Seeking Future Trail Leaders 12/29/04 NY Catskill Region

[badzook]

Happy Holidays to all of our group members.....

I'm heading up into the Catskill Mountains on Wednesday Dec 29th. and

I'm looking for 1 or possibly 2 rigs to help research local trails in that area.

This day will involve a lot of back country on and off road driving and lots of patience. I expect that we will do some light to moderate trail exploring but make no promises, as I have had entire days lost to researching with no results. But, I've also had days with a jackpot of awesome trails to wheel.

This is NOT an open invitation to go wheeling, but rather a request to help in identifying Legal Trails to drive our rigs on. These trails do exist in our State and National Forests and are not advertised anywhere. It is up to the individual person to find these by ourselves.

I am seeking people who have a geniune interest in preserving and supporting our sport of 4x4 travel and joining in with the Tri - State 4x4 Group to eventually become a Tri - State 4x4 Trail Leader.

You must be able to follow instructions and have a supportive team spirit.

Only responsible people with 4x4 experience and reliable rigs should respond.


Requirements Include:

1) You MUST have an Strong CB set.
2) Good map reading capabilities ( GPS abilities preferred ).
3) Good Recovery and Safety Equipment.
4) Positive and Responsible Attitude
5) A Legally Registered and Insured Vehicle.

This is not a paid or reimbursed position. It is strictly Volunteer.


Those who respond should include:

1) Years of Wheeling Experience
2) Vehicle Description
3) Brief list of Recovery Equipment

You can send me a PM if you wish or respond to the board.

Thanks to all who respond.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to All..

Badzook

[wsb]

Where abouts in the Catskills? I know of some trails that are on state land. DaMoose would know the same trails, possilby more in the area.

Too bad I have to work!

[DaMoose]

there aren't too many "legal" trails up around these parts. They are mostly either hiking trails or handicap hunting trails that you need a special permit to use during hunting seasons. I have been chased out too many times to mention. The problem with up in the Catskills would be the fact that every damn place is now private property or bordering ski houses/condos. Mix that with the fact that the DEP guys up here chain up anything that even resembles a trail and you are bound for disappointment.

[badzook]

Happy Holidays,

Well, that news is somewhat discouraging. Sounds like you might know the area pretty well. I was looking up Slide Mountain, Vernooy Falls , and Kanape Jeep Trail for example. Have you actually been to these places and do you know for sure they are closed or do you just hunt around looking for places without success??

I just happen to have some imformation that leads me to believe these places are open to the Public since they are Public Roads. They may not be maintained and sometimes can be difficult to find.

I've been doing this for a few years now with a moderate amount of success.

The Catskills are new to me and probably in your backyard...

I'm sure you have some inside info......

What's your take on this??

Is there a better place to look?

Thanks
badzook

[DaMoose]

Most of the places I have checked are closed to public. I mean, you can still get into them, but they aren't legal and I hate dealing with the authorities.

The trails I havem ostly went on are in the Windham, Ashland, Durham, Manorkill, Gilboa, Hunter, and Lanesville area. The weird thing is, is that about 2 or 3 years ago, there were no chains, gates or boulders on these trailheads. Now that has changed. I know that when I went there, I didn't tear them up, so I think they just saw a set of tracks and immediately closed them.

There is one on Bear Pen mountain that I am going to be checking out this weekend. A few friends of mine have led me to believe that the trail is a pretty nice one with some rocky areas for some climbing. I hope that it pans out...I need a fix. If not, I will be going to Peekamoose again this weekend to get some icey waterfall pictures and to see how much snow is up in the mountains.

[Eric XJ]

Im up for doing some scouting, give me a call if you want to head out sometime. Also wanted to check out that stagg hill area, it looks pretty good.

[ROCKREADYXJ]

I know stag hill very well I would suggest you not go there Mahwah PD is not friendly to four wheelers weather jeep or bike. they will impound your truck and ask questions Later.

Just tell me where to sign!!! I am there I hope you can read a map I dont read and drive!!!!

[Eric XJ]

Alright so scrap the stagg hill thing and just keep me posted.

BTW... RRXJ where in Orange are you from?

[ROCKREADYXJ]

I would stay far away from stag.

I am right next to Goshen
You are not that far from me I am exit 123 off the quick way what are you 129?

[Eric XJ]

Yeah thats it, SBG area.

[ROCKREADYXJ]

Cool we should go wheelin some time

[Lagooz00xj]

I was up at stag hill all day today, had a blast, no trouble. And as we were pulling off the trail onto stag hill road a police car drove straight passed us, waved and just kept on going.

[02 Apex Tj]

Folks I am new on here but have been a member of Jeeps unlimited for about a year. I live in the catskill region, about 20 from belleayre ski area (a state owned mountian) I couldnt help but notice about the bear pen mountian ride. I am forwarning you that bear pen is highly enforced. I live right next to bear pen mountian it is literally right in my back yard. My family also own's property on peekamoose mountian, which is right neer slide mountian. I look foward to riding with you guys just thought I would post about bear pen.

Scott