This is a challenging 9+ mile trail hikes with excellent views and fun scrambles. With over 4000' of elevation gain, this hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take about ten hours. The pace of the hike will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed, typically) with steep climbs, and short breaks. Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, water/ sports drink, snowshoes, traction aids (e.g. microspikes), warm layers of clothes, proper outerwear, winter boots, gaiters, poles, headlamp, and extra batteries.

This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com by March 14. Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about two to four days before the hike.

We'll meet, ready to hike, no later than 8:00 am in the Prediger Road Parking Area.

Directions to Prediger Road Trailhead: To reach the trailhead from State Route 23A east in Tannersville, bear left on South Main St., stay left on Spruce (becomes Platte Clove Rd.) and at 1.5 miles stay left on Platte Clove Road and continue another 4.2 miles. Turn right on Prediger Road, following the signs for forest preserve parking near the end of the road.

From Route 23A west, take a right on Bloomer Road (.6 miles after the 23A/ 214 jnctn). Just after a mile stay to the right at the yield signs and onto Platte Clove Road (Co. Hwy. 16). Continue 4.3 miles and turn right on Prediger Road, following the signs for forest preserve parking near the end of the road.

Note, the eastern access from West Saugerties (Platte Clove Road) is closed for the winter season.  

GPS coordinates of Prediger Road Parking Area: 42.134004, -74.104338

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVpkrVNWU4JtgaaUA

Additional information: 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.

More info
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.