We will hike to Vly (3541') and Bearpen (3587') at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) along unofficial trails and snowmobile trails, with short breaks. There are great views from Bearpen. This is a moderate-difficult seven-mile hike that is expected to take five hours. Fit beginners are welcome. Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink, sturdy shoes, proper clothing, hiking poles (recommended), microspikes (if needed), and bug repellant.
This event is limited to 12 participants and registration is required by March 25. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted on this hike with the permission of the event leader.
Directions: Parking is limited at the trailhead, so we'll meet in the parking area across from the Highmount Post Office at 8 Galli Curci Road, in Highmount NY, just off of Route 28 and at the base of the Belleayre Ski Center. From the east, Highmount is located 37 miles west of the NYS Thruway Exit 19 on Route 28 at the top of the hill. From the west, Highmount is located 8.2 miles east of the village of Margaretville.
GPS Coordinates for parking lot at Highmount: 42.146809, -74.49486
Google Map Link for parking lot at Highmount: https://maps.app.goo.gl/se1ixGbkY3Qw3H6N8
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 4 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.