Created from 6 pictures from Giant Ledge





N e w s

The week of October 13th begins with a cooler Sunday with occasional showers and highs in the low 50's. Monday will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a couple of showers and highs in the low 50's. Tuesday will be brisk and cold with clouds and breaks of sun and showers with highs in the low 40's. Wednesday will be breezy in the morning and cold with a shower in the area and highs in the low 40's. Thursday will be warmer with more sunshine than clouds and highs in the low 50's. Friday will be milder with plenty of sun and highs in the low 60's. On Saturday there will be plenty of sunshine with highs in the high 50's. Watch for areas of slippery mud and slimmy rocks which can ruin a nice trip to the mountains. Daylight will continue to slowly decrease heading toward the winter solstice. Packing a working headlamp is always a good idea as it may mean the difference between finishing a hike easily and wandering around in the forest. NEVER assume that conditions at the trailhead are the conditions on the mountain. The ticks are still around looking for a warm body during the cooler weather. Packing insect repellant may still be a good idea. When the weather conditions are constantly changing, be sure you have dressed appropriately in clothing that will wick away moisture to prevent it from accumulating in your clothing, which can, at the very least, be uncomfortable. Layering should be with non-cotton materials as cotton tends to hold moisture. Keeping hydrated is essential no matter the temperatures since hydrating properly will allow you to hike longer and in greater comfort. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you as local water sources can be unreliable and may be contaminated. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Remember, the weather forecast is only a prediction and always contains percentages. Be prepared and have a plan for the most likely and least likely forecast! Are you prepared to stay out overnight on a trail? Conditions in the morning can change drastically by the afternoon. Conditions at the trailhead do not always reflect the conditions on the peaks! Variable trail and weather conditions are a hallmark of these mountains. BE CAREFUL AND BE PREPARED!

picture taken during a hike

Sheila: September 24, 2011 - July 12, 2024

Sheila was with us for more than 12 years. She was a great friend and a fantastic hiking companion. She went with me on all but a handful of hikes in many diverse places. Her first hike was at Frick Pond in December 27, 2011. Her last hike was July 1, 2024 on the Parksville Rail Trail. After that hike, her health began to deteriorate rapidly. When she could no longer breathe properly we called on the staff of the Jeffersonville Animal Hospital to put an end to her suffering. We cannot express are gratitude for the caring and companionate treatment we received. The end was quick and quiet. Cindy and I stayed with Shiela until it was over. She never seemed in distress. We are heartbroken but knew that what we did was right for our good friend.

Thursday: August 1st: Parksville Rail Trail
Monday: August 5th: Round Top: Loops
Sunday: August 11th: Round Top: Figure 8's
Tuesday: August 13th: Round Top: Maintenance
Thursday: August 15th: Round Top: Figure 8's
Thursday: August 22nd: Frick Pond: Quick Maintenance
Saturday: August 24th: Round Top Figure 8's
Saturday: August 24th: Mongaup Pond Hiker Rescue
Monday: August 26th: Parksville Rail Trail
Thursday: August 29th: Round Top Figure 8's
Saturday: August 31st: Parksville Rail Trail
Thursday: September 5th: Round Top Figure 8's
Wednesday: September 11th: Sheena's First Hike
Friday: September 13th: Trim XC Path
Saturday: September 14th: Sheena On Round Top
Friday: September 20th: Sheena Returns to Round Top
Saturday: September 21st: Sheena Leads Me to Round Top
Sunday: September 22nd: Family Hike on Round Top
Thursday: October 3rd: Walnut Mt XC Course
Friday: October 4th: Walnut Mt XC Course Review
Monday: October 7th: Round Top Figure 8
Wednesday: October 9th: Walnut Mt XC Course Review
Saturday: October 12th: Round Top Figure 8


- + Hiking Picture Books

- + Sullivan County Hiker

- + Trail Maintenance Equipment

- + Hiking Poles

- + Trailkeeper.org


Webmaster: Ralph Bressler



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