Sundown Wild Forest Project: For a number of years the reroute of almost 9 miles from paved roads to the Sundown Wild Forest and Vernooy State Forest has been in the planning stage. The project appears to be almost ready to start trail construction.
There have been a number of issues that had to be considered:
First, is the area has a large amount of Mountain Laurel that would have to be cleared. The advantage of clearing Mountain Laurel would result in less trees being cut. The disadvantage is that other trails in the Catskills are overgrown with Mountain laurel. Namely, The loop on the Ashokan High Peak Trail and the Overlook Carriage Road between Cod Fish Point and Echo Lake.
Second, the trail will go through a number of Timber Rattlesnake dens. Moving the trails away from the dens has solved this problem. But, the trail may come within 600 feet of some dens. So, hikers will need to pay attention when hike the trail. The trail will be between 6 and 8 feet wide. Timber Rattlesnakes are a fairly calm and non-aggressive snake. As long as you don't step on them, they do not get excited.
Third, constructing the trail so that it would be a multi purpose trails was an important objective. There were 4 alternative considerations. The preferred alternative will not allow horses and snowmobiles on the path. After a significant amount of consideration, they concluded that the terrain was not suitable for horses and snowmobiles. Hikers, Mtn Bikers, skiers, and snowshoers will be able to use the trail.
Long Path Reroute Project Work Plans: https://www.catskillmountaineer.com/pdf ... eroute.pdf
