The Old Stage Road Hike
2026-09-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Hike along the classic stage coach approach to the Catskill Mountain House during the late eighteen hundreds. Hike will start in Palenville and continue up past the site of the Rip Van Winkle house, stops at Rip’s Rock, and Little Pine Orchard and ending at North Lake. This is hike #1 in Bob Gildersleeve’s book “Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide”. Bring lunch or snacks.

Hike Leader: Bob Gildersleeve
Difficulty: Moderate, 3 ½ miles, 1,470’ elevation gain

Children’s Geology Walk
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
A quick intro to the science of geology and then as we wander round the MTHS campus, Robert Titus will describe how the glaciers rose out of Kaaterskill Clove and overran the site. “We would imagine the ice rising out of the clove and then look at the kame and kettle moraine at the Haines family cemetery. We would also look at the standing stones that litter the vicinity.” Meet on the MTHS Visitor’s Center porch at 10 AM. This event will last about 2 hours. Rain date Saturday, September 13th.

Hike Leader: Robert Titus
Difficulty: Easy (good for families with kids)

Registration is required. For more information or to register, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657

14th Annual Postcard Show
2026-09-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Presented with John Duda at the historic 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station.
The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. Vendors contact John Duda at johnalmathduda@gmail.com.

Plein Air Painting Group
2026-09-26 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
The group will meet on the MTHS campus, presented with Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution
2026-09-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Festivities will take place on the MTHS campus, in conjunction with the Greene County Historical Society.

Kaaterskill Junction Hike
2026-10-10 09:00 - 12:00 | 4282 Rte 214, 4282 Rte 214, Hunter, NY, 12485, United States
Hike along the old, mostly level railroad bed, about 4 miles long, exploring the area around Kaaterskill Junction on State Route 214. You will be stepping back in time to the days when the Kaaterskill and Stony 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. A track plan of the junction and photographs showing the several sidings that served the sorting of freight and passenger cars to the two branches will be provided, supported by rail ties that still remain 84 years after the abandonment of the line in 1940. To the east the hike will visit the remains of the Light Dam Bridge over the Schoharie Creek. 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.
Directions: Address: 4282 Rte 214 About a .4 mile south from the 23A end of Rte 214 on the left there is a sign planted in the grass marking the Junction —drive in and park on the U-shaped driveway.
Registration is required. For more information or to register, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

Hike Leader: Paul LaPierre
Difficulty: Moderate

7th Annual Reading of Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle
2026-10-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
Join us for the 6th Annual Community Reading of Washington Irving’s timeless classic, Rip Van Winkle, at the historic 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station on the MTHS campus.

Calling all storytellers! Here’s your chance to step into the shoes (or perhaps the slumbering boots) of iconic characters. This is a fantastic opportunity to flex your theatrical muscles in a fun, low-pressure environment. Embrace the colorful language and dramatic moments of Irving’s masterpiece – no memorization required!

Spectators, prepare to be enchanted! Immerse yourselves in the charm and humor of Rip Van Winkle as it unfolds in the unique ambiance of the beautifully preserved train station. It’s a fan-favorite tradition for a reason – a delightful afternoon of community, literature, and a touch of old-world magic.

Joining us again this year will be Catskill Artist Matt Bua and the Traveling Rip Exhibit. View the magic and lore of Rip displayed at the Train Station.
Also, a magical visit from Rip himself!

To become a reader or to let us know you will be attending please email mthsdirector@mths.org or cal 518-589-6657.
Mark your calendars and join us for this cherished annual event!

Spruce Woods & Its Folklore
2026-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Mountain Top Historical Society, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, New York, United States
A presentation by Ricky & Patti Brooks at the 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station.
Presentation of antique maps, deeds, survey instruments and chains used to spur settlement of the East Kill Valley wilderness. The program will focus on Doris West Brooks’, Ricky’s mom, acclaimed book “The Old Eagle Nester” on the settlement history of the upper East Kill Valley. Participants are encouraged to read the book prior to attending. Hike to Spruce Woods scheduled for the following morning (please see the next event listing).
Space is limited. Please email mthsdirecto@mths.org or cal 518-589-6657 to register.

The Spruce Woods Hike
2026-10-24 09:00 - 11:00
An interactive hike to the Spruce Woods around Colgate Lake. The program will focus on Doris West Brooks’, Ricky’s mom, acclaimed book “The Old Eagle Nester” on the settlement history of the upper East Kill Valley. Participants are encouraged to read the book prior to attending. “Spruce Woods and its Folklore” program presented the evening before the hike (see previous event listing). Meet at the MTHS Visitor’s Center at 9 AM. Hike departs at 9:20 AM.

Leader: Ricky & Patti Brooks
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
