(Photo by A. Purdy)
This point-to-point hike in the Western Catskills will cover 5.6 miles and include the Middle Mountain Trail and a 3.3-mile section of the Mary Smith Trail. Whether you’re interested in completing the Catskills All Trails Challenge or just want to get out during this beautiful time of the year, these lesser-visited trails offer seclusion with some solid climbing and descending. Rated as moderate-to-difficult, this outing is expected to take about five hours. Participants need to bring lunch/ snacks, plenty of water/ drink, proper outer wear, layers, boots, gaiters, hiking poles (recommended), insect repellent, and sunscreen.
This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required by May 29. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 514-0919. Please note: dogs are not permitted on this hike; trail conditions can alter the route and pace/ overall duration of the hike; and poor weather conditions will postpone the hike.
This one-way hike includes a shuttle. We will meet at the Holiday and Berry Brook Parking Lot at 9am and then car-shuttle to Beech Hill Road to begin the hike.
Directions to the Holiday and Berry Brook Parking Lot:
From the East, take State Route 28 to Margaretville (where it is joined by State Route 30) and continue 3.4 miles on 28/30. Turn left onto State Route 30 (where it splits with 28) and continue 15.2 miles (crossing the Pepacton Reservoir) to Holiday and Berry Brook Road. Turn left (has a sign for Huggins Lake) onto Holiday and Berry Brook Road and continue 2.9 miles to the parking lot, which is on the left.
From the west, Holiday and Berry Brook Road is located 4.75 miles east of the junction of State Routes 30 and 206 (just east of Downsville). Turn right (has a sign for Huggins Lake) onto Holiday and Berry Brook Road and continue 2.9 miles to the parking lot, which is on the left.
GPS Coordinates for meeting location: 42.038723, -74.847671
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/199ynxYyofkWz3AP6