the Hudson Valley before returning the way we came.
Hike #2 Three Waterfalls and Poet's Ledge
Difficult: 5.9 miles
Leaders: Jim Gebhard and Paul Martin
A special Lark in the Park route hiking the Long Path past three dramatic waterfalls: Buttermilk,Wildcat and Viola. A short out and back to an awesome view from Poet's Ledge before winding our way down to Palenville. Our special Lark in the Park route will ensure that gravity is our friend as we will be hiking downhill throughout most of the hike.
Two groups will be offered a more moderate hike and will be meeting at the MTHS campus at 9:00 a.m.
Hike #3 Kaaterskill Falls, Layman's Monument, Council Bluff and Sunset RockModerate to difficult 3 miles with an elevation change of 700 ft.
Leader: Bob Gildersleeve
A vigorous climb alongside one of the highest and most famous waterfalls in New York State followed by a wooded walk with views into Kaaterskill Clove.
Starting at the Molly Smith parking area on Route 23A, we will follow the trail past Bastion Falls and after a half mile walk to the base of Kaaterskill Falls climb the new 200-step stairway to the escarpment trail near the site of the Laurel House. Taking the blue-marked Escarpment Trail for approximately a half mile we will arrive at Layman's Monument erected to honor Frank Layman who perished in 1900 fighting a forest fire that threatened homes in Haines Falls and Twilight Park. From Layman's Monument we will continue uphill passing a fine lookout known in the 19th century as Council Bluff and on to other vistas into Kaaterskill Clove including one now called Sunset Rock and on to the original Sunset Rock, now often called Inspiration Point. With a little backtracking, we will arrive at an old carriage road and follow it back to the site of the Laurel House where we will have some cars waiting to take us back to the MTHS campus. Note that possible construction in the area of Kaaterskill Falls may require some modifications of this walk.
Bob Gildersleeve is an MTHS Board Member and the author of Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide. He is a frequent and knowledgeable hiking guide in this area.
Hike #4: This group will follow the same itinerary as Hike #3. Hike leader: Jeff Senterman.
For Hike #5 we have lined up an easy hike which will also meet at the MTHS campus at 9:00 a.m. The hike, led by Pete Senterman Will explore the area of Colgate Lake in East Jewett. It should be a great opportunity to enjoy and photograph the now peak Autumn leaves.
All of the hikers will meet at the MTHS campus in the KRT parking lot and car pool to the various trail heads for the hikes. The hikes are designed to return to the MTHS campus at around noon for lunch.
Lunch will be hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill with all the fixings including salads, cold drinks and dessert. Doug Senterman has graciously agreed to be our Grillmaster. The cost per person for lunch is $10, reservations required.
After lunch, at 1:30 p.m. in our U&D Train Station, Mike Callan of the DEC will present an update on the Kaaterskill Falls Projects. Hear the inside scoop on those great stone steps, the viewing platform and the bridge that is currently under construction.
We welcome hikers and those interested in hiking or in the beauty of the Catskill Park to join us for a hike, lunch, the presentation and good company as part of the 2016 Lark in the Park.
Hikers must register and indicate which hike they are registering for. Hiking groups will be limited to 12 participants. You must register by 3:00 p.m. on October 5th. MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and total in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our website http://www.mths.org. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
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