Catskills Lark in the Park Runs Oct 2-11

Enjoy the fall foliage while hiking, biking or paddling.

DELHI, NY (09/29/2010)(readMedia)-- The leaves are a-turning and the events and outings are a-flourishing!

Just a reminder that Catskill Mountain Club's cornerstone event, the annual "Lark in the Park", co-sponsored by The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, begins this Saturday, October 2nd and continues through Monday, October 11th. With 40 events being offered in this, its seventh year, you will surely find something for all ages and ability levels. Be sure to browse through all the events by visiting the official "Lark in the Park" website by checking out the Activities and Events page on our Catskill Mountain Club website. Below is a brief listing of each event. All of the details and driving directions for each event can be found on the website.


2010 "Lark in the Park" Events

Saturday, OCTOBER 2

Hike to Mt Tremper Fire Tower

9AM - Join local Forest Ranger Ellenbogen on a 5.5-mile hike up Mount Tremper, passing by an old quarry, a spring and two lean-to's, before reaching the summit where the restored fire tower offers spectacular views of the Catskills. Moderate-Difficult; Pre-registration is required by 10/1 to 845-688-7519, mcellenb@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Kaaterskill Rail Trail Hike from MTHS to Laurel House Rd

9AM – Join Dr. Robert Titus, The Catskill Geologist" and Bob Gildersleeve of the Mountaintop Historical Society on a hike along the old Ulster and Delaware Rail Road and to two scenic vistas, Sphinx Rock and the top of Kaaterskill Falls; Easy-Moderate, 2.5 miles; Pre-registration is required by 9/30 to 518-734-9701, 518-589-6657, rmgilder@yahoo.com

Loop Hike over Indian Head Mountain

10AM - Join David & Carol White, authors of "Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons" on this loop-hike in the northern Catskills. 7 miles, Difficult; Pre-registration is required by Friday, Oct. 1 to 315-853-6942 or email ccswhite@juno.com

Red Hill Fire Tower Hike

10AM - Come hike with Aaron Bennett (Catskill Mountainkeeper) and Alan White (The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development) to this restored fire tower. 2.5-miles, Moderate; Pre-registration is required by 9/30 to 845-701-7612, aaron@catskillmountainkeeper.org.

Woodland Valley History Hike

10:30AM - Join the Catskill 4000 Club on a hike to a great view near the head of Woodland Valley and get an ear full of local history and stories about the bark peelers, John Burroughs, and others; Moderate-Difficult, 4-miles, Pre-register is required by 10/1 to woodvalleybear@gmail.com

Sunday, OCTOBER 3

Hunter Mtn Fire Tower via the Spruceton Road

9AM - At 4040 feet, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is located at the highest point of any fire tower in New York State. Join Jonathan Mogelever of the Catskill Center as you'll enjoy the views from the top; 7-miles, Difficult; Pre-registration is required by 10/2 to 845-586-2611 or jmogelever@catskillcenter.org.

"Hike and Write" on Giant Ledge

10AM - Moderate hike and some writing exercises led by Will Nixon; pre-registration required to willl@willnixon.com

Hike from Big Pond to Alder Lake

10:30AM – Moderate, 5.8-mile hike with some trail maintenance led by Laura Battelani; pre-registration required to bodyworx@catskill.net, or 845-586-3101 after 10/1.

"Siuslaw Model Forest Ramble" at the Agroforestry Resource Center

2PM - Explore a variety of habitats including streams, ponds, meadows, and various types of woodlands that encompass the Siuslaw Model Forest with Marilyn Wyman of Greene County Cornell Cooperative Extension; 1-mile, moderate; Pre-registration required by 9/30 Marilyn Wyman at 518-622-9820 ext 36, mfw10@cornell.edu

Monday, OCTOBER 4

First Growth Hemlock Forest Exploration

9AM - Ever been curious about what constitutes a first growth forest in the Catskills? Join Catskill forest historian Mike Kudish and Roger Wall of the Catskill Heritage Alliance for a bushwhack into what may be one of the oldest hemlock stands in the Catskills. We'll follow the Giant Ledge trail to the Woodland Valley fork and then bushwhack south up the summit of 3,040-foot "Bazzania Bump"; Pre-register by 10/3 to Roger at 845-254-5380 or at rlwall@mindspring.com

Step-Trail Up Slide

9AM - Hike a trail with some history up the highest mountain in the Catskill Park. The Step Trail has some views not available on the "main" trail up Slide; 6 miles; Moderate-Difficult; For questions / reservations, contact Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Outdoor Skills Hike

11AM - If you're fairly new to hiking, join the Catskill 4000 Club on a hike to a great viewpoint in Woodland Valley. Topics covered will include: What gear to take on a hike, smart hike planning and leading, what to do if you get lost, and finding shelter and water; Moderate-Difficult, 3-miles; Pre-register required by 10/3 to woodvalleybear@gmail.com

Tuesday, OCTOBER 5

Frick and Hodge Ponds

9AM - Hike some of the most beautiful terrain in the Catskills which is not on a mountain. Hike will use the Quick Lake Trail passed Frick Pond and then the Flynn Trail around Hodge and back to the car; Moderate, 6.5-miles. For questions / reservations, contact Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Winnisook Ramble

9:30AM - Join Barbara Redfield of the Winnisook Club and Peter Manning of the Catskill Center for a morning jaunt to learn about some of the club's history, stewardship activities, visit a weather research site, and of course enjoy vistas from above the lake; 3 miles, Moderate; Pre-registration is required by 10/4 to 845-586-2611 ext 104 or email pmanning@catskillcenter.org.

Strutting with Strollers at the Ashokan Reservoir

4PM - Join Catskill Mountainkeeper Regional Director Aaron Bennett, and his sons Hudson and Samuel (and their stroller) on a walk along the Ashokan Reservoir; 2-miles, Easy; For more information, contact 845-701-7612 or aaron@catskillmountainkeeper.org.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 6

Trout and Mud Ponds

9AM - Hike to Russell Brook Falls and two secluded ponds in a nice 5 mile loop. Find out the options that exist for camping and longer hikes when you return to this beautiful area. Rain may cancel; 5-miles, Moderate; For questions and reservations, email Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Mountainkeeper End-to-End Hike on West Kill

10AM - Join Wes Gillingham and Aaron Bennett of Catskill Mountainkeeper as we ascend West Kill Mtn, the sixth highest Catskill peak (3,880'); 8-miles, Difficult; Pre-registration is required by 10/4 to 845-701-7612 or aaron@catskillmountainkeeper.org.

Thursday, OCTOBER 7

Vly and Tunis Ponds

9AM - Hike to two small and very secluded ponds on this 5.5 mile out and back hike. Pass by a remote area of the Beaverkill on the way to Tunis Pond. Some off-trail hiking and bushwhacking required. Moderate-Difficult; For questions and/ reservations email Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Hike "Section 2" of the Dry Brook Ridge Trail

9:30AM - Learn what it takes to maintain a trail in the Catskills from Catskill Mtn Club Board member Laura Battelani; 5.8-miles, Moderate-difficult; Pre-registration is required (after 10/5) to 845-586-3101 or bodyworx@catskill.net.

Paddle the Cannonsville Reservoir

11AM - Join Catskill Mtn Club board members and members of the Andes Hikers "paddling group" on a canoe and kayak paddle on the Cannonsville Reservoir, opened just last year to recreational boaters! 8-10 miles, Easy-Moderate; Pre-registration is required by 10/5 to 845-686-3534 or jackandnancy@catskill.net

"Outdoor Recreation in the Catskill Park"

6-8PM - Talk and Presentation by NYSDEC Region 3 Director Willie Janeway and author Marty Podskoch! Willie Janeway, Regional Director of NYSDEC, will cover the history of the Catskill Park and discuss the connections between the Park's recreational resources and the regional economy. Marty Podskoch is the author of Fire Towers of the Catskills: Their History and Lore, will present a slideshow on the region's fire towers and sign books afterward; Catskill Center in Arkville, refreshments will be provided. For more information contact 845-586-2611 or jmogelever@catskillcenter.org

Friday, OCTOBER 8

Neversink Unique Area

9AM - Hike one of the newest sets of trails maintained by the NY/NJ Trail Conference. There are several waterfalls and views of the Neversink Gorge along the way. 5-10 miles based upon group interest, Moderate-Difficult; Questions and/ reservations to Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Dry Brook Ridge Hike

10AM – Group will hike along the ridge trail over to the German Hollow Trail to visit the German Hollow Lean-to which was smashed by a number of trees last winter, and we will take a look at result. 6.8 miles, Moderate; Pre-registration is required by 10/5 to 845-686-3643 or annroberti@yahoo.com

Saturday, OCTOBER 9

Fall Foliage on Slide Mountain

9AM - Join Frost Valley Natural Resources Coordinator Reid Bauer on a moderate climb to the top of the highest peak in the Catskills. Moderate-Difficult, 6-miles; Pre-registration is required by 10/8 to 845-985-2291, ext. 397 or email rbauer@frostvalley.org

Table Mtn and the East Branch of the Neversink River

9AM - A moderately strenuous hike of about 8 miles round trip from the Denning Parking Area trailhead to the top of Table Mountain; Moderate-Difficult, 8-miles; For additional information contact Joe Herrod at 845-626-7451, 212-410-2538 or email joeherrod@aol.com

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Hike

9:30AM - Join Overlook Fire Tower volunteer Dawn Hamilton on a guided hike up Overlook Mountain to the fire tower and observer's cabin; 5-miles, Moderate-Difficult; For additional information contact Dick Voloshen 845-926-6208 or email dawnlh333@yahoo.com

Wittenberg History Hike

9:30AM - Join the Catskill 4000 Club on a hike to the summit of the Wittenberg. This mountain is rich with stories; some funny, some serious, and some mildly disturbing. You'll hear most of it as we climb up to one of the best views in the Catskills; 8-miles, Difficult; Pre-registration is required by 10/8 to woodvalleybear@gmail.com

Traverse over Windham High Peak and Burnt Knob

10AM - Join David & Carol White, authors of "Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons" on this loop-hike in the northern Catskills. Hike the northern Catskill Escarpment from Black Dome Valley over Burnt Knob and 3,573-foot Windham High Peak. 7 miles, Difficult; Pre-registration is required 10/ 8 to 315-853-6942 or email ccswhite@juno.com

Huckleberry Point

10:30am - Join Mark King of the Nature Conservancy and Alan White of the Catskill Center on a hike to Huckleberry Point holding terrific views of the Hudson Valley, Platte Clove, and the Indian Head Range. 5 miles; Moderate; Pre-register is required to Marie Jones at 914-244-3271 Ext. 22 or mjones@tnc.org.

Ride the Rails and the Trails! (Train and Bicycle Ride)

10:45AM - Back by popular demand, the "multi-modal" excursion of the Delaware and Ulster Railroad and Catskill Scenic Trail from Arkville to Roxbury and then to Grand Gorge! Train ride is $12; Bicycle and helmet rental, as applicable; Mileage is 20 on train, 10 on bicycle - approximately 5 hours; Moderate level of difficulty; Pre-registration is required by 10/8 to Peter Manning at 845-586-2611 ext 104 or pmanning@catskillcenter.org.

Sunday, OCTOBER 10

Bike Ride and BBQ at Lippman Park

9:30AM - Join the Renegades Mountain Bike Club for an intermediate/advanced ride lasting 3 hours in Lippman Park, in the Town of Wawarsing. Stick around for a free BBQ for those that sign up. For additional information and to sign up, contact Douglas Nikkila at nikkilad@earthlink.net

Ashokan High Point Autumn Hike

10AM - Enjoy a hike on Freeman Avery road along Kanape brook and up to Ashokan High Point in October when the blueberry bushes turn deep red. There will be views of the Shawangunk Ridge, the Southern Catskills, including the Burroughs Range; 8-miles, Moderate-Difficult; Pre-registration required to Michael Rider at 845-434-0988 or email BKKayak@gmail.com

Hike to Palenville Overlook for Great views and Old Quarries

10AM - Join David & Carol White, authors of "Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons" on this loop-hike in the northern Catskills. Visit a lesser-known destination on the escarpment below North-South Lakes Public Campground; 5 miles, Moderate-Difficult; Parking fee; Pre-registration is required, by 10/8 to 315-853-6942 or email ccswhite@juno.com

Neversink Headwaters Stream Tracking

10AM - 4PM - On this Neversink "Stream Tracking" Hike, Mark Vian, Restoration Ecologist with NYC DEP Stream Management Program, will apply the principles of animal tracking to understanding the role of streams in the Catskill regional landscape evolution and ecology, using the river's headwaters as a case study; 3.3 miles; Moderate-Difficult; Advance registration is required by 9/30 to Karen Rauter at 845-985-2581 or email krauter@rondoutneversink.org

Children's Hike & Scavenger Hunt / Tan Bark Trail Hike and Artist Day

10-11:30AM - Bring your family to a children's hike and scavenger hunt to the "gnome forest" and gnome house building with Mary Garraffa. Meet at the trailhead before 10am. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Scavenger Hunt handouts available for kids to do along trail.

12PM - Hike the historic 2-mile loop with two stunning viewpoints. There will also be several local artists on the trail creating artwork inspired by the trail. Observe and interact with them in their natural habitat! For additional information, contact Heather Roberts at 845-688-7064 or email catskillmtnpt@hvc.rr.com

Monday, OCTOBER 11

Long Pond to Mongaup and Back

9AM - Hike from Long Pond to Mongaup Pond and back in a 10-mile loop. Very challenging due to distance. 10-miles, Difficult; For questions and/ reservations email Ralph Bressler at rbressler@hvc.rr.com

Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower

9:30AM - A moderately paced trail hike to one of the Catskill Mountains restored fire towers with members of the current volunteer crew. 6.5 miles, Moderate-Difficult; Pre-registration is required by 10/7 to Laurie and Tom Rankin at 845-926-2182 or email laur090@yahoo.com

Escarpment loop over Acra Point

10AM - Join David & Carol White, authors of "Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons" on this loop-hike in the northern Catskills. This section of the Northern Escarpment is a less-visited, lovely ramble with several viewpoints and we'll visit the Batavia Kill Lean-to where the Batavia Kill originates and enjoy its cascades on the descent. 5.1-miles, Moderate; Pre-registration is required, by 10/8 to 315-853-6942 or email ccswhite@juno.com

The Lark in the Park was created in 2004 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Catskill Park. The Lark is a welcoming opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about all the Catskills have to offer. The Catskill Mountains have an unmatched variety of mountain views, waterfalls, forest canopy, wildlife, history, and culture.

For more information on where to stay or dine while you're in the Catskills, visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com.