Woodland Valley Guided Hike

Join us for a special guided hike in Woodland Valley! The hike will be led by John MacNaught and accompanied by Catskill Historian Paul Misko.

In 1885, naturalist John Burroughs and three friends made their first ascent of Slide Mountain via Woodland Valley. The first part of his famous hike followed a “dilapidated bark road”, up to the “burnt shanty”. Our hike will be this first part, and not to the summit of Slide. Along the way you will hear lots of historic bits about Burroughs and the history of the Catskill’s Tanning Industry in this valley, especially how this forest has changed, and is still changing.

This hike is rated moderate/ difficult and is about 4 miles and 5 hours total. Though fairly level, it involves occasional rough ground, and a stream crossing.

Please, no dogs or children under 12.

We will meet at the NYSDEC Woodland Valley Campground Day Use Lot at 10AM. We will then move vehicles to a location on private land not far away. Pre-registration required. $50 per person and active membership of Catskill Forest Association required.

Paul Misko has been hiking in the Catskills since childhood. Over the years he has learned much about the Catskill forest, and the human history within it. Though his main focus is Woodland Valley, near Phoenicia, he has done research throughout the whole Catskill region.

In 2009 he founded the Catskill 4000 Club, a small hiking group which focuses on history themed hikes and events. He has written articles for Kaatskill Life, and the Catskill Mountain Region Guide. He regularly gives talks on Catskill history, American history, and John Burroughs. He shares his research both in person, and on WIOX radio’s “From the Forest.”