Mountain Top Historical Society Hikes 2004 Subject to change. Call or check web site prior to hike.

Links to: Topo Maps  Meeting places

April 17 -  Shinglekill and Round Top.  We have never before explored the many beautiful waterfalls at the base of the Wall of Manitou near Purling, NY nor climbed Cairo Round Top.    We will visit Shinglekill Falls and the gorge  nearby -- the location of early businesses including an iron forge, a grist mill, a turning mill and a clock factory. Shingle Kill B&B and Tumblin' Falls House are nearby.  The owners of these two guest houses have allowed us to view the falls from their properties.  We will then visit Glen Falls on Winter Clove Road.  Other stops are possible.  In the afternoon, we will climb Round Top.  We expect to have views of the Escarpment and of the Hudson.  Meet 9:00 Great American Grocery Store Parking Lot Cairo 9:00 AM.    

May 15 -  Plateau Mountain.  After a steep climb to the summit, we will be able to enjoy a two mile stroll through a mature forest.  The trail into Stony Clove drops 1700 feet in one mile.  Distance 7 miles. Vertical rise 1800 ft. Moderate to difficult.  Meet St. Francis deSales Church Elka Park 9:00 return 5:00.  

June 5  - Luncheon at Mohonk Mountain House. Our members have fallen in love with this truly unique resort. This will be our tenth visit. Contact us for information on cost and payment dates for the luncheon at the Mountain House.  You may also wish to visit Mohonk's Web Site.  Easy. 9:00 AM. return 5:00 P.M. 

June 19 - North Point Photo Hike.  Francis Driscoll, popular local photographer will give us tips on photographing landscapes as we walk along the escarpment from North Lake to North Point.  Return by way of Mary’s Glen.  Moderate.  Meet at MTHS Haines Falls Campus 9:00 AM.  Return by 5:00 PM.

July 10 - South Taconic Trail.  We return to the Taconics and to views of the Catskills, Shawngunks, and mountain ranges of New England. Waterfalls and varied topography add to the excursion. Distance 9 miles, Vertical rise 2000 ft. Difficult. Meet Price Chopper Parking lot Route 9W, Catskill. 8:00 AM. Return 6:00 PM.

July 24 - Circuit of South Mountain. Takes us past some of the more unusual sites in the North Lake area including parts of the 19th century trail system no longer in use. We will pinpoint some of these sites. Easy to Moderate.  Meet at MTHS Haines Falls Campus 9:00. Return 4:00.  
The day started out cloudy but turned out great.  Take a look at our group after the hike at Alligator Rock

August 14 - Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting. Dramatic ledges, shaded carriage roads, waterfalls and a swimming area at Lake Awosting make this one of our most requested hikes.  Vertical Rise: minimal. Distance: 10 miles Moderate due to length. Meeting place: Thruway Exit 18.  8:30 AM. return 5:00 P.M.

August 21 - To be determined by the interests of the participants. -- Canceled due to rain.

September 11 -  The Road that couldn't be built.  This road was built in 1881 to provide access to the Kaaterskill Hotel.  It still provides beautiful views of Kaaterskill Clove and a pleasant wooded climb from the valley into the mountains. Moderate. Meet at the parking area of the Roman Catholic Church on Rt. 32A near junction with Rt. 23A in Palenville.  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

September 19 -  Hudson River Ramble Hike - Catskill Golden Age. Takes us past some of the more unusual sites in the North Lake area including parts of the 19th century trail system no longer in use. We will pinpoint some of these sites.  Moderate.  Meet at MTHS Haines Falls Campus 9:00. Return 4:00.  
 This hike is in cooperation with the fifth annual Hudson River Ramble - registration is required.  Click here to see 2 photos from the hike.

October 2 - Overlook Mountain and Echo Lake.  An old carriage road, a secluded lake, stone quarries, ruins of the Overlook Mountain House and numerous 19th Century points of interest have made this hike a favorite.  (Overlook is also noted for rattlesnakes)  Ten miles 1200 ft climb.  Moderate to difficult.  Meet at St. Francis deSales Church, Elka Park. at 9:00 AM  return at 5 PM.  We plan to make this a one way trip by leaving cars at Meads.  Give Bob or Larry a call if you are able to leave your car there or transport some of  us back to St. Francis deSales.

October 3 - Lark in the Park Hike - Circuit of South Mountain . Takes us past some of the more unusual sites in the North Lake area including parts of the 19th century trail system no longer in use. We will pinpoint some of these sites. Easy to Moderate.  Meet at MTHS Haines Falls Campus 9:00. Return 4:00.  
This hike is part of the celebration of the 100th anniversery of the Catskill Park - registration is required.

Hikes of previous years: 2003 2002 2001  2000 1999 1998 1997