(A. Purdy)
Here’s a great opportunity to explore 14 miles of trails in the Willowemoc Wild Forest. Rated as difficult, this counter-clockwise loop on the Quick Lake and Flynn Trails is expected to take eight hours. The outing is ideal for those looking to complete the Catskills All Trail Challenge… or just a reason to get outside and enjoy this corner of the Catskill Forest Preserve.
Participants need to bring lunch/ plenty of food and drink, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, a headlamp and batteries, and hiking poles (recommended). This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required by June 12. To register, contact Al at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 514-0919. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Severe weather will postpone the hike.
Directions:
From NYS Thruway Exit 19 at Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 and follow for 30.4 miles. Turn left onto County Highway 47 in Big Indian follow for 19.3 miles. Make a sharp right uphill turn onto Pond Road (which will turn into Pole Rd. then Willowemoc Rd.) for 9.4 miles. Turn right onto Monguap Road, continue for almost three miles, stay left on Beech Mountain Road and the parking area is on the left.
From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking area on the left.
From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a "red caboose" on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where a fork in the road. Bear left onto Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking areason the left.
Google Maps link to trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jFDn7ZfmoFJi2PMa9
GPS coordinates to trailhead: 41.95090, -74.70717