Guidelines for Club Hikes

Our hikes are designed to be safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible.

  • Registration: Hike leaders review and approve all registrations to make sure each outing matches a participant’s experience level. Please also inform your hike leader about any medical conditions in advance.
  • We hike as a group: Participants are expected to stay together from trailhead to summit and back.
  • Group size: Minimum of 3, maximum of 12 participants.
  • Pace: Each hike description specifies an anticipated pace, as detailed below. Participants are encouraged to choose hikes with a pace that corresponds to their individual comfort level.
    • Relaxed: 1 mph or less
    • Moderate: about 1.5 mph
    • Quick: about 2 mph
    • Fast: faster than 2 mph
  • Conservation matters: Our practices are regularly reviewed in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to protect sensitive habitats.
  • Fledgling season guidelines: To promote awareness and reduce impact to possible nesting areas of the Bicknell’s Thrush, group size is limited to no more than 8 participants on the following peaks from June 1 to July 15:
    • Friday, Balsam Cap, Lone, Rocky, and the ridge between Rocky and Table
    • Any bushwhacks from the above peaks to Wittenberg or Cornell
    • Rusk, North Dome, and Sherrill

Our Hike Leaders

Hike leaders for the Catskill 3500 Club must be: Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certified, Leave No Trace Certified, and Catskill 3500 Club members in good standing. To lead winter hikes, they must also have a 3500 Club winter patch. To learn more about our hike leaders, visit the Hike Leaders page.

Other Information

  • Hike schedule release: The hike schedule is released quarterly with The Catskill Canister.
  • Pets on group hikes: Dogs and other pets are not permitted on official Club hikes.
  • Reproducing the hikes list: Hikes and the hike schedule may not be reproduced without written consent from the Catskill 3500 Club Board of Directors.
  • Learn the basics: For tips on preparing for a hike, please visit our Hiker 101 page.
  • Other questions: See our FAQ page for answers to other common questions. You can also contact outings@catskill3500club.org or use our contact form with questions or comments.

Clear Filters

Hikes past their registration period (and canceled hikes) are hidden by default. See My Hikes for your upcoming hikes.

October 2026

  • Open
  • Opens soon
  • Closed
  • Canceled
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