Israel Wittman Sanctuary, Woodstock, New York

Israel Wittman Sanctuary Trails Guide (Updated)

Newly expanded with the addition of Loop C, this sanctuary secures its place as a forever favorite.

Readʉۼ

map / compass

The 10 Essentials: What to Pack for Every Hike

The 10 Essentials is a list of items you should carry on every trip into the backcountry.

Readʉۼ

Vernooy Falls / Wet Willy Swamp

Vernooy Falls Trail Secrets

There’s far more to this trail than most people know…

Readʉۼ

Black Fly Season Means Black Fly Bites

When to watch for black flies, how best to avoid them, how to repel them, and how to treat super-itchy black fly bites.

Readʉۼ

brand new hiking boot stuck deep in mud

Walk Through Mud

Here are three great reasons to always walk directly down the middle of every trail, and especially through any mud puddles or water you find on the trail.

Readʉۼ

black legged deer tick on a blade of grass

Tick Season Tactics for Hikers

Tick season sucks. When to worry, where to look, how to avoid, the best ways to prevent, and how to treat any tick bites you find.

Readʉۼ

scenic view mountain summits

Van Wyck to Table & Peekamoose (updated)

Two plane wrecks. Two bear holes. Two talus fields. One incredible view.

Readʉۼ

fire tower shot from below

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2023

Everything you need to complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.

Readʉۼ

four of the best hiking boot brands in 2021

Best Hiking Boots & Brands

If you’re looking for a new pair of hiking boots, this list of hiking boot brands and models will get you started with great recommendations.

Readʉۼ

Platte Clove Road barrier locked open

Platte Clove Road Winter Access

In winter, Platte Clove Road is closed to traffic on its eastern end. Use this alternate route to the eastern Devil’s Path and Kaaterskill High Peak.

Readʉۼ

How Cold is Too Cold to Hike?

Here are 6 things you need to think about: weather, comfort, safety, frostbite, hypothermia, and gear.

Readʉۼ

snowy view from the summit of wittenberg

Essential Winter Hiking Gear Checklist

Grab this essential winter hiking gear checklist and stay safer on the hills this winter.

Readʉۼ

the blacks

Where are the Catskill Mountains?

The Catskill Mountains are located in New York State, south of Albany and west of the Hudson River.

Readʉۼ

master map graphic

Geo-Map of Trail Guides

This master geo-map lists my trail guides visually.

Readʉۼ

kuhl hiking pants

KÜHL Hiking Pants (Review)

KÜHL kindly sent me two pairs of winter hiking pants to review. They‘re so good.

Readʉۼ