Hunter Mountain - FREE Sky Ride & Hike - Final Oktoberfest Day

CATSKILL 3500 Peak
Hunter (#2 at 4040')

***** READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION!!

***** DO NOT SIGN UP UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING TO
ATTEND and have transportation.

***** BE EARLY - STARTS ON TIME - RUNNING LATE YOU MISSED The Sky Ride & HIKE

You should have previously (and recently) completed hikes of equivalent mileage and elevation gain to this hike to do this. You should be getting regular cardio exercise to do this.

Rain cancels.

Distance: ~4.8 miles

Total Elevation Gain: ~840'

Pace: about 1.5 MPH average
Estimated Hike Time: 3-4 hours with breaks

Getting there: Plan your route to Hunter Mountain Resort. Follow signs for parking. When you get up to the parking lots look for my Orange Jeep Cherokee. I will try to find a visible spot in one of the lots to the right.

I have 14 vouchers good for a free Sky Ride, so be sure to get one from me. They must be exchanged for a Sky Ride ticket at ticket sales in the lodge.

Route Description: we will start by taking the Sky Ride (Chairlift) to the summit of the ski area, Colonel's Chair, at 10AM SHARP. From there we take the Cololnel's Chair (rough hiking trail) & Spruceton (fire tower road) trails to the summit of Hunter Mountain. We can climb the fire tower (following limit sign) and the observer's cab might be open to view. We will head out the HM trail about .3 miles to a ledge with a great view to the west and then return to the tower. Then we take the Spruceton trail down until we come to the intersection of the Colonel's Chair trail, which takes us down to the top of the ski area, where we can pay a visit to the Rip Van Winkle statue before heading back down to the base of the ski area.

The final boarding of the chairlift back down is 4pm. After 4pm it would mean walking 1.5 miles down the Belt Parkway ski trail to the ski lodge and parking lot.

Oktoberfest is open until 5pm. Free entrance. Food vendors available.

Special Gear / Requirements: Warm and cool weather wicking clothing (avoid cotton!), food/water as you feel is appropriate, first aid, insulating layer and rain gear (just in case), trail conference map #141. Weather change to rain will cancel hike!!!!

Group Size: The DEC hiking group limit is 20. I only have 14 FREE Sky Ride vouchers.

******* HVH Liability Release:

You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back. See suggestions for GEAR on the "About" page for additional gear ideas.

You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.

If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.

Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. Full waiver can be found on the ABOUT page.