This is a hike from the Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve to the ledges on the west shoulder of Churchill Mountain.  With a fine view from the ledges, the primary reason is to determine the origin of a shrub thicket.  The thicket probably remains in first growth (i.e. virgin timber). Some bushwhacking, some following old log roads. 900 feet elevation gain.

Event Duration:  3 miles, 5-6 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate-Difficult

Leader(s):  Michael Kudish and David Turan

Bring:  lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, something to drink, etc. and wear standard hiking gear.

Registration required by September 29.  Use registration form below to register.

Group size is limited to 20, so register early.

Fee:  No

Dogs allowed:  Yes, only with permission of event leader.

Additional Information:  If heavy rain, postpone to October 2nd. Contact hike leaders by ‘phone if uncertain of postponement by Sunday eve, September 30th.  Mike Kudish (845) 586-5271.  Or Preserve Director David Turan (607) 242-1260.

Questions about this event can be directed to:  mkudish@catskill.net or (845) 586-5271

Driving Directions:   From State Route 23, 0.25 mile west of Stamford Village’s east boundary, turn south on Mountain Avenue and head uphill.  Mountain Avenue soon becomes Tower Mountain Road.  At 0.6 mile from Route 23, turn right (west) into the Preserve and park on the grass.