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BIKING
Around Sullivan County
BIRD
WATCHING
Sullivan
County Audubon Society
CAMPING
Coming Soon
HIKING
Catskill Park
A Roscoe Hiking Spot for All
Seasons
by Lisa M. Lyons
Less than six miles from downtown
Roscoe, Russell Brook waterfall and nearby Trout and Mud Ponds
are an easy destination for spur of the moment trips – saving
you time and gas. Years ago, I thought I had to take a long trip
to find places like this, when all the time it was right in our
backyard!
A Menu to Choose
From
There are a variety of hikes possible here. Pick the length and
difficulty that fit your needs. The trailhead parking area on
Russell Brook Road has a kiosk with a map of the marked trails.
I’ll describe three for you, but there are also options for
longer outings.
Directions:
from the Roscoe stoplight, head north on Rt. 206 toward
Downsville (Old Rt. 17 becomes Rt. 206) for 2.4 miles. You’ll
see a “Welcome to Colchester” sign on your right. Immediately
after that, turn left on to Morton Hill Road. Follow for 3.1
miles up hill, past Horse Brook Road to Russell Brook Rd on
left. There is no street sign - but one that says “Seasonal
Limited Use Highway.” Take left and follow the single lane dirt
road 1/2 mile down to park.
1. Russell Brook
Waterfall – Short & Sweet
Distance roundtrip: 0.3 miles to lower end of waterfall, ledge
trails optional
Difficulty: easy, dirt road descends to bridge over brook,
footpaths to waterfall
From the trailhead kiosk, walk
downhill on dirt road and cross bridge over Russell Brook. Look
for footpath on your right. Hidden upriver is a series of
waterfalls that can slow to a trickle in mid-summer. This is a
great choice for your first outing. Paths along rock ledges make
it easy to explore upriver. Take care with young children or
anyone unsteady on their feet. There are old stone structures
near the waterfall. Were they part of an old mill? What did they
make here? It’s fun to sit and ponder these things – looking for
clues that might tell you more.
2. Trout Pond
– Medium Rare
Distance roundtrip: 1.8 miles to Trout Pond dam, 2.8 miles to
lean-tos at far end of Trout Pond
Difficulty: easy to moderate - long gradual incline on dirt road
with loose rock.
From the trailhead, follow the blue
blazes across the bridge and past the footpath leading to the
waterfall. There is an outhouse on your left, then the trail
register (see “Why Sign in?” below). Stop to sign the register,
pass the turn to Mud Pond and continue straight ahead. The
gradual incline to Trout Pond is deceiving and you may huff and
puff. No worries. Stop to catch your breath and see what sounds
you can detect. How rare it is that we stand silently in the
woods. It makes me feel as though I’m emptying my ears of the
noise of life so I can hear again! Soon the trees will open up
to unveil the bowl that is home to Trout Pond. As of this
writing, beaver have built a mighty dam at the pond’s near end
and evidence of their presence can be seen all along the pond’s
edge. I’d recommend walking to the far end of the pond. There
are two lean-tos with campfire areas and outhouses and it’s a
great view back toward the dam.
3. Mud Pond
– A Strenuous Loop
Distance from Trailhead, roundtrip: approx. 4 mile loop to Trout
Pond then on to Mud Pond
Difficulty: strenuous hill from Trout Pond to Mud Pond – part
dirt road and part footpath.
At the far end of Trout Pond, there’s a sign showing the route
to Mud Pond. Cross the stream and follow the blue blaze trail
for 2.2 miles. The trail’s ascent made my cheeks rosy. The trail
passes stonewalls that may have been pasture boundaries – this
was my guess when I noticed a large grove of trees on one side
was much younger than those on the other.
At the north end of Mud Pond you’ll
find old foundations and some open access to the pond that
fishermen use. I spied three beaver lodges around the pond’s
perimeter. If you are quiet in this place you may find
unexpected excitement and wild sightings.
Why Sign In? It’s a good idea to
sign in the Trail Register. Not only does this help the State
DEC track trail usage and plan resources, it can be critical in
emergencies. If hiking alone, tell someone where you’re going
and when you expect to return. Minimize risk and maximize
enjoyment. You can also check the register to see who is out on
the trail and whether a lean-to is already in use.
Dogs Along:
How trail savvy is your pooch? Will it come when
called? Though chasing a squirrel may seem harmless, the next
moving creature might be a porcupine. Ouch! Bring a leash and
consider tying a bright-colored bandana around your dog’s neck
for better visibility. A small bowl and some treats are good to
bring on longer hikes.
Winter Tips:
This is a great place for snowshoeing. When conditions allow you
to drive up the long hill, you’re in for a real treat! . Ice
formations and snow-covered rock create a photogenic ice and
snow landscape. There is room to park one or two cars on Morton
Hill Road and walk ½ mile down to the waterfall. Make sure your
car is visible to traffic from both directions
What to Bring:
Pack things that could save your trip from
disaster by keeping you warm or cool, dry, safe, hydrated and
bug-free. Guidebooks, hiking websites and your local hiking shop
are great sources of detailed advice. My basics often include
-boots with good support
-an outer layer to keep me warm and dry
-lightweight pants to help you avoid ticks, poison ivy,
nettles and other lovelies
-wind/rain protection, extra clothes and socks
-protein snacks, map and compass, flashlight
-a good first aid kit, duct tape and a plastic bag for garbage
are all good to have along
Though you may prefer to wing it, a
little research before you head out can help ensure you come
home smiling. Guidebooks are also handy for identifying the
trees, wildflowers, insects, etc. along the way. I enjoy
learning a few new species each time I go out. But the most
important thing is to relax while stimulating your senses - and
treasure the time you spend outdoors!
Recommended Resources:
Catskill Trail Maps, by NY-NJ Trail Conference. Five-map set.
Revised 2002. Easy to read, tear resistant and waterproof. Maps
include wild forests, state campgrounds, trails, springs,
lean-tos and parking areas.
Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons by Carol and David White 2002
Adirondack Mountain Club. Describes 60 hikes with plenty of
practical advice and a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult
outings.
Best Hikes with Children, Catskills and Hudson Valley by Cynthia
Copeland and Thomas J. Lewis, 2nd ed. 2002, Mountaineers Press.
Excellent resource for anyone who wants a gentler hike. Very
useful details.
The author is the owner of Morgan
Outdoors, 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
GOLFING
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