Join Marv Freedman and friends for this long, strenuous bushwhack and trail hike to three of the Catskills’ high peaks. This 12+ mile hike includes 3200’ of elevation gain and a visit to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower with great views. The hiking pace will be moderate (about 1.5 mph moving speed), with short breaks and not a long stop for lunch.

Hikers need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink winter boots, proper layers and outerwear, snowshoes, microspikes, gaiters and hiking poles (recommended), and a headlamp with extra batteries. This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com by February 21. 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 two to four days before the hike.

We will meet at 8:00 am at the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot (the one with the horse ramp, about ¼ mile before the end of the road).

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5g7PG7pMoR3iENyY7

GPS Coordinates: 42.184527, -74.272206

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 6.6 miles to the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot on the left.

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 6.6 miles to the Spruceton Trail Parking Lot on the left.
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.