This point-to-point hiking adventure in the Western Catskills covers 9+ miles and includes a bushwack section. Beginning at the Mill Brook Road Parking Area along the Dry Brook Ridge Trail, the route ascends to the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain (with fire tower), then traverses the Mill Brook Ridge before dropping into Kelly Hollow. The outing is expected to take seven-to-eight hours and is rated as difficult. The pace of the hike will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed, typically) with steep climbs, and short breaks.

Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, water/ sports drink, snowshoes, traction aids (e.g. microspikes), warm layers of clothes, proper outerwear, winter boots, gaiters, poles, and a headlamp (just in case). This hike is limited to 12 people and registration is required by January 8. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader. Note, meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about two to four days before the hike.

We will meet at the Kelly Hollow Parking Area at 8:30, in time to begin the shuttle to the Mill Brook Road Parking Area/ Dry Brook Ridge Trail.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 west for 34.9 miles. Turn left onto route 49a at Highmount/ the Belleayre Ski Center and follow for 5.4 miles to its end. Turn left onto Route 49 Dry Brook Road for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Mill Brook Road for 6.4 miles and turn left into the Kelly Hollow Parking Area.

From Route 28 west/ Andes, after entering the Catskill Park and crossing the East Branch of the Delaware River, turn right across of the old stone schoolhouse. Turn immediately right again, following the brown and white wayfinding signs, for 3.75 miles and then turn left on Mill Brook Road. Continue for 5.4 miles, and the trailhead is on the right (it’s the second entrance to the Kelly Hollow area). 

GPS coordinates for Kelly Hollow Trailhead: 42.07836, - 74.65097

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Psiz3vDiJsWHDNRVA