Join Al Purdy on this one-way hike along the Catskills Divide and over three peaks. For Catskills All Trails Challenge enthusiasts, this 10.5-miler will cover 8.75 miles of the Pine Hill West Branch Trail and 1.75 miles of the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail. Rated as difficult, the outing is expected to take eight-to-ten hours.

Participants need to bring plenty of/ extra water/ drink, as well as food/ snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, insect and sun protection, a headlamp (just in case), and hiking poles (if desired). This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required by July 31. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 514-0919. Please note, dogs are not permitted on this hike; and severe weather on the day of the hike or heavy rain leading up to the day of the hike could postpone the hike (due to challenging stream crossings).

We will meet at the McKenley Hollow Trailhead at 9am. This is where our hike will end; from here, we’ll shuttle over to the Biscuit Brook Trailhead to begin. Directions to McKenley Hollow: From NYS Thruway Exit 19/ Kingston, take Route 28 west for 30.9 miles. Turn left onto County Hwy 47 at Big Indian. Proceed 2.9 miles and turn right onto Mckenley Hollow Road, and the parking area is on the left in 0.8 miles. From the west, proceed 4.1 miles past the entrance to the Belleayre Ski Center at Highmount on Route 28 and turn right onto County Hwy 47 at Big Indian. Proceed 2.9 miles and turn right onto Mckenley Hollow Road, and the parking area is on the left in 0.8 miles.

GPS Coordinates to McKenley Hollow parking area: 42.070489, -74.474117

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sAqJvmVrEm2MTE717