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.
