Join Marv Freedman and friends for this trail hike to the summit of West Kill (3898'). This will be a seven-mile, five-hour hike with an ascent of about 1900’. This hike is rated as moderate to difficult. The pace will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph average moving pace). Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, water/ sports drink, snowshoes, traction aids (e.g. microspikes), warm layers of clothes, proper outerwear, winter boots, gaiters, and poles.
This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com by February 15. 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 four days before the hike.
Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 7.3 miles then turn right on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the parking area on the right, almost to the end of the road.
From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 4.1 miles then turn left on County Hwy 6 (Spruceton Road) in West Kill and take this road 6.8 miles to the parking area on the right, almost to the end of the road.
Note, this parking lot (where we’ll meet) is on the right just past the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot (which is on the left). Do not park at the end of the road.
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xAE9ZJPgZJu2xbwf6
Diamond Notch Parking Lot, GPS Coordinates: 42.18240 -74.26955
MORE INFO: Peaks, meeting place and time, and route are all subject to change based on trail conditions and weather forecast. I will provide updated details by email 2 to 4 days before each hike.
Please provide a number where I can text you.
Pace is moderate (but my typical 1-1/2 mph moving pace might not be realistic with unbroken deep snow)
It may be too cold to stop for long breaks. Please pack snacks and water so that they're accessible without removing your pack, and so that they don't freeze.
Bring
Headlamps with extra batteries
Poles with snow baskets
Warm, water resistant boots
Gaiters
Traction aides
Snowshoes
Extra mittens, liners, caps
Survival gear/supplies (puffy, bivy, fire starting materials, extra food/water)
Snow shovel, ice scraper, tow rope in car
Change of boots/clothes in car
Sleeping bag/blanket in car
ALSO FROM MARV: I can provide loaner gear. Tell me what you need.
Set up Google offline mapping so you can head home without cell service.
Well behaved dogs are generally welcome, with my permission. Please request my permission before bringing a dog. My standards for what constitutes a "well behaved" dog are pretty high. Please tell me if you're uncomfortable hiking with dogs.