Autumnal Adventures and Falltime Excursions

Autumnal Adventures and Falltime Excursions
Every Autumn, the Catskill Mountains are transformed into an astonishingly beautiful palette of breathtaking scenery and
harvest festivals. There are many ways to enjoy the bountiful offerings of our region. We are literally surrounded by vast
stretches of the most beautiful foliage around. This is a great time of year to drive to destinations that might be a little out of
the way: every destination becomes an unbelievably scenic drive, so the extra time in the car may be well spent indeed taking
in the endless colors and vistas. Here are some suggestions for spending a Fall day in the mountains:
Scenic Drives
Hunter Loop: This drive takes Rt 214 out through Stony Clove Notch to Hunter, and
returns by way of Rt 42 and Rt 28. The lake at the notch is a truly peaceful place of beauty.
Hunter Mountain is very impressive and the dark Deep Notch on Rt 42 will envelop you!
(Go Right out of the parking lot. After 8.5 miles, turn Right on Rt 42. Go 11.5 miles
through Deep Notch and turn Right on Rt 23A. (You can make a 12 mile out and back side
trip down Spruceton Valley on your Right) Make a Right and proceed through the town of
Hunter. Go 10.5 miles and make a Right onto Rt 214. Follow 214 over the Stony Clove
Notch for 13 miles until its terminus in Phoenicia. Turn Right and then Left on Rt 28.
Emerson Resort is 3 miles on the Left.) 1 Hour.
Platte Clove Loop: This drive also takes Rt 214 through the notch, but it traverses the
precipitous and thrilling Platte Clove Rd and returns through Woodstock and Shokan by
way of Rt 28. (Go Right out of the parking lot. After 3 miles, turn Right on Rt 214. Go .25
miles and turn Left to stay on 214. Follow 214 for 13 miles until its terminus. Make a
right and after .5 miles, turn Right onto Bloomer Rd. One mile later, stay to the Right
onto Co Rt 16 (Platte Clove Rd). Follow Platte Clove for 9.5 miles to its terminus at Blue
Mountain Rd. Turn Right and go 1.5 miles to another Right onto Rt 212. After 5 miles,
turn Left onto W. Hurley-Zena Rd. Go 2 miles and turn right to stay on W.Hurley-Zena Rd.
After another 2 miles, turn Right onto Rt 28 and drive 15 miles back to the Emerson.)
1 hour and 25 minutes. Platte Clove is very steep and narrow. Please use caution.
Ashokan Reservoir Loop: This winding drive does not
have as many open vistas, but it is an exhilarating touring
road to drive. If a few curves don't bother you, this route
will provide excellent thrills and also some solitude in its
many hidden nooks. Take some time to park and walk the
paved path to get a closer look at the Reservoir and
surrounding terrain. (Turn Left out of the parking lot and
drive 3.5 miles to Boiceville and turn Right onto Rt 28A.
Follow 28A all the way until it returns to Rt 28 (18 miles).
Make a Left and return to Emerson 16.5 miles on the Right. The turn for the parking area for the paved walking path is 11.5
miles from where you turn onto 28A in Boiceville, on the Left.) 1 hour.
Northern Catskills Loop: This long drive will reward you with a pastoral mix of foliage,
meadows, peaks, and streams. It starts and finishes with a trip up and down Rt 214, but you
won't be disappointed to get a second look at the Stony Clove Notch and its surrounding settings.
The loop takes you up into Greene Country to see the varying mountainous and cultivated land.
This is an epic drive you won't forget, combining rugged mountain passes with idyllic scenes of
a forgotten past. (Turn Right out of the parking lot and go 3.5 miles. Turn Right on Rt 214,
go .25 miles and turn Left to stay on Rt 214. Drive 12 miles to the end of Rt 214. Turn Right
onto Rt 23A and then after 4 miles, turn Left onto Co Rd 25. Go 3 miles, then slight right onto
Co Rd 23C for 9 miles. Turn Left onto Co Rd 17/Jewett Heights Rd and drive 2 miles. Turn Left
onto Rt 23A. Go 8 miles through Hunter before turning Right onto Rt 214 and driving 12 miles back to Rt 28. (From Co Rd 17,
you can also turn Right onto 23A, go 2.5 miles and Left onto Rt 42. 11.5 miles to Left on Rt 28 back to Emerson.) 1 hour and
30 minutes.
“We are reformers in the spring and summer, but in autumn we stand by the old.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Scenic Drives to Hiking/Waterfalls
Spruceton Rd to Diamond Notch Falls: This 30 minute drive and 1 mile hike
is a spectacular combination. Pack a lunch for a picnic at Diamond Notch Falls and
a camera to capture all of the gorgeous foliage along the way. (Turn Right out of
the parking lot and go 8 miles before turning Right onto Rt 42. Go 7.5 miles and
turn Right again onto Spruceton Rd. Drive another 7.5 miles all the way to the end
of the road and look for the Diamond Notch Trail. Hike up .75 miles to the Diamond
Notch Falls. From this point you can continue to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower,
or you can retreat back to your car for a return trip and more leaf peeping. )
Peekamoose Rd to Buttermilk Falls: The 30 minute drive features lush and
beautiful Catskills terrain. Peekamoose Gorge’s steep walls have left many hanging
waterfalls. After passing the scenic Peekamoose Lake, you will come to an unobstructed
view of a large 40 foot waterfall to your right. This waterfall is on private land, but you
can park 100 feet up the road for viewing. At this point there is a tall, slender, high
waterfall on the other side of the creek. Another quarter of a mile down the road, you
will come to a 70 foot roadside waterfall directly to your
right. There is a small pull-off area for parking and a little
path on the left side of the stream goes up for a short
distance. Continue another half of a mile up the road to the
parking area for Buttermilk Falls. This 46 foot waterfall is
accessible at roadside so a hike in is not necessary.
Buttermilk has carved out a rugged gully at the top of the escarpment forming a tiny chasm
directly at the top of the fall. There are several 5 to 15 foot falls upstream of Buttermilk Falls as
well. (Go Left out of the parking lot, and drive 3.5 miles through Boiceville. Turn Right onto
28A, go 3 miles, then turn Right again onto Rt 47 (Peekamoose Rd). Buttermilk Falls will be 8
miles up on the Right.)
“Before long, the green shoot becomes the withered stalk, and soon we learn the hill
that all beings travel by.” ~Donald Hall
Ashokan High Point – Kenape Brook
7 miles round trip, red markers, 2000 foot elevation gain
This trail follows an old woods road with a gradual incline along scenic
Kanape Brook then ascends more steeply on a footpath with rocky
sections to the summit of Ashokan High Point. Along Kanape Brook, you
can see the remnants of hillside farms on what was once known as
Freeman Avery Road. The trail leaves the old road at 2.65 miles,
continuing up to Ashokan High Point Mountain (3080 ft). The climb is
intense but rewarding. At the summit, there are anchor bolts in the rock
where an old tower once stood. There are seasonal views and a series of
clearings with fire rings and views of the Burrough’s Range. There is an
abundance of wild blueberries on the summit, due to repeated burning.
If you are adventurous, you can bushwack east following the ridge to the
lower summit - sometimes called Little High Point for open views of the
Rondout Valley. There is a field of large, beautiful, and mysterious cairns about 1.5 miles from the trailhead. (Turn Left out of
the parking lot and drive 3.5 miles through Boiceville before turning Right onto Rt 28A. After 3 miles, turn Right onto Rt 42.
The parking area is 4 miles up on the Right.)
Onteora Lake This gem is easy to miss with its understated entrance
off of Route 28, but you will be glad you found it once you take in the
picturesque lake. There are a few picnic spots that invite you to drop a
line into the warm shallow lake. The old woods road connects to three
trail loops through upland oaks, moist hemlock forests, and many
abandoned bluestone quarries. The yellow trail loop is highly
recommended as it passes by the beautiful and peaceful Pickerel Pond
before returning to the place of beginning. These trails are maintained
by the local Fats in the Cats bike club and are ideal for mountain biking.
(Turn Left out of the parking lot and drive 15 miles to entrance on left
just after a row of businesses. There is a trail from the first lot or park
at the lower lot closer to the lake.)
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Rochester Hollow – Yesterday’s Estate Returns to Nature
3.9 miles with 2 side loops. 1250 ft elevation change.
This parcel was the former estate of Colonel William Rochester, who purchased small farms in the area
to create a large estate. The trail is an old road that once connected to Rose Mountain Road, and it
parallels the stream north for nearly 2 miles before making a sharp turn west for the remaining 0.75mile. This gently sloping trail is great for families looking for a shorter, moderate hike. Travel back into
time as you hike 3.5 miles and 850 feet to the high point on the old woods road, a marvel of engineering
with old stone walls and culverts, carved out of the side of Rose Mountain. The monument dedicated to
19th-century Catskills naturalist John Burroughs was erected in 1921. There are 2 scenic side trails for
further exploration and leaf peeping. The Burroughs Memorial Forest trail winds through a series of tall
and stately stone fences, intricately constructed by long-ago engineers. A little more than half a mile
beyond the Burroughs monument are the remains of the Rochester estate. Just beyond, in an open pole stand, is a nicely kept
lean-to, a great place for lunch. Following the Eignor Farm trail, look for an old meadow guarded by a giant sugar maple and
gorgeous red oak grove and some interesting stone foundations from the Eignor Farm. (Turn Right out of the parking lot and
drive 8 miles to a detour that will take you Right onto Rt 42, then Left onto Creekside Drive for 2.5 miles. Bear to the Right
at the fork and then Right onto Rt 28. Drive .75 miles and turn Right onto to Matyas Road and park at the end of the road.)
Kaaterskill and Bastion Falls
1 mile out and back. 445 ft elevation change.
Bastion Falls is the most accessible and most prominent waterfall in Kaaterskill
Clove, dropping 71 feet in two steps along Lake Creek adjacent to where Route 23A
makes a horseshoe curve and the trail to Kaaterskill Falls. Parking is available at the
Molly Smith parking area on the south side of route 23A.
Kaaterskill Falls is a two-tier waterfall that totals a 231 ft drop, the upper tier falling
167 feet and the lower 64 feet. The falls are one of America's oldest tourist
attractions, appearing in some of the most prominent books, essays, poems and
paintings of the early 19th century. The trail head is located 0.2 miles down the road
from the parking area. From the trailhead it is 0.5 miles to the waterfall. The top of
Kaaterskill Falls is also accessible from the viewing area at the end of Laurel Rd
Hiking Advisory: Please DO NOT stray from the designated paths. Alongside its
beauty, Kaaterskill falls can be extremely dangerous and has taken the lives of many overzealous hikers over the years. Never
attempt to hike beyond the end of the designated hiking trail and do not try to hike any portion of the waterfall itself on either
tier. The bedrock is very exposed and eroded causing very dangerous conditions. (Turn Right out of the parking lot and go 3
miles, then turn Right onto Rt 214. After .2 miles, turn Left to stay on Rt 214. Go 12 miles to the end of Rt 214 and turn Right
onto Rt 23A. Drive 6 miles to parking on Right.)
Kenneth Wilson Campground Nature Trail – A Park within a Park
This scenic campground is the perfect place to bask in the warm setting sun, gazing at the
stunning foliage on Ticetonyk Mountain. Wilson Lake is a tranquil home to more than a
handful of pretty nature views. There is an ADA accessible portion of the trail that leads
to a floating dock overlooking the lake. The Shrinmoy Peace Mile take you to a small
waterflow flowing over a dam. There are four marked loop trails, and also a few unmarked
trails for a more adventurous outing. The frontside of the park has manicured lawns and
a picnic area, while the wilder backside is marked by wetlands and wooded stands. There
are many old stone walls lacing the park, giving it an air of history and mystery.
(Turn Left out of parking lot and go .5 miles to Left on Rte. 212, then .5 miles to Right on Rte. 40. Park is 4 miles on Right.)
“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in
one autumnal face."
~John Donne
Giant Ledge
1.6 miles, 3.2 miles round trip, 1100 foot elevation gain
Giant Ledge is an excellent moderate hike with incredible views. This is
one of the shorter hikes to a view, although sections are steep, and the
footing can be rough. In only 1.5 miles, you will climb up and over rock
scrambles to the Giant Ledge and a series of amazing vistas. The west side
of the ridge has the typical smooth rounded shape caused by glacial action
and years of erosion, but the east side provides panoramic views of the
northern and southern Catskills, as well as the Esopus Valley and forest
canopy below. There is actually a series of ledges. The viewpoints sit atop
a sheer cliff dropping to the forest floor 180 feet below. You can continue
down the other side of Giant Ledge and up and along the Panther Mountain
ridge to extend the hike. The trail starts at the hair-pin turn on Rt 47 and
follows the yellow blazed Phoenicia East Branch Trail to a left on to the Blue Blazed Panther Mountain Trail. (Turn Right out of
the parking lot and drive 11 miles before turning Left onto Oliverea Rd (Rt 47). The parking area is 7.5 miles up on the Right. )
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Hunter Mountain's Scenic Skyride
Sept 10 - Oct 16: Saturdays & Sundays: 10am-4pm
The Scenic Skyride is an eye popping ride on Hunter Mountain's six-passenger
Kaatskill Flyer detachable chairlift. This state-of-the-art lift will take you in
comfort to the 3,200 foot summit of Hunter Mountain's skiable terrain. From
there, you can enjoy amazing views of the high peaks of the northern Catskills. On a clear day, in the distance you'll see the Berkshire Mountains of
Massachusetts and the Green Mountains of Vermont beyond the surrounding
Catskill Mountain peaks. (Go Right out of the parking lot. After 3 miles, turn
Right on Rt 214. Go .25 miles and turn Left to stay on 214. Follow 214 for 13
miles until its terminus. Make a Left and proceed 1.5 miles to Hunter on the
Left.)
Price: Adult (ages 13+): $12 / Junior (7-12): $8 / Senior: $10 / 6 and under: Free with paid adult
Hours and Rates subject to change
Scenic Railroad
2016 Fall Foliage Train Rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad
There is no better way to experience the spectacular colors of autumn in the
Catskills than with a ride on the Fall Foliage Train Rides. Experience sights
you just can't get from your car, and without the hassle of driving, everyone
gets to enjoy the views. See the natural beauty of the Catskills from the
railroad's unique perspective, aboard Ulster County's only scenic train! Take
a comfortable seat in one of the vintage coaches, or enjoy the fresh air and
panoramic views from the open cars! This is a family favorite! The station is
immediately North of the Emerson. Just take a Right out of the front door
and walk on over!
Dates
Departure Times
Sept 23-25 and Oct 28-30:
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Fridays Oct 7, 14, 21, 28:
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Sat-Sun Oct 8-23
10AM. 11:45AM, 1:30PM, 3:15 PM
Price: Adult $14 / Child (ages 2-11) $8 / Senior $13
Hours and Rates subject to change
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~ Albert Camus
Animal Farms
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
316 Old Stage Road Saugerties, NY 12477 (845) 336-8447 casanctuary.org/
Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is a 110-acre haven for horses and farmed animals rescued from cruelty and neglect. In addition to emergency rescue, CAS
provides innovative programs that educate the public about the sentience of
farm animals, and the devastating impacts of agribusiness and institutionalized
cruelty on animals, people, and the planet.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary offers tours to the public on
Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. You
can purchase tickets in the Welcome Hut when you arrive. There is merchandise for sale, a separate learning
space, and vegan food tastings on many weekends!
Ticket Prices: Adults: $12, Children 12 and under: $8, Children 2 and under: free, Seniors $8
Tour Times: The first tour begins at 11:00 a.m. The last tour begins at 2:30 p.m. Tours start every half hour.
Tours last around an hour and twenty minutes.
Woodstock
Sanctuary
Farm
Animal
2 Rescue Road High Falls, NY 12440
845-247-5700
Surrounded by the Southern Catskills, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary provides shelter to cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats, and rabbits who have been
rescued from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Here you can frolic with goats in a large open
pasture, sit down with a pig who wants nothing more than a belly rub, cuddle with chickens who seek out
your attention or get nuzzled by some very friendly sheep! woodstocksanctuary.org/
Visiting Hours: 11am – 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays only
Tours are given at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm Tours run for about 90 minutes.
Adults 13 – 64: $10, Kids 3 and under: Free, Kids, 4 – 12: $5 Adults, 65+:$5, Vets and Active Service: $5
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches, Cider Making, Hayrides
Kelder's Farm: Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already
gathered, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, and pre-picked produce, gift shop,
snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides,
petting zoo. Open: every day 10am-6pm. Fall Harvest Weekends every weekend
until the end of October. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a variety of pick your
own apples, concord grapes, sweet corn, red raspberries, tomatoes, cherry
tomatoes, beans, peppers, onions, eggplant, squash, and u-cut flowers! 5755
Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY 12404. 845-626-7137. 40 minute drive to Kerhonkson.
Apple Hill Farm: Pick Your Own begins in mid-September, Thursday thru Monday; 10:00am-6:00pm (Pick Your Own is open
until 5:00pm); close for the season on Halloween at 4:00pm. Enjoy a hayride, come and get fresh pressed apple cider and our
famous mulled apple cider donuts. 124 Route 32 South, New Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 255-1605. One hour drive to New Paltz.
Stone Ridge Orchard: Apples, blueberries, currants (red and black), other berries, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries,
tomatoes, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and pre-picked produce, gift shop,
snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides.
3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Phone: 845/687-2587. 35 minute drive.
Mr. Apples Low Spray Orchard: Minimal use of pesticides and other chemicals. Avoid all those excess chemicals used by
conventional orchards. 25 Orchard Street, High Falls, NY 12440. Phone: 845-687-0005. Open: August to Thanksgiving; Seven
days a week; 10am to 6pm. Look for sign "Mr. Apples" after entering village. 35 minute drive.
"Wild is the music of autumnal winds
through the faded woods."
~William Wordsworth
Jenkins-Lueken Orchard: This New Paltz based orchard has nine varieties
of pick-your-own apples: McIntosh, Empire, Fortune, Fuji, Jonagold, Macoun,
Golden and Red Delicious, and Ida Red — all available September and October.
The farm is famous for its fresh-squeezed apple cider from its own cider mill, as
well as its warm apple pie. 845-255-0999; www.jlorchards.com 69 Yankee Foley
Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561 One hour drive to New Paltz.
Minard Family Farm: Apples, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, and
pre-picked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractorpulled hay rides. They have over 100 acres of orchards full of easy-to-reach, beautiful
ripe apples. They also grow peaches, nectarines, Asian pears, raspberries &
strawberries (for making jams & jellies), pumpkins, gourds and various vegetables.
At the farm market you will find apple cider donuts, their own fresh pressed apple
cider and pear cider, homemade pies, homemade jam, jellies & fruit butters, local
honey, NY cheeses, NY maple syrup, homemade soap and much more. Don’t forget
the roasted corn on the cob and hay wagon rides through the orchard. Bring a picnic
lunch or visit the snack bar. Picnic tables are available at the farm market and in the
orchard. 250 Hurds Road, Clintondale, NY 12515. Phone: 866-632-7753.Open: 10:00
am to 5:00 pm, August 28-November 1. 45 minute drive.
Hurds Family Farm: Enjoy pumpkin/apple picking, hayrides, bonfires, and a cornfield
maze. Feed farm pets and play at the Kid's Corral. Hurd’s 18th Century Dutch Threshing Barn
is a great spot for country gifts and refreshments. 2187 Rte. 32, Modena. 845-883-7825.
Saunderskill Farms October Weekends: Pick your own Pumpkins begins, Tractor-Drawn
Hay Rides, Horse-Drawn Hay Rides, Free Corn Maze, 1-4PM
Sep 18: Shoe String Band (OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN MUSIC)
Sep 24: Fall Corn Harvest: Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association, Old Time Corn Harvest,
Pumpkin Picking, Pumpkin Painting, DIY Scarecrow, Corn Maze, Wagon Rides, Great Food!
Oct 08: Saunderskill Pumpkin Festival & Craft Fair: A Harvest Time Family Fun Day, Lots of
Local Craft Vendors, U-Pick Pumpkins, Horse Drawn Hayrides, Corn Maze, Fresh Baked Goods,
Fresh Picked Produce. 5100 US-209, Accord, NY 12404 (845) 626-2676 35 minute drive to
Accord
Westwind Orchard: Friday through Sunday 10AM to 6PM: The apples are certified organic
and the pizza is brick-oven style at this farm, which also hosts movies on some Saturday
nights. Cider tasting! 215 Lower Whitfield Road, Accord, 845-626-0659.
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
October 1 and 2 Two-day celebration of garlic, with food, crafts, live music, chef and farmer
lectures, children’s area and tons of garlic. Shuttle bus service. No pets. Daily admission at the gate is
$10 Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Cantine Field, Washington Avenue Extension,
Saugerties. 246-3090; hvgf.org.
“Now Autumn's fire burns slowly along the woods and day by day the
dead leaves fall and melt.” ~William Allingham
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain
Oktoberfest features authentic German and German-American
entertainment in the beauty of the northern Catskills in autumn.
Experience live entertainment and great food surrounded by lush
fall foliage. Our modern celebration of the harvest features
numerous vendors, free crafts for the kids, and much more. Free
Admission makes it an affordable, fun time for all ages. Hours:
11am to 6:15pm, rain or shine.
 Sept. 24-25: Gestalt BMW Automobile Rally
 Oct. 1-2: Colors in the Catskills Motorcycle Rally - Cruise up
the mountain to enjoy picturesque views of fall foliage while
mingling with other riders who are as passionate about riding
as you
 Oct. 8-9: Das Laufwerk Eurocar Rally - The perfect event for
VW enthusiasts!
 Oct. 15-16: Wine Tasting & Farmer's Market -Local wineries,
farms, and artisans come to the mountain to celebrate the last
weekend of Oktoberfest.
Belleayre Mountain Annual Fall Festival and Crafts Fair
Saturday, October 8, & Sunday, October 9, 10AM - 5PM
This year the festival will host local arts & crafts vendors, local businesses & a
garage/antique sale! There will be live music both days, sponsored by the
Belleayre Music Festival, skyride, pass sales, programming sales, kids’
entertainment, ski apparel and more. Take a trip on the Sky Ride (weather
permitting) and enjoy the beautiful colors of the Catskill Mountains in autumn.
Along with all the great fun, they will have great German fare food & beverages
courtesy of Centerplate.
Kids Entertainment: Bounce House, Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting
and balloon twisting!
The Ashokan Center Fall Family Fun Festival
Sunday, October 23
Apple cidering, nature hikes, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, blacksmithing,
broom making, music, food and crafts, and much more! Entry for the day is $5 and FREE
for friends under 3 years of age. Music by Jay & Molly and Annie and the Hedonists.
477 Beaverkill Rd. Olivebridge, NY 12461
[email protected] 845-657-8333
Guided Foliage Byrdcliffe Trail Hike
Saturdays September 17th and October 22nd 9:30AM–11:30AM
Cost: $15 suggested donation
Join NYSDEC-licensed Hiking Guide, Dave Holden, for Byrdcliffe’s fall series of
educational and invigorating hikes on the beautiful Byrdcliffe Trail. Hikes last
approximately two hours and are themed according to the variations of the seasons. All
hikes meet at the Byrdcliffe Theater Parking Lot, 380 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, at 10:00
am. Expect a moderate hike with some steep slopes, so appropriate footwear with good
ankle support is important. Bring water and rain-gear. Hikes will proceed as scheduled in
light rain; heavy rain cancels.
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses
Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses is located in Ulster
Park, NY, part of the Historic Haunted Hudson Valley. The 250 yearold farm incorporates over sixty five acres of naturally landscaped
property including foreboding woods, surreal ponds, fruit orchards
and more. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses is a
unique, immersive experience with a theme that changes each
Halloween season. Featuring: a theatrical one-mile hayride, corn
maze, 7 haunted attractions which include: The Lunar Motel,
Glutton's Diner & Slaughter House, Slither's Pet Shop, Dark Harvest
Corn Maze, Night Shade Nursery & Greenhouse, Dr. Dark's Black Spider
Sideshow, The Feeding, Dahlia Blood's Manor, with skilled stunt actors and a magic-illusion side show starring Ryan Dutcher. The
creators of Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses are proud to bring back the concept of interactive, immersive
entertainment: A real life escape experience "The Great Room Escape".
September: 17, 24, 30 October: 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 November: 5
2016 Prices: Admission onto the midway is FREE
Online Opening Night Ticket: $34.95 +3.95 service charge + tax
Online Ticket: $39.95 + 3.95 service charge + tax
Online Children's Day Ticket: $11.95 + 3.95 service charge + tax
Scream Pass $25.00
On-site Opening Night Ticket: $40.95 + tax
On-site Ticket: $46.95 + tax
On-site Children's Day Ticket: $16.90 + tax
* Due to the nature of our attraction, this is NOT recommended for children under the age of 13. Children 8 (or younger) will NOT be allowed on any evening
hayride, in the corn maze, or haunted houses. Children 15 (or younger) MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Childrens' Days : Oct 8th and 22nd with rain dates of Oct 9th and 23rd.
The park tones down its scare level, offering a daylight hayride with a friendly storyteller telling scary tales. A walk
through our corn maze, haunted gardens, country games, face painting, and entertainment make this the perfect outing
for families with young children.
$11.95 + 3.95 service charge + sales tax for online purchases.
$16.90 + sales tax for on-site purchases.
778 Broadway, Route 9W Ulster Park, NY 12487 845-339-2666
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” ~ Jim Bishop
Hudson River Valley Ramble Guided Hikes:
September 17, 2016, 10AM
Hike to Jimmy Dolan Notch Sponsored by the Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club. 845-247-3021 Difficulty:
Moderate Not suitable for children under age 10. Prediger Road Trail Head Prediger Rd Elka Park, NY
September 18, 2016, 1PM
Platte Clove Hike Join the Executive Director of the Catskill Center on a short hike in the Platte
Clove Preserve. See the Artist in Residence cabin and hike to 60' box canyon waterfall. 845-586-2611
[email protected] Uneven surface, moderate climb/decent. Difficulty: Moderate Platte
Clove Preserve 2504 Platte Clove Road Hunter, NY 12427
September 24, 2016, 1PM
Hike up New Picnic Trail New York-New Jersey Trail Conference completed a new trail up the hill
behind the Catskill Interpretive Center. Join a guide for the half mile hike up the trail to the new picnic
area with views of Mount Pleasant and the Esopus Creek. Learn about Catskill geology, history, plant
life, forest management and threats, and what it took to create the trail. Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill
Interpretive Center 5096 State Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457
Lark in the Park is an Annual Celebration of the Catskill Park
The Catskills Lark in the Park started in 2004 to recognize and celebrate the centennial of the creation of the Catskill Park. Since its inception,
the Lark has brought together hundreds of people and dozens of organizations that have participated in hundreds of events, all aimed at
heightening awareness of the Catskill Mountains region of New York State and the Catskill Park.
For more info: please visit catskillslark.org
Catskill Mountain Club Guided and Group Hikes:
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828
Sky Viewing
Autumn is a great time of year for night sky watching. The clear air and
unpolluted skies in the mountains make for excellent viewing opportunities.
The elevated horizons can obscure parts of the sky, but our fields and grounds
offer a fairly wide open window to the sky. Please remember to dress warmly
as it gets quite cool at night.
This Fall time there are many exciting events to be witnessed:

September 16 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully
illuminated. This phase occurs at 19:05 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Corn Moon because
the corn is harvested around this time of year. This moon is also known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that
occurs closest to the September equinox each year.

October 7 - Draconids Meteor Shower. The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour. It is
produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual
shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs annually
from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the the night of the 7th. The first quarter moon will block the fainter meteors in the early
evening. It will set shortly after midnight leaving darker skies for observing any lingering stragglers. Best viewing will be in the early
evening from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere
in the sky.

October 16 - Full Moon, Supermoon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will
be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 04:23 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Hunters
Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. This moon has also been known as
the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon. This is also the first of three supermoons for 2016. The Moon will be at its closest approach to
the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

October 20, 21 - Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids is an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is
produced by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs
annually from October 2 to November 7. It peaks this year on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The second
quarter moon will block some of the fainter meteors this year, but the Orionids tend to be fairly bright so it could still be a good
show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Orion, but can appear
anywhere in the sky.

November 4, 5 - Taurids Meteor Shower. The Taurids is a long-running minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors
per hour. It is unusual in that it consists of two separate streams. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004
TG10. The second stream is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower runs annually from September 7 to
December 10. It peaks this year on the the night of November 4. The first quarter moon will set just after midnight leaving dark
skies for viewing. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from
the constellation Taurus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

November 14 - Full Moon, Supermoon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be
will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 13:52 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Beaver Moon because this was the time of year to set the beaver traps before the swamps and rivers froze. It has also been known
as the Frosty Moon and the Hunter's Moon. This is also the second of three supermoons for 2016. The Moon will be at its closest
approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

November 16, 17 - Leonids Meteor Shower. The
Leonids is an average shower, producing up to 15
meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is unique
in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years
where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen.
That last of these occurred in 2001. The Leonids is
produced by dust grains left behind by comet
Tempel-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1865. The
shower runs annually from November 6-30. It peaks
this year on the night of the 16th and morning of
the 17th. The waning gibbous moon will block many
of the fainter meteors this year, but if you are patient you should be able to catch quite a few good
ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2016.html
“That old September feeling, left over from school days, of summer passing, vacation
nearly done, obligations gathering, books and football in the air ... Another fall, another
turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if
last year's mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” ~Wallace Stegner
emersonresort.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa
845 688 2828