Hike Leaders

The Catskill 3500 Club’s volunteer hike leaders bring skill, experience, and dedication to every outing. They know these mountains well and are committed to sharing that knowledge while keeping hikers safe, supported, and engaged. All of our leadership, training, and preparation is provided by volunteers who care deeply about the Catskills.

Our Leaders’ Qualifications

• Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certified: Through the Renate Koble Award, the Club helps volunteers cover the cost of Wilderness First Aid and CPR training.
• Leave No Trace Certified: Our leaders practice and teach responsible recreation to help protect the Catskills’ fragile ecosystems.
• 3500 Club Members: Every hike leader is a knowledgeable Club member in good standing with firsthand experience of the peaks and trails. 
• Winter Hikes: All winter hikes are led by Club members who have earned a Winter member number, providing experienced and knowledgeable guidance in cold-weather conditions.

Recognizing Excellence

• Hike leaders may earn the Hike Leader Patch, a symbol of their dedication to stewardship.
• A Hike Leader of the Year award is also presented at the Annual Dinner Meeting to honor exceptional leadership.

Interested in Leading? If you’re passionate about the Catskills and committed to safe, responsible hiking, we’d love to hear from you. For questions or more information, please contact the Outings Committee.