Photo by Al Purdy

This nine-mile adventure in the southeast Catskills will explore a series of trails in the Sundown Wild Forest. This loop route begins at the Upper Cherrytown Road Parking Area and, proceeding counterclockwise, will cover 5.5 miles on the Long Path from the falls up Pople Hill and along Spencer Road into Greenville. From Greenville, we will follow the red-marked Vernooy Kill Falls Trail back to the Upper Cherrytown Parking Area, 3.5 miles. A moderate-rated hike, this outing is expected to last eight hours. This route may be of particular interest to those pursuing the Catskill All Trails Challenge.

Hikers need to bring lunch/snacks, water/ drink, layers of winter clothing, proper outwear, microspikes, gaiters -- and snowshoes and trekking poles (as needed). Registration for this hike is required by January 9. Register by contacting Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 514-0919. Please note, the hike is limited to 12 people, and dogs are not permitted. Severe weather will postpone the hike. Be prepared for unpredictable travel and trail conditions.

We will meet at the Upper Cherrytown Parking Area at 8am.

Take US Route 209 to Ulster County Highway 3 (Samsonville Road) and see the directional sign that reads "Vernooy Kill Falls 8" (this intersection is .6 mile north of the hamlet of Kerhonkson and 19.3 miles south of Route 28 in Kingston). Turn north onto CH 3/ Samsonville Rd. and proceed 3.4 miles. Turn left onto Upper Cherrytown Road and follow for 4.4 miles and the parking area will be on your right.

GPS coordinates of meeting location: 41.86411, -74.34633

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pj7USs5pwiNaS4bP7