9th Annual Hikefest (Cancelled)

Hike #1 The Hudson River School artists at Kaaterskill Falls with hike leader Robert Titus

Much of the early work done by Hudson River School artists was done at Kaaterskill Falls. It is easy to search for and find exactly where they sketched. This hike will visit many of these sites. It is Dr. Titus’s contention that it was the Ice Age processes of erosion that created the scenic beauty that was painted. Dr. Titus and his wife Johanne are preparing a book about this. This hike will be a preview of that book.

Meet at the Laurel House parking lot at 8:30 AM. An easy to moderate hike of about three to four hours. Bring snacks and water. 

Hike #2 Kaaterskill Junction with hike leaders Pete Senterman, Paul LaPierre, Gary Dufel, and Mike Kudish

Explore the area around Kaaterskill Junction on State Route 214. Step back in time to the days when the Kaaterskill and Stoney Clove Railroad came up to the Junction from Phoenicia and then split to the west on the Hunter Branch and headed east on the Tannersville Branch toward the Hotel Kaaterskill.  Host Gary Dufel, along with Senterman and LaPierre will also be joined by Mike Kudish, author of Where Did the Tracks Go in the Catskills? to give the story from 4 points of view. A side excursion to the new Hunter Branch Rail Trail pedestrian bridge over a tributary of the Schoharie Creek will be added after returning to our start at the Junction site. 

Park on the U-shaped driveway at 4282 route 214 at 9:00 AM. There is a sign planted in the grass marking the Junction. This is a moderate hike about 4 miles long. Bring snacks and water. 

Hike #3 Vistas of the Kaaterskill Clove with hike leader Pete Preston

This is a fast moving, moderately challenging loop hike that features spectacular views from high above Kaaterskill Clove. Follow the up-and-down cliff-top Escarpment Trail passing Layman’s Monument into Kaaterskill Clove to the famous Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point, followed by the not-to-be-missed views over Palenville and the Hudson Valley. Tour the site of the Kaaterskill Hotel and then return to Scutt Rd via South Mt.  Pausing throughout the hike along the way when history beckons.  In Bob Gildersleeve’s book, Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, most of his Hike 4 covers this hike. 

Meet at the Scutt Rd parking lot 9:00 AM, which is on North Lake Rd, right before the campground entrance. Total estimated time: about four hours.  The trail can be muddy in places if the days prior to the hike have been rainy, so think about footwear.  No dogs please. Bring snacks and water.