The Mountain Top Historical Society presents Hikefest as part of the Catskills Lark in the Park

On Saturday, October 11, 2014 the Mountain Top Historical Society's Haines Falls campus will be the place to be.  Starting at 9:00 a.m. there will be a choice of hikes spreading out to various trail heads around the area with popular experienced hike leaders. Wendell George from the Catskill Mountain Club will lead a hike to Sunset Rock/ Bear's Den on North Mountain.  David and Carol White will offer an expedition to Dibbell's Quarry, and beyond, through a hemlock forest to an amazing beaver dam that survived Hurricane Irene.  Pete Senterman from Platte Clove, with his son, Jeff, from the NY/NJ Trail conference will lead a group on the Huckleberry Rail Trail from Clum Hill Road to Bloomer Road in Tannersville passing the location of the CCC camp.  This very easy hike will provide an opportunity for hikers who prefer a “walk in the woods” style outing. In addition, Susan Kukle and Athena Billias will use the Kaaterskill Rail Trail to hike to Sphinx Rock.

All of the hikers will meet at the MTHS campus at 9:00 a.m. and car pool to the different trail heads for the hikes.  The hikes are all designed to last about 3 hours and return to the MTHS for lunch.  

Lunch will be hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill with all the fixings including salads, cold drinks and dessert.  The cost per person for lunch is $10 and will be served beginning at noon.

Around 1:00 p.m. or as soon as all the hikers have returned and had their lunch, in the U&D Train Station, we will have presentations by Jeff Senterman about the Catskill Park and by the Whites about measuring the trails throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve.  There will also be displays in the Train Station by the 3500 Club, the NY/NJ Trail conference, the Kaaterskill Rail Trail, the MTHS and others.  We are arranging a presentation by Marty Molitoris of Alpine Endeavors on ice climbing.

We welcome hikers and those interested in hiking or just in the beauty of the Catskill Park to join us for a hike, a presentation, lunch, good company and interesting information.  We expect to finish up by 4:00 p.m.

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. 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 is 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.

Please make reservations for the hikes and for lunch.

This is a Lark in the Park event.