Take this amazing, one-way, 11.6-mile hike along one of the Catskills’ “newer” trails. Led by Al Purdy and rated as difficult, this outing will take eight-to-ten hours. This hike may be of particular interest to those working on the Catskills All Trails Challenge, as it will complete this section of the blue-marked Phoenicia-East Branch Trail.

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 (fresh/ extra batteries), and hiking poles (if desired). This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required by July 24. 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 will postpone the hike.

We will meet at the Romer Mountain Trailhead Parking Area, at the end of Lane St. in Phoenicia. This is where our hike will end. From here we will car shuttle five miles to the beginning of the hike in Woodland Valley. There may be a fee to park at/ near the Woodland Valley Campground.

Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19/ Kingston take route 28 west for 22.2 miles. Merge right onto Bridge Street for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto High Street and go 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Lane Street and go 0.1 miles to the Romer Mountain Parking Area. (If you’re coming from the west on Route 28, Bridge Street is the second entrance to Phoenicia, after the causeway over the Esopus Creek.)

GPS Coordinates to Romer Mountain Trailhead: 42.07821, -74.31908

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aq8S3hpvct2UbJ7EA