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09/27/2006 03:50:21 PM · #76 |
I'm so upset that I can't go. Any chance you'll do it again in a week or so?
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09/27/2006 03:58:15 PM · #77 |
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:
I'm so upset that I can't go. Any chance you'll do it again in a week or so? |
This is upstate, it will be snowing by then. We will send you some pics. |
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09/27/2006 04:04:16 PM · #78 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
The alternative so far is Hunter and their free Octoberfest + the lift. I've been there years ago for skiing but don't know if it's a good alternative.
There's still a bit of work to figure out the afternoon/sunset. But it's great if you can make any part of it! |
It's been years & years since I've been to the Octoberfest at Hunter. My recollection is that there's lots of beer, schmaltzy crafts and little else. Plus, I'm pretty sure you have to pay to get in. There are plenty of scenic areas all over, though. I wish I could come up with some specifics for you. The Saugerties Lighthouse is nice and I think you can walk out to it (not sure though). That might make a nice sunset activity. Another option would be to go across the Hudson and go to Clermont State Park. I've never been but I hear it's beautiful and I think there's an old mansion there. Either way, I'm sure you guys can find something to do! |
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09/27/2006 04:41:57 PM · #79 |
Originally posted by eqsite:
Originally posted by nshapiro:
The alternative so far is Hunter and their free Octoberfest + the lift. I've been there years ago for skiing but don't know if it's a good alternative.
There's still a bit of work to figure out the afternoon/sunset. But it's great if you can make any part of it! |
It's been years & years since I've been to the Octoberfest at Hunter. My recollection is that there's lots of beer, schmaltzy crafts and little else. Plus, I'm pretty sure you have to pay to get in. There are plenty of scenic areas all over, though. I wish I could come up with some specifics for you. The Saugerties Lighthouse is nice and I think you can walk out to it (not sure though). That might make a nice sunset activity. Another option would be to go across the Hudson and go to Clermont State Park. I've never been but I hear it's beautiful and I think there's an old mansion there. Either way, I'm sure you guys can find something to do! |
According to their website, admission is free to the Octoberfest. (It's not free in the summer). The sky ride, which takes you to the top may cost--according to the website, it's $8.
I'm not particularly interested in the Octoberfest, though I thought others may be. However, getting to the top of a mountain to photograph the view was what I mostly was keying on.
//www.huntermtn.com/summer_skyride.html
I'd be interested in the lighthouse would be good as well, as over the lake, you might get a nice sunrset with the mountains in the background. I did see that earlier during my research, but I see I didn't post a link:
//www.huntermtn.com/summer_skyride.html
Will look further into covered bridges as well tonight, and other places we can drive to a mountaintop in the K area.
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09/27/2006 05:58:26 PM · #80 |
Yes, I'll be there!! :) I just don't get much time to be on here... can't be on the computer during the day... I get all my updates from my dear husband :) |
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09/27/2006 06:49:01 PM · #81 |
| I'm in... I'm just waiting for the final place/time to be set b/c i'll have to meet you all around lunchtime because I have a committment in the morning. |
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09/27/2006 06:56:41 PM · #82 |
Originally posted by skinnere:
I'm in... I'm just waiting for the final place/time to be set b/c i'll have to meet you all around lunchtime because I have a committment in the morning. |
Great to hear it. So you will meet us in the afternoon. Will you be able to make it early enough to meet us in Woodstock?
Since you will be there only that part, do you have any specific preferences among the options for the afternoon (covered bridge, another waterfall, light house, hunter mountain (e.g., lifts up to the top), or some other scenic location.
I hope it rains like hell for the next three nights (night-time only). That will make all the falls awesome!
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09/27/2006 09:57:50 PM · #83 |
I should be able to meet you in Woodstock at the cafe at 1pm if that's still the plan.
I don't have a preference for the afternoon excursion... we could go to Clermont State Park and check that out (per eqsite) |
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09/28/2006 09:14:37 AM · #84 |
I am out :( .. something turned up for that evening at Corning and have to be there!
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09/28/2006 09:37:06 AM · #85 |
Originally posted by vikas:
I am out :( .. something turned up for that evening at Corning and have to be there! |
Sorry to here that. Hopefully I'll get to see you here. |
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09/28/2006 03:51:50 PM · #86 |
I found this and it looks pretty good. Check out this link:
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catskill_Mountain_House
Doesn't that look cool?
I'm not sure if this is actually the same site as overlook mountain, but the Wikipedia site says it's an easy hike to the ruins and what looks to be a fantastic view. "The state now operates a large public campground, North-South Lake, near the site of the hotel. The Mountain House site is an easy walk from it along the popular Escarpment Trail."
See this link as well:
//cityguide.pojonews.com/fe/DayTrips/stories/dt_catskill_mountain_house.asp
"The Mountain House site can be reached by either of two trails, neither of which is very challenging. The quickest route begins at the second of the parking lots at the lakes and the broad path winds through brush and scrub before opening up dramatically on the windswept ledge, from where it is said you can see five states. It was here that the Mountain House was built as luxurious 10-room ''entertainment house.'' By the turn of the 19th century it had become ''a monolithic 315-room palace,'' with extensive trails, carriage roads, a 3,000-acre park, its own railroad and cable cars to the Hudson River, as Catskills historian Roland Van Zandt put it in his preface to the Mountain Top Historical Society's book on the area, ''Kaaterskill.'' "
According to the sites, this is very close to Kaaterskill.
This is an old drawing but this road seems photographically interesting:
Carriage Road to the Mountain House
Note that those who don't want to (or can't) do any hiking are going to be able to see Bastion falls in the morning, which is accessible from the road, but not Kaaterskill falls, which is indeed a 1 mile hike according to the sites. (The trail there can be slippery as well, so wear good shoes).
Just posting this as more information as I'm still looking into various alternatives. Personally, I don't mind a two mile hike, if that's what it takes for a great view. If this is indeed the same trail to overlook mountain, it says its on a jeep road, so it's easy, though uphill. I'm looking into it further.
We can also make final decisions for the afternoon at lunch--especially if no one is planning to join us late in the afternoon. It may be dependent on how good the colors are (and the sky) as well.
Message edited by author 2006-09-28 16:15:38.
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09/28/2006 04:06:05 PM · #87 |
Neil, those are interesting links. Reading the first one, it is definitely a different site than Overlook Mountain. It appears from that site that the Catskill Mountain House is actually near North-South Lake which is just up the road from Kaaterskill Falls. I've been to North-South Lake a few times as a very young child, but never since, and I don't think I've ever been to the Catskill Mountain House. It looks interesting though.
My recollections of Overlook (it's been 10 years since I last hiked it) are that it is on a jeep trail as you mention (rangers use the trail to maintain the fire tower at the top). The ruins on Overlook are interesting, but if my memory is correct (it may not be) there really aren't great views until you get near the very top. Once there, though, the view is tough to beat (assuming good weather).
Given that, I'd be game to go up to the Catskill Mountain House when we are done with Kaaterskill if others are interested (and time permits). |
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09/28/2006 04:17:59 PM · #88 |
Here's another suggestion:
From here: //www.dec.state.ny.us/website/do/camping/campgrounds/devilstombstone.html
Devil's Tombstone
Route 214 - Near Hunter (one way to get from Hunter to Woodstock)
Devil's Tombstone is located in a rugged mountain pass in the Catskill Mountains called Stony Clove. The word "clove" comes from the old Dutch work "Kloove", which means "gash or cut in the body of mother earth". It is rumored that Stony Clove was a favorite haunt of the Devil during the early days in settlement of the Catskills. One object closely associated with the Devil still survives in the campground, it is the Devil's Tombstone. The tombstone is a large boulder, approximately seven feet by five, which was probably carried down the mountain many centuries ago by a landslide or glacier.
If this had any interest, we could go from Kaaterskill to North-South Lake and the Catskill Mountain House, then south via Rt. 214 and check out the Devil'ls Tombstone. East on Rt. 28, and then Rt. 212 into Woodstock. This is a scenic drive and there is a small lake/reservoir just west of Woodstock that may be worth checking out if the foliage is good.
It's about a 45 minute drive (not including stops) from North-South Lake to Woodstock via this route.
Message edited by author 2006-09-28 16:19:22. |
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09/28/2006 04:22:46 PM · #89 |
Sorry to keep hogging this thread, but I just noticed this here //www.greenetourism.com/
Rt 23A between Haines Falls and Palenville is closed until further notice. Access to North/South Lake State Park and campsites is not affected.
Recent heavy rains have weakened a retaining wall near the trailhead to Kaaterskill Falls on Rt. 23A. Detour directions to Hunter / Tannersville/Haines Falls:
From the South NYS Thruway Exit 19 ( Kingston) to Rt. 28 West to Rt. 214 North to Hunter. From the North NYS Thruway Exit 21 (Catskill) to Rt. 23 West to Rt. 296 to Hunter.
I'm not sure if this means that access to the falls is cutoff or not :( |
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09/28/2006 04:25:14 PM · #90 |
Oh, well. I just called the Greene County Tourism board and they said that Kaaterskill Falls will be closed through mid-November. Who was it who was wishing for all that rain????
Now what? |
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09/28/2006 06:43:48 PM · #91 |
Originally posted by eqsite:
Oh, well. I just called the Greene County Tourism board and they said that Kaaterskill Falls will be closed through mid-November. Who was it who was wishing for all that rain????
Now what? |
Yikes. I have to go to back-to-school night in a few minutes, will think about things when I get back. Maybe we postpone? Maybe we replan?
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09/28/2006 07:14:16 PM · #92 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
Originally posted by eqsite:
Oh, well. I just called the Greene County Tourism board and they said that Kaaterskill Falls will be closed through mid-November. Who was it who was wishing for all that rain????
Now what? |
Yikes. I have to go to back-to-school night in a few minutes, will think about things when I get back. Maybe we postpone? Maybe we replan? |
We could always meet at Devil's Kitchen, Ashley's Falls, or one of the other places you suggested instead of Kaaterskill Falls. My vote, for what it's worth, is to replan, but not postpone.
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09/28/2006 07:18:23 PM · #93 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
My vote, for what it's worth, is to replan, but not postpone. |
We're probably a week or two early for peak color, but there are enough other scenic areas to make the day worthwhile. The weather should be nice too... something that's not guaranteed if we replan. |
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09/28/2006 07:45:38 PM · #94 |
| Postponing isn't an option for me, so I'm all for replanning. I'll see if I can come up with any other ideas tomorrow. |
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09/28/2006 08:29:49 PM · #95 |
| I suggest just doing one of the many other options suggested.... I'm all for replanning. But let's try to firm up a plan as soon as possible so we can, well, have a plan! |
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09/29/2006 09:11:31 AM · #96 |
OK, if we're looking for waterfalls, the pickings are kind of slim in the area -- certainly nothing to compare directly to Kaaterskill. However, there are two in the area that may be worthwhile.
Bridal Veil Falls / Glen Falls -- I've never been here (nor heard of it before) but it is supposedly a 25 foot single cascade. It is not far from Kaaterskill, but given the road closure, may be harder to get to depending upon what direction you are coming from. The coordinates are: 42.25472, -74.0275
Glenerie Falls -- I've only ever seen these from the road, and I'm not sure about access to them. These are wide, 5-tiered falls on the Esopus Creek just south of Saugerties. The creek passes through a narrow valley that may be nice with foliage this time of year -- not sure though. The coordinates are: 42.02028, -73.98333
These were found on these sites: link1 and link2
Message edited by author 2006-09-29 09:12:23. |
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09/29/2006 09:20:55 AM · #97 |
Alternatively, if we just want to explore, here's an option taken from this site. I've modified it to account for the closed road and to take us to Devil's tombstone and into Woodstock.
A scenic drive through the Northern Catskills
Here is an easy day tour in Greene County that will take you through deep forests brimming with waterfalls, atop mountains for views across five states and down into the valleys along the Schoharie Creek where fishing or just dipping your toes in the cool mountain water are favorite activities.
Start in the town of Catskill, off the Thruway at Exit 21. Make a left at the exit, proceed for approx. 300 yards and take ramp on the right for Route 23 West. Stay on 23 West to East Windham, stop at Point Lookout, still on 23 West, for a sweeping view of the Hudson River and the Berkshires in Massachusetts in the distance. On a clear day, you can see five states from this spot! This might be a good meeting spot, and if the weather is good, it could give us some great sunrise photos.
Continue on to the picturesque village of Windham, with its many shops, antique stores and restaurants. From Windham, Route 23 takes you to Prattsville where you can stop for a view of Pratt Rocks and the relief sculptures carved into a cliffside done about 150 years ago, and then the Zadock Pratt Museum, a 19th century home filled with local history and memorabilia.
Back on 23 West your will reach the intersection with Route 23A; head east towards Lexington where the valley opens up into a wide area for scenic views and picnicking along the Schoharie Creek. A few miles after Lexington, look to your left for the Ukranian Church, an imposing wood-carved basilica built entirely without nails, with hand-carved and gold-covered interiors - visitors are welcome. Continue through the valley to Hunter Mountain (4025 feet),where you can stop at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl for a ride on the chairlift or to catch one of the many fun events that takes place at the mountain or in the village throughout the summer and fall.
Resume driving on 23A, past Tannersville to Haines Falls. Look for the sign on the leftt for North Lake Road which takes you to North/South Lake (entrance fee). You can swim, sunbathe on the beach or experience one of the best hiking areas in the Catskills. Take an easy hike to the former site of the Catskill Mountain House, one of the grand 19th- century hotels that once was host to the rich and famous who came by coach and rail to take in the good air and view the magnificent Catskill scenery. Hike along the escarpment to ArtistÃs Rock, where Hudson River School painters have forever immortalized the views down the valley toward the old hotel. The paths along the escarpment offer sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, or you can hike downhill through the woods to Kaaterskill Falls. This might be a way to get to Kaaterskill -- not sure though.
Head back towards Hunter and turn left onto Route 214. This will take us to Devil's Tombstone State Campground. Continuing south on Route 214 takes us to the small town of Phoenicia, nestled in a small mountain valley carved by the upper Esopus Creek.
In Phoenicia, we can take Route 28 to Mount Tremper where we get Route 212 East into Woodstock (per my earlier post).
Message edited by author 2006-09-29 09:24:38. |
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09/29/2006 11:19:20 AM · #98 |
hopper and prozac's official opinion on this matter:
just tell us when and where
it's all pops and buzzes to me
:) |
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09/29/2006 02:13:16 PM · #99 |
Gary--thanks for your research.
I think the ride sounds good overall. I like the fact that it encompasses the Catskill Mountain house, as I am looking forward to going there (almost as much as I was to go to Kaaterskill :()
The meeting place sounds good, if easy to find and indeed if it can handle the 6 or so cars we will probably be in!
I looked at the Devil's tombstone state park links you posted yesterday but the web sites seemed to center around what you could see by hiking, rather than having something in particular to photograph there. Was there a specific trail you were looking at there? I've been trying to confirm sites as photo ops by looking for pictures on the internet. Let me know what you had in mind there -- maybe I've just been reading posts and web sites to fleetingly as I've gotten busy with other things.
In any case, we can use this as the morning plan, and then perhaps try one of the other waterfalls I pointed out for the afternoon? With all this rain, the falls and streams should be very full and thus very nice and should be a focus of our trip.
My day isn't looking real good for further research though. I have a bunch of stuff to do this afternoon, and a crew race I need to be at at 4:00; I will try to look more tonight, but it's also my wife's birthday and she needs some attention too!
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09/29/2006 02:14:08 PM · #100 |
One other point: If everyone will email me your cell phone numbers, I will take them and put them in a list, and email back out to all that are attending. It will be key for us to communicate in the morning.
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