The Mountain Eagle - CATSKILL 3500 CLUB

About the Club

The Catskill 3500 Club is an all-volunteer organization committed to protecting and preserving the Catskills. Our members actively maintain the Peekamoose-Table trail, lead free hikes throughout the season, manage an active Trailhead Steward Program at two popular trailheads to promote Leave No Trace and responsible outdoor recreation. We also host annual events and offer educational courses on outdoor skills to empower the community to safely enjoy the wilderness.

The Catskill 3500 Club, founded in 1962, continues to uphold the following principles for its members:

Foster interest in hiking, provide on-going education on outdoor skills, and engage in public service, stewardship, and responsible conservation of our region's natural resources.

We value and celebrate those who have ascended, on foot, the 33 highest peaks on public lands in the Catskill Mountains, as well as those who have additionally hiked these mountains in winter.

Trailhead Stewardship

In summer 2021, the Catskill 3500 Club partnered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) through their Adopt-a-Trailhead program. This initiative engages with visitors at popular trailheads to:

Promote Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, share trail regulations and safety tips, and encourage sustainable recreation in the Catskills.

We’re looking for members and aspirants to join the Trailhead Steward Program! Trailhead Stewards welcome hikers, answer questions, and help protect our mountains by sharing knowledge and experience.

Program Details

Training Required: Online/hybrid sessions plus in-the-field orientation

Limit: 2 stewards per day (or families up to 5)

Locations: Slide Mountain (CR-47) & Woodland Valley trailheads

Dates: From Memorial Day weekend to Indigenous Peoples’/Columbus Day weekend

Schedule: Weekends & holidays

Commitment: At least 2 volunteer days per season (consecutive or separate)

Camping: The Club reserves a Woodland Valley car-camping spot for volunteers on select weekends

Watch this video to learn more. Reach out to trailstewards@catskill3500club.org to volunteer.

Preventative Search & Rescue Committee

The Catskills Preventive Search and Rescue Committee focuses on education, preparation, and mobile on-trail prevention to reduce hiking incidents. The committee operates within the Catskill 3500 Club. PSAR offers educational classes and seminars related to hiking preparation, leave no trace and decision-making and supports trail safety and preventive efforts in coordination with the club.

The Catskills Preventive Search and Rescue Committee works with volunteers in a range of roles, including:

Administrative support and coordination

Education volunteers and instructors for classes and seminars

Event coordination and logistics support

Data, tracking, and reporting support, including assistance with activity summaries and external reporting

Volunteer roles vary by availability, interest, and skill set. Contact PSAR@catskill3500club.org for more information or to let us know you're interested.