Here is a message from Paul Misko leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers -
Attention Woodland Valley Hikers!
Join us on Sunday, October 12th, for a hike up Slide mountain to enjoy some great views and interesting history. Meet us at the Slide Mountain trailhead no later than 10:00 a.m. Bring lunch, plenty of drink, good hiking shoes, rainjacket, sweater, flashlight, and lighter. Camera and walking stick recommended. The hike is about 6 miles, and 5 1/2 hours. No dogs please. Cloudy and/ or cold windy weather postpones to Monday the 13th. Please let me know if you are going with us, and leave contact info so you can learn of changed plans if need be.
It takes just over 1/2 hour to drive to trailhead from Woodland Valley. Take Rt. 28 West to Big Indian, then turn left onto CR 47, toward Frost Valley. Go just over 9 miles to trailhead on left. On your way, you will go through very sharp right turn, then pass Winnisook lake on left, then soon after look for Slide Mtn. trail head sign on left.
Hope to see you there!
Paul Misko
Message from the Blogmistress:
And tomorrow, although it is not a Woodland Valley Hikers activity, there is a unique hike up to Slide Mountain that several of the WVH members will be attending. It is a rare opportunity to do the "step" or ladies trail up to Slide Mountain. This hike is almost entirely over private property so the chances to experience it are few and far between. Here is the info for that.
Tuesday, October 7th - Slide Mountain Ascent: 9AM
Join Barbara Redfield of the Winnisook Club and Peter Manning of the Catskill Center for a discussion on the historic "Dutcher Trail", followed by an ascent to the Catskill Mountains’ highest peak. The day begins at Winnisook Club Lodge with an introduction by Barbara Redfield, a year-round resident and descendant of some of the earliest club members. Barbara will give us an overview of the construction of the Dutcher Trail (also known as "The Ladies Trail" and "The Step Trail"), which is almost exclusively on Winnisook Club property. Peter will then lead a hike up the trail to the summit of Slide Mountain for lunch. After lunch, the hike will descend via the Curtis-Ormsby Trail back to the Winnisook Club. 7-miles roundtrip (6 hours); Difficult; No dogs please; Group size limited to 15, so please pre-register by 10/6 to Peter Manning at 845-586-2611 or pqm7364@hotmail.com. Rain Date (if heavy rain) is October 9th.
Directions: The Winnisook Club is located on Ulster County Route 47, approximately 8-10 miles from the junction of Rte 47 and State Route 28 in Big Indian. The club is a mile after the hairpin turn (Giant’s Ledge Parking Area) at the top of the hill next to the lake). Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.
From the south, take State Route 55 to Curry (west of Grahamsville) and turn north in Curry onto Sullivan County Route 19 to Claryville; turn left at Claryville following sign for Big Indian and crossing Neversink River. Travel 15-20 miles, past Frost Valley YMCA and past Slide Mountain Parking Area (on right). Winnisook land is less than one mile past Slide Mountain Parking Area, at the height of land next to the lake. Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.
The postcard image above is of the "steps trail". It is from the collection of Rolf Reiss.
