Catskills Dayhike - Platte Clove Waterfalls

Rated - C3B, less than 5 miles, slow pace, strenuous terrain

Meetup time - Saturday, May 1, 2010 - 9 AM, will be back to the parking area in late afternoon.
Meetup Location - Corning Preserve Boat Launch lot
Colonie Street
Albany, NY 12201
[Attendees from south of Albany can be given directions to a meeting place in Catskill upon request. We will make quick stops at 2 other places on the way to avoid losing any participants.]

We will visit Platte Clove (or Plattekill Clove) in the eastern Catskills, one of the wildest places in the Hudson Valley, with truly spectacular scenery, where the Plattekill drops 1,500 feet in less than 2 miles down a steep-sided ravine. It is one of the most rugged areas in the eastern United States and was a favorite of the Hudson River School of artists. People who live or spend time in the Catskills know that "clove" means a steep, deep valley, or notch in the mountains. We will visit a number of waterfalls, in particular 80 foot high Plattekill Falls, and 100 foot high Bridal Veil Falls, and Hell Hole, described by author Russell Dunn as “an awesome gulf with precipitous walls and boulders of monstrous size.” Looking down the clove one can see the Hudson River and beyond.

We will proceed down the Thruway to Catskill and meet again on Route 9W, then stop again briefly on Route 23A in Haines Falls. From there a series of back roads lead to our destination. Word processed driving directions will be provided to all attendees. NOTE: The driving route we will follow does not take one along the narrow, steep, sometimes dangerous road up the Clove, but we will access the place from Route 23A instead. For more information on this area, check out these web sites:
http://en.wikipedia.o...
http://nymag.com/trav...
http://catskillmounta...
This will involve a total of less than 2 miles of hiking (a little more if we follow some of Overlook Trail), but trails are steep and rain or very wet ground cancels the hike. Hiking boots or other footwear with good tread are required. Hikers should bring beverages, snacks & lunch. This hike is not recommended for anyone with fear of heights but is a great place for photography.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the challenging conditions this is not a good hike for young children, anyone unsure on their feet or fearful of heights. I also have limited the attendance accordingly.

Any questions, please e-mail Dave or Warren or call Dave at 2229713.
Also, I will have my cell phone with me the day of the hike. Dave