Events 2016
Mountain Top Historical Society Events 2016
Visit our Hikes Page for other activities.
Saturday, May 7: Campus Clean-up Day. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. we'll be staging work crews in the Visitors' Center, in the train station, in the barn and around the grounds to get ready for our 2016 season. Many hands make light work! Please plan to be there to pitch in for a few hours. The weather will be fine!
May 22 (Sun.) The Annual Spring Fling. Forest Meditation Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum followed by Tea and a Tea Talk at Washington Irving Inn. Thanks to Joan Kutcher for hosting the Arboretum Walk and Johanna Titus and Stephania Jozic for arranging and hosting the Tea and Talk. Tea and Talk presented by Cathrine Titus Felix, Chef and former food editor of Victoria Homes Magazine. Tea $25, RSVP by May 17 at (518) 589-6657 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
July 15 (Friday) Peter Jung Lecture - America's First Landscape: The Hudson River and Kaaterskill Clove. 7:00 pm at the Twilight Clubhouse. Our thanks to Twilight Cottagers for hosting this event.
August 20 (Sat.) – Open House – details to follow
Sept. 10 (Sat.) Hudson River Ramble - Hike and Booksigning - The Catskills, A Geological Guide by Johanna and Robert Titus. Hike to Sunset Rock by hike leader Robert Titus, with a book-talk and signing by Johanna & Robert Titus for the new expanded edition of The Catskills: A Geological Guide at the Ulster & Delaware Train Station. Hike is moderate level of difficulty and should return by 3:30 p.m. Book-talk/signing and reception to follow.
September 17 (Sat.) – Fifth Annual Post Card Show will be held at the Train Station from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food will be available. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $3.00 entry fee will be charged at the door.
Hikes 2016
Walk back in time on one of our popular hikes through the High Peaks of the Catskills. These were America's first hiking trails whose beauty was immortalized in the novels of James Fenimore Cooper and romanticized in the poetry of William Cullen Bryant. The breathtaking views seen along these trails today were first captured in the 19th century by the premiere artists of the Hudson River School of art, our country's uniquely American school of landscape painting.
MTHS hikes are conducted by volunteers knowledgeable about the area and include historical narrative and insider information, the result of years of study about the area’s trails, overlooks and historic sites. Robert Gildersleeve, author of the Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, is a frequent hike leader. Bob Titus, the Catskill Geologist and author of The Catskills: A Geological Guide, leads a few hikes every season as well.
The trails, the views and the history are still here, preserved by New York State's designation of the Catskills as lands to remain forever wild. A walk through the woods with MTHS makes the past come alive for those who are adventurous and want to see and hear the story of America's first wilderness for themselves. All hikes are free and the public is invited. Please wear proper hiking attire and boots (no sneakers!), pack a lunch, don't forget rain gear or sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
2016 Hike Schedule
Event dates and most details have been set. We are working on finalizing our plans for some of the late season hikes. Always check back as the hikes that interest you approach.
April 30 (Sat) Shaupeneak Ridge Led by Mike Lanspery. Shaupeneak Ridge, near Esopus, NY South of Kingston is part of the Marlboro Mountains, the ridge that extends between the Hudson River and the Shawangunks. This is our first hike in the Marlboro Mountains. Mike tells us the planned route of 3.25 miles over all or parts of 3 trails should be easy to moderate, with views of the Hudson River. More information about the Shaupeneak Ridge Park can be found at Scenic Hudson's website and at the NYNJ Trails Conference website. Register by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Meet at the Esopus Fire Dept parking area 1142 Broadway, Esopus at 10:00 am. Return around 3:00 pm. Bring lunch, water, and appropriate hiking shoes.
June 4 (Sat.) – National Trails' Day - Harding Road and Kaaterskill Escarpment Rim Led by Bob Gildersleeve.
Long referred to as "The Road that Couldn't be Built," Harding's Road from Palenville to the Hotel Kaaterskill (we will save the Hotel site for another time) in some ways mirrors the better-known Mountain Turnpike to the Catskill Mountain House. The road climbs about 1200 ft in 2.2 miles before reaching the rim of Kaaterskill Clove (photo on left) and a beautiful 1.5 mile walk along the rim to a few cars which we will have ready to shuttle hikers back to the starting point. Meet at the Mountain Top Historical Society campus at 9:00 am. Return around 4:00 pm. If you can leave a car at Scutt road for the return shuttle please let us know and leave contact information. Register with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
June 18 (Sat.) Kierstead Tannery. Bob Gildersleeve and Paul LaPierre bring their experience and knowledge to an exploration of the tannery ruins and the streams and waterfalls in Kaaterskill Clove. Difficult due to rough terrain and a steep climb over loose ground and some possible slippery wet spots. Wear proper footwear; a walking stick or poles are recommended. Meet 11:00 AM at the MTHS campus. A shorter hike than last year's, we will concentrate on the tannery itself and return to the Society campus by 3:00pm for a talk by Paul Misko on the Impact of Tanneries on the Catskills. Register for the hike by calling MTHS at (518) 589-6657 (leave name/phone number/# in party) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
July 9 (Sat.) Thacher State Park. NYS Museum geologist Chuck Ver Straeten and Thacher Park naturalist Nancy Engel will co-lead a 3 hour hike through John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. Meet in the Paint Mine parking area, south side of Rt. 157 at 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. start. If that lot is full, the Mine Lot parking area is across the street. The hike will follow the Indian Ladder Trail and Mine Lot Creek through scenic glens, past impressive sinkholes, and other beautiful views and geological features. Bring a lunch, water and wear good hiking shoes. NO dogs please. Register with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 518-589-6657.
July 23 (Sat) Woodland Valley History and Geology Hike. Paul Misko and Bob Titus team once again for a great hike in Woodland Valley. Along the way to a great view we will check out some geological features, and examine some remains of human activity. We might even find some wild orchids too. This is a moderate/ difficult bushwhack of about 4 miles total, and goes from 10-4 p.m. NO Dogs Please. More details upon registration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note the change to the Hunter Mountain Hike.
You Must re-register.
August 7 (Sun.) Hunter Mountain. Catskill 4000 Club hike leader Paul Misko will lead us up the Catskill's second highest peak, to a fantastic view from a fire tower. 
Along the way we'll learn about the mountain's disturbing and funny history. This is a VERY strenuous hike of about 8 miles total, and goes from 10:00 - 5 p.m. NO Dogs Please. More details upon registration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register on our contacts page or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and total in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site http://legacy.mths.org. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
Hikes 2015
Walk back in time on one of our popular hikes through the High Peaks of the Catskills. These were America's first hiking trails whose beauty was immortalized in the novels of James Fenimore Cooper and romanticized in the poetry of William Cullen Bryant. The breathtaking views seen along these trails today were first captured in the 19th century by the premiere artists of the Hudson River School of art, our country's uniquely American school of landscape painting.
MTHS hikes are conducted by volunteers knowledgeable about the area and include historical narrative and insider information, the result of years of study about the area’s trails, overlooks and historic sites. Robert Gildersleeve, author of the Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, is a frequent hike leader. Bob Titus, the Catskill Geologist and author of The Catskills: A Geological Guide, leads a few hikes every season as well.
The trails, the views and the history are still here, preserved by New York State's designation of the Catskills as lands to remain forever wild. A walk through the woods with MTHS makes the past come alive for those who are adventurous and want to see and hear the story of America's first wilderness for themselves. All hikes are free and the public is invited. Please wear proper hiking attire and boots (no sneakers!), pack a lunch, don't forget rain gear or sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
2015 Hike Schedule
Event dates and most derails have been set. We are working on finalizing our plans for some of the late season hikes. Always check back as the hikes that interest you approach.
May 17 (Sun.) The Annual Spring Fling. The event will begin with a Wildflower Walk at the Mt. Top Arboretum at 10:00 a.m. Beverly Dezan and Lynn Byrne, lifelong educators and nature enthusiasts will be there to guide participants along Arboretum paths. In addition, Fran Driscoll, nature photographer, will provide pointers to those who choose to bring their cameras. Lunch will be served at the MTHS train station at 12:30 p.m. along with presentations by Beverly Dezan and Fran Driscoll. The cost for the lunch and presentation is $10.00 per person. Register using our contacts page or call 518-589-6657.
June 6 (Sat.) – National Trails' Day - For National Trails' Day, the Mountain Top Historical Society has arranged a day of hiking, lunch, and John Burroughs at the historic Deer Mountain Inn on county rte. 25 in Tannersville. Meet at Deer Mountain Inn at 9:00 a.m., directions at their website: deermountaininn.com. We'll hike along the well-maintained trails on the Inn's 170 acre property. We will return to the recently restored Arts and Crafts inn for a gourmet bag lunch. After lunch, Paul Misko will present a biographical sketch of naturalist John Burroughs with some help from Joan Burroughs, John's great granddaughter. There will also be a Burroughs Trivia Quiz, so begin studying now. The cost for lunch is $15.00. Make reservations by May 27 at 518 589-6657 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
June 20 (Sat.) Women on the Mountain Top. Opening program with an exhibit on famous women on the Mountain Top.
July 11 (Sat.) Woodland Valley. 10:00 a.m. Join us on a moderate hike in Woodland Valley. On the way to some great sites, historian Paul Misko will share some history about John Burroughs and his first hike up Slide Mt. This hike is about 4 miles, 6 hours total and includes some rocky and slippery places. No Dogs Please. Meeting details and more info upon registration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
July 25 (Sat.) Circuit of South Mountain. Led by MTHS's Bob Gildersleeve, we will explore one of the most popular routes of 19th Century guests and a path that is said to have inspired Calvert Vaux and Federick Law Olmstead's design of the Central Park Ramble. The trail is unmarked and will involve a scramble and a few short climbs through passes in the ledges of South Mountain and will include one location that we have not visited in earlier hikes of this route. (The hikers in the photo above were probably familiar with the path.) Meet MTHS Campus 9:00 AM. Return around 2:00. Moderate difficulty due to the off-trail nature of the terrain.
August 8 (Sat.) John Burroughs on Slide Mountain.. 10:00 a.m. Join us on a climb up Slide Mountain, the Catskill’s highest peak. Along the way to some great views, historian Paul Misko will share stories about John Burroughs and his famous hike to the summit. This hike is rated difficult, about 6 miles long, 6 hours total, with some steep and rocky sections. No Dogs Please. Meeting details and more info upon registration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
August 22 (Sat.) Kirstead Tannery in the depths of Kaaterskill Clove. Bob Gildersleeve, Robert Titus and Paul LaPierre bring their experience and knowledge to an exploration of the tannery ruins and the streams and waterfalls in Kaaterskill Clove. Difficult due to rough terrain and a steep climb over loose ground and some possible slippery wet spots. Wear proper footwear; a walking stick or poles are recommended. Meet 9:00 AM at the MTHS campus. Return around 4:00.
MTHS Hike - Sept. 12 (Sat.) Hudson River Ramble - South Mountain and the Hotel Kaaterskill Site – The Hotel Kaaterskill, a chief rival of the Catskill Mountain House opened in 1881 and burned in a spectacular fire in 1924. Enough of the massive hotel's footprint and carriage roads exist for us to visualize the splendor of this famous Catskills hotel. We plan to walk along the road from the Kaaterskill station of the U&D, find the site of the new footbridge scheduled to be completed early next year, then follow the approach road to the Kaaterskill site carrying a 1901 Hotel Kaaterskill walking stick back to the very spot where it was purchased over a hundred years ago. Meet at the Mountain Top Historical Society Campus 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls, NY at 9:00am, expected return by 3:00pm. Moderate to Difficult, couple of steep climbs along an old carriage road and marked trails.
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register on our contacts page or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and total in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site http://legacy.mths.org. Notification of changes, including cancellations due to weather will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
HRS Art Trail
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The Mountain Top Historical Society’s Art Trail Interpretive Center, Kaaterskill Falls and the site of the Catskill Mountain House are all stops along the Hudson River School Art Trail. The trail recreates for visitors today the views painted yesterday by the Hudson River School artists and includes the homes of artists Thomas Cole in Catskill and Frederick Church in Hudson. Trail sites are within a 15-miles radius and are accessible by both auto and foot. Catskill/HudsonTrail Site 1 Thomas Cole Historic Site*— Home and studio of the artist Thomas Cole, 218 Spring Street, Catskill. Town of HunterTrail Site 4 Kaaterskill Clove— NYS Scenic Byway, Route 23A , 2 miles west of traffic light in Palenville.  The Mountain Top Historical Society* Art Trail Center and historic 1913 Train Station are located on Route 23A, on the right, 2.5 miles from Kaaterskill Falls, a favorite destination of the Hudson River School artists. The Mountain Top Historical Society campus is located at the top of Kaaterskill Clove, just a couple of miles from the site of the famed Catskill Mountain House. The footprint of what was once the grandest hotel in country is in North-South Lake Public Campground, two miles from the MTHS campus, down North Lake Road. Although the hotel has been gone for 50 years, the panoramic view of the Hudson can still be seen from the wide ledge overlooking the river. North-South Lake CampgroundTrail Site 6 North-South Lake — Scenic view, bear left, then right at first stop sign past gatehouse, park by recreation center.
*Art Trail maps with complete directions are available at these locations and at the Greene County Visitor Information Center, Exit 21, NYS Thruway, Route 23, Leeds, NY. |
Events
Mountain Top Historical Society Events 2014
Saturday, May 3: Campus Clean-up Day. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. we'll be staging work crews in the Visitors' Center, in the train station, in the barn and around the grounds to get ready for our 40th anniversary season. Many hands make light work! Please plan to be there to pitch in for a few hours. The weather will be fine!
Saturday, May 10: Hike and lecture by Joel Fry, the Curator of Bartram's Gardens in Pennsylvania. This program is sponsored by the Catskill Native Plant Society. The hike will cover territory explored by the Bartrams along the escarpment trail. The lecture, which will take place in the Train Station, will be about the Bartrams' trips through the Catskills and their influence on international botany. Click here for full details and a look at the flyer.
Saturday, May 17: The Annual Spring Fling will be dedicated to the Kaaterskill Rail Trail which has been open for one year. The NY/NJ Trail Conference will present a workshop on trail maintenance at 10:00 a.m. in the Train Station in the morning. There will be a lunch break followed by about 2hours of actual trail work. At 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. guided hikes will depart from the Train Station and follow the Rail Trail to the Laurel House site near the top of Kaaterskill Falls. At 5:00 p.m. a light supper will be served at the Train Station followed by a presentation about The Laurel House and Kaaterskill Falls at 6:00 p.m. The fee for supper and the lecture is $10.00. A $3.00 donation is requested for the lecture only. Please make supper reservations by May 13 by calling 518 589-6657,
Sunday, June 1: Film Premiere, Willow Mixed Media's new film, Rails to the Catskills, will open to the public at 4:00 p.m. at The Mountain Cinema on 
Main Street in Hunter, NY. The feature length documentary film is the story of railroading in the Northern and Southern Catskills. The director, Tobe Carey, will be there for a Q&A following the film. There will also be a wine and cheese reception in the upper lobby. In addition to the sale of Rails to the Catskills DVDs during the reception, Dr. Michael Kudish will be available on June 1 to sign copies of his book, Where Did the Tracks Go in the Catskills? Both the DVD and the book are "must-haves" for railroad buffs. Be sure to take advantage of this special opportunity. Tickets are $15.00 and can be reserved by calling the MTHS at 518 589-6657.
Tobe Carey's newest film, Rails to the Catskills, opened on June 1, 2014 to an enthusiastic sold out audience. If you weren't there, you haven't missed out. Second chance seats are on sale now for the
next showing of the film on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 4:00 p.m
at the Mountain Cinema on Main Street in Hunter, NY.
Tobe and John Ham will be there for Q & A and a reception following the film. The price per ticket will be $15.
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat now by calling 518 589-6657 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Saturday, June 7: National Trails' Day and the NYS Path Through History will be marked by a lecture and hike. The encore presentation about Rip's Retreat (enhanced with new photos) will begin at 10:00 a.m. with brunch in the Train Station. The hike will leave the station at around noon and head up to North Lake for an exploration of the Rip's Retreat site. The fee for the brunch and presentation is $10.00. A $3.00 donation is requested for the presentation only. Please make brunch reservations by June 3 by calling 518 589-6657.
Friday, July 11: At 7:30 p.m. in the U & D train station Chuck D'Imperio, writer and storyteller, will speak about “The Road Less Traveled”. He has written numerous books about his beloved Upstate New York and promises an entertaining and educational presentation. An informal dessert and coffee reception will follow with an opportunity to chat with Chuck and purchase his books. A $3.00 donation is requested.
Saturday, July 12: The MTHS will hold its Annual Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Train Station. All members of the MTHS are invited to attend.
Sunday, July 20, 2014, To Be Forever Wild, a new film by David Becker. The Mountain Top Historical Society is sponsoring a showing of the new film by David Becker, To Be Forever Wild. This inspiring film was created by a group of filmmakers, musicians and artists in New York's Catskill Mountains. More than a portrait of a place, the film profiles the people who live in and visit the region, including artists, hikers, scientists, farmers and young people. Some of the people you'll meet in the film are: naturalist Tom Alworth, astronomer Bob Berman, fly tier Mary Dette, wildlife rehabilitator Ellen Kalish, natural historian Micheal Kudish, geologist Bob Titus, and guidebook authors David and Carol White. Join us at the Mountain Cinema on Main Street in Hunter, NY on Sunday, July 20 at 4:00 p.m. for a filmed experience of the Catskill, followed by a wine and cheese reception and the opportunity to meet David Becker, producer and director. Tickets ($15) are on sale now and can be reserved by calling the MTHS at 518 589-6657 or sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Seating is limited, reserve now to guarantee your place.
Sunday, August 10: A 40th Birthday Celebration for the MTHS. A presentation by Larry Tompkins, Out Windham Way, at 1:00 p.m. in the Train Station followed by an Ice Cream Social. Everyone is invited to tour the campus and join the party!
Friday, August 22: “Meet Me at Onteora” Don Coons as Mark Twain will return to the Catskills and reminisce about the “good old days” in a performance at The Onteora Theater in Tannersville at 7:00 p.m. This performance, followed by a reception, is a fundraiser to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Mountain Top Historical Society. Slip back in time with us to support our work in the future. Tickets are $20.00 and can be reserved by calling 518 589-6657.
Saturday, September 20: Third Annual Postcard Show will be held at the Train Station from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food will be available. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $3.00 entry fee will be charged at the door.
Saturday, October 11: Hikefest! This day-long new event will feature presentations, guided hikes, good food. Details will be announced as they are confirmed. Mark your calendar for outdoor adventure.
Hikes-2014
Walk back in time on one of our popular hikes through the High Peaks of the Catskills. These were America's first hiking trails whose beauty was immortalized in the novels of James Fenimore Cooper and romanticized in the poetry of William Cullen Bryant. The breathtaking views seen along these trails today were first captured in the 19th century by the premiere artists of the Hudson River School of art, our country's uniquely American school of landscape painting.
MTHS hikes are conducted by volunteers knowledgeable about the area and include historical narrative and insider information, the result of years of study about the area’s trails, overlooks and historic sites. Robert Gildersleeve, author of the Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide, is a frequent hike leader. Bob Titus, the Catskill Geologist and author of The Catskills: A Geological Guide, leads a few hikes every season as well.
The trails, the views and the history are still here, preserved by New York State's designation of the Catskills as lands to remain forever wild. A walk through the woods with MTHS makes the past come alive for those who are adventurous and want to see and hear the story of America's first wilderness for themselves. All hikes are free and the public is invited. Please wear proper hiking attire and boots (no sneakers!), pack a lunch, don't forget rain gear or sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
2014 Hike Schedule
April 5 (Sat.) – Postponed. Waterfall Hike, After reviewing tail conditions we've decided to postpone this hike. We will reschedule if possible. Please check back.
Combination of auto and foot tour of area waterfalls. Meet MTHS Campus 9am – 3pm. Construction and parking restrictions in Kaaterskill Clove will limit our ability to visit some of the falls in the Clove. We will visit Kaaterskill Falls, but Faun's Leap will not be on this year's walk. Short climbs, Easy/Moderate, 3 miles.
May 17 Kaaterskill Rail Trail and Laurel House Grounds. Part of our Spring Fling with additional activities at the Historical Society grounds in Haines Falls. Full details to be announced.
June 7 (Sat.) – National Trails Day. Rip's Retreat. A morning illustrated presentation will orient participants to Rip's Retreat and, following a lunch at our historic U & D Railroad Station, prepare them to explore the site of this 1950s tourist attraction. We will find some of the few signs of the buildings that once occupied the picnic area at North Lake and follow the path of the amusement's miniature train ride now hidden in the woods just downhill along the stage road that, from the 1820s to the 1940s led to The Catskill Mountain House. An easy, family friendly hike. The route of the train ride has some overgrown areas and may be wet or muddy. Led by Bob Gildersleeve. See our Events Page for further details and information on the Lunch.
June 21 (Sat.) Sam's Point Ice Caves. Hike with Catskill 4000 Club leader Paul Misko and famed Catskill Geologist Dr. Robert Titus to the Sam's Point Ice Caves in Cragsmoor. Sam's Point, a nature preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy located on the Shawangunk Ridge, was preserved for its unique ecological and geological significance. It offers magnificent views along several miles of mostly level trails. Dr. Titus will describe the extensive geological features of the rocks of the Ridge and the ice caves. Mr. Misko will share the colorful history of Sam's Point. Level: Easy to moderate, with added difficulty in the Ice Caves due to rocky and slippery spots. (Yaktraks or microspikes recommended.)
Group size limited to 12. No dogs please. Length: 3 miles. Time: 4-5 hours. Register no later than Friday, June 20, with Paul Misko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or with the MTHS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 518-589-6679. Directions to meeting spot will be sent upon registration. Meeting time: 9:45 a.m. There is a $10 parking fee per car. Carpooling is recommended due to the small size of the lot.
July 5 (Sat.) Tiskilwa Park. [Hike is limited to no more than TWENTY people and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.] A guided hike through private lands and trails in Chichester of the former "Tiskilwa Park." The morning will begin with a short but steep climb (800 vertical ft) to the expansive views from Crow Hill, before descending to the Ox Clove Creek, where we'll explore what's left of the road and bridge system built by former furniture factory owner William O. Schwarzwaelder. Hike will be lead by landowner,local historian and former newspaper guy Brian Powers. Half-day, moderate, with options for less or more. The hike will be followed by a visit to the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia. Meet 9:00 am at the Empire State Railway Museum (follow this link for directions) in Phoenicia, NY. We will carpool to the trail head, just a few minutes away and return after the hike for a tour of the museum.
July 19 (Sat.) Terrace Mountain The hike formerly scheduled for Wittenberg Mountain has been changed to Terrace Mountain. This hike includes some interesting sights, and a lot of fascinating Catskill history. Topics will include John Burroughs, Jimmy Simpson, forest fires, bark peelers, a hotel that almost was, and much more. Meeting time will still be 9:30 a.m., at the Woodland Valley Campground Day Use Lot, but get there a bit earlier to purchase your parking permit at the ranger's office. Total hike distance is about 5 miles and 6 hours. Bring lunch, drinks, lighter, flashlight, rainjacket, camera. NO DOGS PLEASE. Register no later than Thursday July 17, with Paul Misko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or with the MTHS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 518-589-6679. As always, changes or cancellations will be announced on this site up to the morning of the hike.
August 2 (Sat.) Austin Glen Rail History and Geology Walk This very special area in Catskill and Leeds was the location of the Catskill Mountain Railroad and is a fascinating and important geological area. Led by Dr. Robert Titus, Bob Gildersleeve, Miklos Salgo and others to be announced. Meet NYS Thruway Exit 21 Parking Lot Catskill, NY at 9:00 am. We will carpool to the trailhead about 1/4 mile away. Following the hike, Miklos has invited participants to his home overlooking Glacial Lake Leeds for refreshments and a light lunch. Hike is rated Easy to Moderate and will take about 2 to 3 hours.
August 16 (Sat.) Blackhead Led by Dave and Carol White, authors of Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons. Loop Hike over Blackhead Mountain: Enjoy spectacular views, rushing brooks, a lean-to, scenic rock formations, and a delicious spring on four routes over one of the Catskill Forest Preserve's highest peaks, 3,940-foot Blackhead Mountain. This is a 5.1-mile hike with an ascent of 1800 feet. Some sections are very steep with occasional challenging areas and tricky footing; this hike is rated 'Difficult.' Bring lunch, snacks, water, and wear good boots. Hike duration, including all stops, up to five hours. We will meet at the parking lot in C.D. Lane Park (formerly Batavia Kill Day Use Area) about 1.5 miles east of Maplecrest, Big Hollow Road, at 9:00.
Sept. 13 (Sat.)South Mountain Led by Bob Gildersleeve. Edward West, said the trails on South Mountain had the best views for the least effort of any trails in the Catskills. We will explore these views along easy to moderate trails of about 4.0 miles with a possible excursion of another 2 miles. Meet at the Mountain Top Historical Society's Campus on Route 23A in Haines Falls at 9:00 am.
October 11 Hikefest Several hikes in the Central Catskills see our blog for details.
MTHS does not require membership for hike participation. We do however request that you register for each hike. Participants can register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (518) 589-6657. Please leave your name, phone number, and total in your party. Schedule subject to change. The latest information is available on our web site http://legacy.mths.org. For last-minute questions call Bob at (518) 734-9701. Notification of changes, including weather cancellations will be made on the web site up to the day of any given hike.
Events 2015
Mountain Top Historical Society Events 2015
Saturday, May 2: Campus Clean-up Day. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. we'll be staging work crews in the Visitors' Center, in the train station, in the barn and around the grounds to get ready for our 2015 season. Many hands make light work! Please plan to be there to pitch in for a few hours. The weather will be fine!
Sunday, May 17 -- Note change of date--: The Annual Spring Fling The event will begin with a Wildflower Walk at the Mt. Top Arboretum at 10:00 a.m. Beverly Dezan and Lynn Byrne, lifelong educators and nature enthusiasts, will be there to guide participants along Arboretum paths. In addition, Fran Driscoll, nature photographer, will provide pointers to those who choose to bring their cameras. Lunch will be served at the MTHS train station at 12:30 p.m. along with presentations by Beverly Dezan and Fran Driscoll. The cost for the lunch is $10.00 per person. Register on our contacts page or call 518-589-6657.
Friday, May 22 7:30 p.m. : David and Wanda Dorpfeld, authors of Legendary Locals of Greene County, will present an illustrated program and book-signing. David is the current Greene County Historian. A reception will follow. A $3 donation is recommended.
Sunday, July 19 - 2:00 pm: Larry Tompkins will present photos from his Windham collection in the U & D train station in Haines Falls. Larry will have copies of his book Out Windham Way available for purchase and signing during the reception following his presentation A $3.00 per person donation is recommended.
Saturday, August 15: Open House/ Local History Day. Details to follow.
Saturday, September 19: Forth Annual Postcard Show will be held at the Train Station from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food will be available. The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. A $3.00 entry fee will be charged at the door.
Sunday, September 27 - 2pm: Nature Wars: The Incredible Story of How Wildlife Comebacks Turned Backyards Into Battlefields. Jim Sterba book talk and signing, A reception will follow the talk. A $5.00 per person donation is recommended. MTHS Campus Train Station.
Saturday, October 10: Hikefest! This day-long event will feature presentations, guided hikes, and good food. Details will be announced as they are confirmed. Mark your calendar for outdoor adventure.
Event details are still being finalized.
November 14, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m Around Hunter -- a presentation and book signing by authors Cyndi LaPierre and Dede Thorpe at the Catskill Mountain Foundation Bookstore. For further information see the description on our Blog.
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