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Advise Please

General Topics about Hiking in the Catskill Mountains that are not trail related
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jcgodley
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:26 am

Advise Please

Unread post by jcgodley »

Hi, we are hiking in this area from the 1st - 4th of September this year and have not hiked here before as we mainly hike in Europe. Any advise as to what we should pack, what to look out for (animals and plants) whats to be avoided (animals and plants) what clothes to wear this time of year. We are only doing day hikes so do we need to take a knife and mace spray? Any advise would be gratefully recieved.
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: Advise Please

Unread post by mike »

Expect the high temperatures for the day to be around 70-75 F (21-24C). I would wear shorts and short-sleeve shirts. But, be prepared for rain if it is forecasted for showers or rain.

Virtually no poisonous plants.

Black bears are present in the Catskills, but are rarely seen. If you do, they are very docile. Younger bears and females usually run away. We do not have grizzly bears.

Very few coyotes. They usually run away if they see you.

We do have Rattlesnakes. But, only on Overlook Mountain and Tremper Mountain. They are fairly big. As thick as your forearm. The rest of the Catskills do not have them.

We do have deer ticks, which can carry Lyme Disease. Not found on most mountains, but they are present on the lower part of the eastern escarpment. Check yourself after each hike. They are small. About the size of a pin head. If you stay on the trail, it is very rare that a hikers gets one on themselves.

Best Hikes in the Catskills: http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/hiking-CMBH25.html

Best area to hike: http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/hiki ... pment.html

No need to bring a weapon, like a knife or mace.
bikenhike
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:53 pm

Re: Advise Please

Unread post by bikenhike »

North-South lake is probably the best area to hike.

1. North Pt & Mtn
2. Southeastern Trail from Bad man's cave to North Lake
3. Southern part of the Escarpment Trail.

That would be my choice.
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