Saturday, October 8, 2011
Rescheduled due to damage from Hurricane Irene
Naturalist Aaron Bennett, a native of the Catskill Mountains, will lead a hike to and along part of the “Catskill Divide” in the Big Indian Wilderness of the Catskill Forest Preserve. We will ascend Haynes Mountain and Eagle Mountain and hike 3 miles of the ridge that separates the Hudson and Delaware watersheds. The 1.7-mile ascent of the ridge will follow one of the pristine headwater streams that helps to quench NYC’s daily thirst.
We will descend along the Shandaken Brook, observing how it ‘grows’ from where groundwater becomes surface water, collecting continually with other groundwater seeps and first order streams, ultimately reaching the Pepacton Reservoir, NYC’s largest reservoir. We will end at Seager, NY in the incredible Dry Brook valley where we will view historic covered bridges, working farms and vibrant fall foliage in the heart of the Catskill Park. Bring your camera.
The hike will last 6 hours, covering about 7.5 miles, and is considered Difficult, with steep terrain. Hiking boots are required; bring lunch and plenty of water; dress in layers, it is not uncommon to have a dusting or patches of snow and freezing temperature at higher elevations this time of year.
