Sun, Apr 2 – Sam’s Point to Minnewaska. About 12 miles. Strenuous.
Leader: Roberta Forest. Contact by email only: robertaforest@gmail.com
This is a shuttle hike that will take us through several areas of Sam’s Point and of Minnewaska SP which are often too remote for a day hike. There are occasional scrambles and lots of ups and downs. Do not sign up if you have any doubts about doing this much mileage on uneven terrain. This is a full day hike for which you should bring ample food and drink, your own first aid kit, sun screen and insect repellent. We will make several short stops to admire scenery and/or to snack. All breaks will be short so that we can get out before dark. Send expression of interest to my email address. I’ll compile a list of those interested and contact you within a week of the hike with joining instructions. (This is a fair weather hike only. Rain will cancel as will threats of thunderstorms.)
Sun Apr. 2 – NAVIGATION: Map & Compass Workshop in the Bluestone Wild Forest, 4-5 miles
Leader: Lyn W., ADK46erLynW@gmail.com
This is a 5 hour workshop conducted in the field designed to give you the confidence to use your compass to get you anywhere you want to go on the map! We will use both trails and off-trail in the Onteora Lake area. Expect to walk about 4-5 miles on hilly terrain. E-mail leader for details and preparation (1-hour on own time)
Sat, Apr 8 (rain date Apr 9) – Willowemoc Wildforest, Southwestern Catskills
Leader: Sharon Klein, CatsNGunks@gmail.com
This will be a moderate-relaxed pace hike of about 7 miles in the remote area of the Willowemoc and Big Indian Wildforest. The hike will go over Sand Pond mountain. At 3,097′ it is one of the Catskills highest 100. The elevation gain is gradual. The hike will be a traverse and carpooling will be necessary. We will end at Mongaup Pond State campground where we can explore the area around the lake, weather and time permitting. Please help me complete this hike, one of the last of my 350 mile journey hiking all the trails in the Catskill Park.
Sat, Apr 15 – Tymor Park in Union Vale (Dutchess County). Just under 3 miles, 2 hours, C level.
Co-leaders: Shirley Freitas and Georgette Weir. Email Georgette to confirm at georgette.weir@gmail.com
Loop hike. After the groomed park, we’ll take the wide dirt road alongside Fishkill Creek followed by Furnace Pond. At the end of the pond we’ll cross the creek below a modern dam and go past the ruins of the old pig iron furnace (1831 – 1883). We return on the hilly trail through woods on the other side of the pond. The pond ends at an old dam built from huge stones from the furnace. We’ll traverse the wooden bridge to return to the park. Bring water and a snack. Hiking sticks will be helpful for the second part of the hike. If the weather has been wet and cold, bring spikes. Heavy rain or ice cancels.
Sun, Apr 16 – Mills Norrie – Hopeland Area 2 miles, 1.5 hours Leisurely C level hike Plus Optional carpool to 2nd hike at Vlei Marsh
Leader: Annette Caruso, annettecrs@gmail.com, tel #845 891-3361
We will hike the trails at Mills Norrie – Hopeland Area and hope to see the wild Iris bloom this year. We’ll picnic near the pond. And afterwards optional add-on hike, we’ll carpool to the nearby Vlei Marsh and hike the green and possibly yellow trails, another 2 miles max, and check out the ‘park art’. Bring water and lunch and dress for the weather. MUST confirm with leader for meeting place and time.
Tues, Apr 18 – MHADK Board Meeting via Zoom
Contact Georgette Weir: georgette.weir@gmail.com
Thurs, Apr 20 at 6:30pm – Get Started Kayaking Presentation – Esopus Library, Port Ewen
MHADK volunteers are welcome to help out and recruit new members. Contact Don Urmston if you’d like to volunteer mrurmston@gmail.com
Always wanted to try kayaking but don’t know how to get started? ADK trip leader and ACA instructor, Don Urmston will tell you how to get started, what gear you’ll need, where to go paddling, where to meet other paddlers and where to get instruction on your technique. See and feel the difference in kayaks, paddles and other equipment with our hands-on presentation. Special attention is given to kayak safety and choosing your first kayak. Whether you just want to paddle occasionally, or you want to become an expert sea kayaker, this program will get you started. Free to all.
Sat, Apr 22 – Bashakill Wetlands Paddle, Bloomingburg, NY.– (C, Easy)
Leader: Don Urmston, Mrurmston@gmail.com, 845-549-4671 (before 9pm).
Observe ducks, frogs, and Bald Eagles as we drift along through this beautiful wetland. We will paddle for 2-3 hours at an easy pace. PFD (Life vest) Required! Early season trip so be prepared for cold and some wind. Contact leader for time and meeting place. Register with leader by 4/21. Beginning Paddlers Welcome!
Sun, Apr 23 – Indian Head, a Catskill 3500 peak at a relaxed pace
Leaders Sharon Klein and Roger Green, CatsNGunks@gmail.com
We will hike Indian Head mountain and onto Sherman’s Lookout which offers a fantastic view of Overlook and Plattekill Mountains. The hike will start at the Prediger road parking area and heads up to the Jimmy Dolan notch where we will have the opportunity to view the valley beyond all the way to the Ashokan reservoir to the Shawangunk Ridge and beyond. Indian Head summits at 3,573′ The entire hike will have a total elevation gain and loss of about 2000′. Mileage is about 6.7 miles out and back with about 5.5-6 hours of hiking time including stops, depending on conditions. There are some short scrambles on this route, which will require a scramble both on the ascent and descent.
Fri, Apr 28 – Fahnestock State Park, Moderate, B Hike, 4.65 miles
Leader: Georgette Weir, georgette.weir@gmail.com
We will start at Hubbard Lodge on Rt. 9 and hike 4.5-5 miles, climbing about 600 feet to Round Hill. Then down Round Hill Bypass to catch the Hubbard Loop Trail on our way back to our cars. (NY-NJ Trail Conference East Hudson map #103.) Pace will be about 2 mph.
Sun, Apr 30- Bluestone Wildforest, Special History and Geology Hike
Leader: Sharon Klein, CatsNGunks@gmail.com, with Guest Leader Paul Rubin
This hike is a follow up to Paul Rubin’s presentation of Mar 25. We will explore the features of the Forest that Paul has uncovered, such as historic wagon roads and quarries, foundations, stone-walled pastures, a 163 year old farmstead, an abandoned railroad station and unique geologic features that portray a comprehensive picture of the 19th and 20th century landscape of this region. These new findings could put Bluestone Wild Forest on the NY State & National Register of Historic Places.
Limited to 12 participants. Carpooling will be necessary to do limited parking where we will be entering.