Join Al Purdy for a longer hike in the Willowemoc State Forest. The hike is rated difficult not for the terrain but for the distance (14.5 miles). The hike will visit the three water bodies and is ideal for those looking to complete the Catskills All Trails Hiking Challenge. This hike is expected to take eight hours, and participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverage, proper clothing, bright colors for hunting season, headlamp, sturdy hiking boots, and microspikes (snowshoes should be in your car).
The hike is limited to 12 registrants. The registration deadline in November 25. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.
Directions:
From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.
From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a “red caboose” on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.
From the NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) turn right onto Route 28 west, go one-half mile and turn right onto US 209 south. Take 209 south for 25 miles and turn right onto State Route 55 in Napanoch. Take 55 West for 16.1 miles and turn right onto Sullivan County Hwy 19 (Claryville Road). Go 2.7 miles and turn left onto Hunter Rd. Take Hunter Rd. for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Willowemoc Rd. Take Willowemoc Rd. for 3.6 miles and turn right onto Mongaup Rd. for 2.7 miles. Continue straight onto Beech mountain road 0.3 miles to the Frick Pond parking area.
GPS Coordinates: 41.95171, -74.70711
Additional Notes: Hike begins at 8:30. At Quick Lake we will be over seven miles from the parking area, so make sure you have everything you think you may need with you. Most of the elevation gain will be on the return trip from Quick Lake to the parking area.