April 19 Indian Head. Views of the Platte Clove spread out below, and the Hudson Valley looms in the distance. This rugged trail provides some of the best walking in the Catskills. Vertical Rise 1600 ft. distance 6 miles - difficult. Meet St. Francis de Sales Church Elka Park. 9:00 AM. return 5:00.

May 17 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 Catskill side of Rip Van Winkle Bridge at parking area near toll booth. 8:30 AM. Return 6:00 PM.

June 7 Luncheon at Winter Clove Inn. Our third visit to this fine resort at the base of North Mountain. The Witcomb family has maintained several trails on the grounds of this Hotel since the 19th Century. (see DeLisser Pg. 154). Reservations required call for information. Meet Winter Clove 9:00 AM. From Round Top there are signs at all crossroads directing you to the hotel. Easy

June 21 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 try to pinpoint some of these sites. Hikers who own a GPS may want to bring it along to help us record the precise location of these old tourist attractions. Meet Haines Falls Library 9:00. Return 4:00. Easy to Moderate.

July 5 Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting. Dramatic ledges, shaded carriage roads, waterfalls and a swimming area at Lake Awosting make this one or our most requested hikes. Meet Thruway exit 18 New Paltz. 8:30 AM return 5:00.

July 19 Slide Mountain. By way of the Curtis Ornsbee trail. The Highest peak in the Catskills. Meet in Big Indian at Junction of Routes 28 and 47. About 6 miles with a 1600 foot climb. (Moderate to difficult).

August 2 The Trapps to Mohonk Gatehouse. A new hike for us in the beautiful Shawangunks. Moderate with rock scramble. Meet Thruway exit 18 New Paltz. 8:30 AM return 5:00.

August 16 To be determined by the interests of the participants.

Sept. 6 Belleayre. We will climb up through Lost Clove to the top of Belleayre and views of the Southern and Central Catskills. Meet Big Indian at junction of Routes 28 and 47. 9:00 AM return 4:00 PM Distance 6 miles, vertical rise 1500 ft. moderate

October 4 Kaaterskill High Peak. High Peak offers view North to the Blackhead range and South to Platte Clove and the Hudson Valley. Meet St. Francis de Sales Church Platte Clove. 9:00 AM return 5:00 PM. (Difficult).

The Mountain Top Historical Society does not require membership for hike participation. We do, however, request that you register for each hike. Please fill in the form below and return to:

Bob Gildersleeve, Box 185, Maplecrest, NY 12454. Tel. (518) 734-9701

An up-to-date list will be found at: http://www.francomm.com/home/gilder/mths/mths.htm

I (We) plan to join the Mountain Top Historical Society Hikes on the following dates:

____________________________________________________________________________

Name: ____________________________________________ # in Party ___________________

Address: ______________________________________ Phone: _____________

Schedule Rev. 2/2/97 RG page rev. 2/19/97