As spring settles across the Catskill Mountains, a volunteer-led organization is inviting residents and visitors alike to step into the woods, offering a slate of guided outings that trace ridgelines, follow streams and pause, at times, to notice the smallest signs of the season.
The Catskill Mountain Club, a 22-year-old nonprofit run by outdoor enthusiasts, has released its May hiking schedule, continuing its mission of providing free, member-led excursions across the region. The group, which also organizes paddling and biking trips, advocates for non-motorized recreation throughout the Catskills.
The calendar ranges from long, strenuous peak climbs to shorter, naturalist-led walks.
Among the early offerings is a full-day trek across Fir, Big Indian, Eagle and Balsam Mountains on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 8 a.m. The following day, May 10, shifts the pace with the Howard Raab Memorial Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Hike, a mid-morning outing focused on the fleeting blooms that mark the transition into warmer weather.
On Tuesday, May 12, hikers can take part in a segment of the Catskills All Trails Challenge, covering routes that include Quick and Frick mountains, followed by a May 16 hike along Dry Brook Ridge via the Huckleberry Loop.
The schedule continues May 17 with a route from Platte Clove to Kaaterskill Clove — a corridor known for its dramatic escarpments — and later in the month with an ascent of Ashokan High Point.
Each outing is led by club members and is free to the public, though participants are encouraged to review details, including meeting locations and difficulty levels, in advance.
More information, including directions and updates, is available at catskillmountainclub.org
