Hiking this weekend — post irene?

[dohdoh]

Hi, I was planning on doing some hiking and camping in the North south lake area this weekend. I'm curious how the road and trail conditions are up there post Irene. Thanks for any info.

[mike]

We don't know about trail conditions at North-South lake. We are planning on visiting this weekend.

To get there you need to go up Rt 23 to Windham.
then take 296 to Rt 23c
then take scribner hollow road to Rt 23a.
Then take rt 23a to haines falls.

[dohdoh]

Is that because of road closures? I normally take 32 from the thruway (exit 20) to 23a

[mike]

Yes, Rt 23a is Closed, and will be closed for quite some time. It has significant damage. You can still get off Exit 20. But, you will have to go to Palenville - Then down 23a - then take Rt 32 to Rt 23.

[dohdoh]

Confused. Are you saying take route 32 all the way up to route 23? and then 23 all the way around to 23a? and come in from the west instead of the east? Any idea how long will that tack on to the trip? Thanks! I'm thrilled to know before I get up there.

[mike]

Yes, take Rt 32 all the way to Cairo. But, you will have to take a detour to Palenville because the bridge is washed out near the Rt 32/23a intersection. You might be better off getting off the Catskill exit (#21). Figure about 40 miles extra.

Platte Clove Road is also open. MUCH shorter option from Saugerties.