5 Winter Hiking Tips for Your First Time Out & So You’ll Want to Go Back
Hiking in the winter is a dazzling way to experience the backcountry. Besides there being fewer people, you’ll encounter a beauty that you obviously can’t find in the other seasons. However, for the first time winter back-country traveler, it can be daunting. Compared to other seasons your margin for error in winter is less; meaning the mistakes you make are magnified due to the harsh conditions. A few basic tips will help make your first…
Best Hikes: Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow & Devil’s Path
There are many ways up the Catskill’s second-highest summit. Ranging from moderate to difficult makes reaching the fire tower views doable for most people. With a horse trail and handicap ramp for mounting and dismounting, it gives the trip another dimension. Even though this writer has read criticism in forums about the safety for horses on the steeper sections of the trail, it does offer an opportunity that no other high peak in New York…
Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and Why to Use Them
Most maintained trails have a trail register and possibly a kiosk. In our many years on the trail we have observed back-country travelers faithfully sign-in and out providing valuable information for authorities. We have also seen hikers, hunters, trail-runners, mountain bikers, etc. pass right by them as they don’t exist. First I have to admit, here in New York, our registers ask for a lot of information which I do not give (i.e., address). Yes,…
Ride the Catskills via NYSDEC
Not a back-country person? The NYSDEC has put together a guide for “Riding the Catskills”. The DEC says: “Come let the beauty and mystery of the Catskill Mountains, that have inspired writers, painters and naturalists for centuries, work their magic on you. Whether you’re trout fishing a crystal clear stream, enjoying a festival in a quaint mountain town, or threading a mountain bike down a tree-lined slope, you’ll find excitement and relaxation for body and…
Best Hikes: Vroman’s Nose, Schoharie Valley NY
Vroman’s Nose is a little mountain with a giant view. Located just outside the Village of Middleburgh, this small peak has been a hiking favorite for thousands of people. I would imagine that many avid hikers got their start here. Although not typically thought of being Catskill, these hills are akin to their larger members inside the Blue line. In fact, Arnold Guyot, the geologist who measured much of the Appalachian chain felt the Catskill…