Catskill 100 Public Peaks: Where Are the Maps
The CHH list includes all of the Catskill 35's plus other peaks most of which are over 3000 feet. All of the Catskill 35 peaks are now on public land since Graham and Doubletop have been closed by the Gould family. Most of the Catskill 35's also have trails to the summit. Some have defined paths (Kaaterskill). Other peaks require bushwhacking. Many of the other peaks CHH peaks are on private land and many do not have trails or paths. To hike any of the peaks on private property hikers must obtain permission from the owner! Without getting permission from the owner of the property, you are trespassing on private land. Trespassing could put you in legal trouble and will make it harder for other hikers to get permission from the owner.
Many of the hikers who are working on the CHH list post on several different forums and Facebook pages. There at least three schools of thought about publishing maps for the bushwhack peaks.
- Some feel that sharing this information on the website is a good idea. It makes it easier for more people to enjoy these "hidden" gems and to appreciate the wilder aspects of our mountains. In return, people may be more willing to support the state and organizations that buy private parcels of land to preserve them in their natural state. This group feels that people may or may not use the information provided as they see fit
- Another group feels that publishing too much information may encourage too many people to hike these peaks without proper preparation. Hikers who do not ask permission and respect property rights make it more difficult for others who do to get permission to hike. These people feel that too many hikers may spoil the natural beauty and wildness of the more inaccessible peaks. Many hikers in this group freely share their knowledge with others who contact them.
- Another group feels that the excitement of hiking these peaks lies in the planning and preparation for the hike. Many of these peaks do not have a view and do not have much to recommend them except for their wild beauty. Someone who wants to hike these peaks must consult their map for the best access point. There may be public access or they may have to get permission from the owner. Most owners have been very accommodating and some have been interested enough to ask questions. Once at the beginning of the hike, the maps must be used again along with a compass to take a bearing. Some hikers use a GPS unit to navigate and record their progress.