Recent Updates:
- Added Sun, April 2 – Map & Compass Workshop in the Bluestone Wild Forest
- Rescheduled to Sun, April 16 – Mills Norrie – Hopeland Area Hike
- Added Sun, April 30 – Bluestone Wildforest, Special History and Geology Hike
- Added Fri, March 31 – Bushy Ridge in Fahnestock S.P Hike
The Mid-Hudson Chapter of ADK, in alignment with ADK, has updated outing restrictions due to Covid 19 and the emergence of new variants. As has been our Chapter policy, leaders may use their discretion in accordance with Federal and State Covid guideline to set rules and limitations for their hikes as they deem fit.
See Previous Outings for a list of completed outings.
See All Outings Gallery for outing reports and photos from previous outings.
See Mid-Week Outings to sign up for emails to our Monday-Friday outings.
March 2023
Sat, Mar 4 – High Peterskill Loop. About 6 miles moderate B
Leader: Roberta Forest, robertaforest@gmail.com
This hike is half way on carriage roads and half way on trails. We’ll pass Awosting Falls and follow a trail above the Peterskill. If we have enough snow, we’ll snowshoe it. Otherwise, you might need traction for icy spots. Bring enough food and drink for the day, and your own first aid kit. Details will be sent to those who register.
Sun, Mar 5 – Mill Brook Preserve, New Paltz, Easy 2 miles C
Leader: Carla Barrett, barrettinclinton@gmail.com
MBP (millbrookpreserve.org) has low rolling hills with narrow bridges (two boards wide) 1 to 3 feet above shallow water. Bring hiking poles for balance assist if needed. Heavy rain or deep snow will cancel. 1.5 – 2 hours. Frequent stops to view nature. Some periods of silence during the walk will be requested. Back in the parking area we will have a drink/snack/lunch while discussing other walking areas in New Paltz. Participants may want to continue on to one of these with leader or explore New Paltz on their own, including the Dorsky Art Museum at SUNY New Paltz. Must confirm with leader for meeting place and time. No more than 8 participants including leader due to the fragile nature of the Preserve.
Tues, Mar 7 – Walk at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park followed by full moon rise viewing.
Leader: Sue Mackson, 845-471-9892, suemackson@gmail.com
As the sun begins its winter end of day descent, we will walk the up and down (hills, not mountains) at Carnwath Park in Wappingers Falls. This is the location of the Dutchess County Sports Museum. We will end our walk climbing the hill to watch the sunset beyond the river. We will then reverse our direction and
wait for the pop of moonlight. Bring warm drinks and snacks. Rain cancels.
Fri, Mar 10 – Fahnestock State Park, moderate 6-7 mile B walk & hike
Leader: Georgette Weir, georgette.weir@gmail.com
We will walk the scenic Sunken Mine Road–an unpaved woods road closed to cars December-April–up and down past ponds and historic mines, along rushing streams and old stone walls to the 1.2-mile rough trail up and over Candlewood Hill, then onto the extension of Bell Hollow Road and back to Sunken Mine Road to retrace our steps. A good stretch of the legs!
Sun, Mar 19 – Pocantico Lake and Rockefeller Park Preserve Hike, Briarcliff Manor, NY, Class C. About 4 miles.
Leader: John Ragusa, email: jrjr1059@msn.com, cell: 917-692-1159
We will meet in the parking lot of the Pocantico Lake Park. We will walk on a nice trail along the shore of the lake to the dam and observe the old pump house. From there we will walk along the Pocantico River and into the Rockefeller Park Preserve where we will walk along carriage roads into the deep woods and observe towering Tulip trees. It’s hard to believe you’re in central Westchester. We will do a loop which will bring us back to Pocantico Lake along the shore and back to the parking lot. Bring sturdy shoes and a picnic lunch. Must contact leader for time and meeting place.
Mon, Mar 20 – First Day of Spring Hike – Minnewaska Litchfield Ledge B
Leader: Ginny gefauci@gmail.com or 845-399-2170 (text only)
We’ll hike a combination of carriage roads and trails to Litchfield Ledge for lunch and views of Lake Awosting and the Catskills. Possible side trip to Rainbow Falls on the way back. Please confirm with leader. Note: If Minnewaska is still grooming for skiing, I’ll move the hike to another area.
Fri, Mar 24 – FDR National Historic Site, 3.5 miles, easy, C hike
Leader: Georgette Weir, georgette.weir@gmail.com
We will start at the Visitors Center and walk down to and loop around on the Roosevelt Woods Trail, taking a few short, exploratory side trails.
Sat, March 25, 11:00am – BLUESTONE WILD FOREST PROGRAM
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401
Sponsored by Mid-Hudson ADK, Mid-Hudson Sierra Club, and the Climate Action Team of UUCC
To RSVP for the in-person event (there will be refreshments) or to sign up for the Zoom link, go to Catskill Mountain Keeper: Hidden Gems in the Bluestone Wild Forest.
Learn about the unique historical and geological features of a part of the Catskill Forest Preserve that has been the focus of protection efforts by ADK and other groups (Catskill Mountainkeeper, Woodstock Land Conservancy, Sierra Club) for the past three years.
On Sat. morning, March 25, Paul Rubin of Hydroquest will do a photographic presentation, in person, on the special features of the Bluestone Wild Forest, which he discovered while doing hydrogeological studies in the area. These features will form the basis for the nomination of the “Hemlock Historic Quarry District” within the forest to the National Register of Historic Places. Paul will present these findings, just a week earlier, at the annual meeting of the Northeastern/Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America.
According to the New York State Office of Historic Preservation, the area is significant “. . .for its potential to inform our understanding of historic bluestone quarrying methods and the organizational principals that characterized this industrial site.”
This popular hiking and swimming area (it includes Onteora Lake) between Woodstock and Kingston has been in the news in recent years because of the negative impacts posed by a proposed concrete and steel manufacturing plant on a site surrounded on three sides by the forest. Inclusion of the site on the National Register of Historic Places would strengthen the cas e against the proposed manufacturing plant.
In April, MHADK hike leader and Bluestone advocate Sharon Klein plans to lead a hike in the area with Paul Rubin.
Again, please RSVP for the in-person event (there will be refreshments), or sign up for the Zoom link here: www.catskillmountainkeeper.org
Sun, Mar 26 – Light hike/walk along the Beacon waterfront and Madam Brett Park, followed by a visit to DIA:Beacon to view large scale contemporary artworks, C level walk on level ground, about 4 miles.
Co-Leaders: Lalita Malik, lalitamalik@aol.com, and Lyn W., hikebuddy@gmail.com
This is a multipart day starting with a 2.5 hour walk at 10 AM, with a break for a snack, followed by a tour of DIA:Beacon at 1:00 PM and optional early dinner on Beacon Main Street following. Email Lyn W. at hikebuddy@gmail.com for parking instructions and to register for free DIA:Beacon tickets, which must be done in advance.
We will walk the River Trail between two Scenic Hudson Parks; Long Dock and Madam Brett. Along the way we will have views of the Hudson and cities across from Beacon and Newburgh Beacon bridge. We will see ruins, waterfalls, and possibly amphibians, aquatic mammals and ospreys and bald eagles. Check out the links below of what we will see.
https://www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/scenic-hudsons-long-dock-park/
https://www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/madam-brett-park/
Our day continues as we gather in the bookshop/cafe of DIA:Beacon, an industrial former box factory that houses large scale art installations from the 1960’s to the present. On view are galleries filled with famous artworks from Richard Serra, Andy Warhol, Sol Lewitt and others. We can walk around on our own or join the guided tour that begins at 1:30 PM and is complimentary with admission. Tickets are no charge to all Hudson Valley residents the last Sunday of every month, or $20 if you live outside the area. Optional early dinner follows around 4 PM in town a few blocks away. See gallery info here: https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/dia-beacon-beacon-united-states
Fri, Mar 31 – Bushy Ridge in Fahnestock S.P. Hike Level is B
Leaders: Joan B. and Georgette Weir
Contact: georgette.weir@gmail.com
Joan’s “favorite” hike in Fahnestock: A 6-mile lollipop at about a 2-mph pace to and over Bushy Ridge. Lots to see, including views of Stillwater Lake and Wiccopee Reservoir and the remains of a past community, Odletown.
April 2023
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.)
***Recently Added***
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.
***Rescheduled from Sun, Apr 30***
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 Starting 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!
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. 9W 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.
Looking Ahead
Sat, May 6 – Love My Park Day. Volunteer at any local State Park.
Sun, May 7 (rain date Mon, May 8) – Trail maintenance at Locust Grove
This is our barter in exchange for using the Locust Grove facility for our Holiday Party
Sun, June 11 – Second Annual Spring Picnic at Bowdoin Park
Sat, Sept 30 – Annual Meeting Picnic at George Freer Park in Port Ewen
Sun, Dec 10 – Holiday Party at Locust Grove