"The" Map Set for the Catskill Mountains in NY - NYNJTC Catskill Trails Maps
Written: Apr 23 '08 (Updated Feb 02 '09)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Tear-resistant/waterproof paper, Great detail, Trail info, "The" Catskill trail map set
Cons: None really
The Bottom Line: These maps have great detail, plenty of information, and basically indestructible - go out and get a set today, you won't be disappointed.
|
|
|
| jps246's Full Review: Nynj Trail Conference Map Catskill Trails |
Hiking in the Catskill Mountains and looking for a good map set?
You can’t get much better than the five map set from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference that covers the 4-county region of the Catskill Mountains. They provide information on the region’s topography, roadways and trail networks and are an indispensable guide to this great region.
Where are the Catskills?
The Catskill Mountains are located in New York State, about 2 hours north of New York City and about 45 minutes or so south of Albany. They include portions of Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties. The mountains generally cover this area with the tallest peaks running in a northeast line from Slide Mountain in Ulster County to the Blackhead Range in Greene County.
The Catskill Mountains are part of the Catskill State Park, which is a mix of both private and public lands. On the public lands there’s a large network of hiking trails and that’s where these maps really come in handy. They show all of the official hiking trails maintained by the State and also show not-so-official trails that exist in certain areas. The maps also make it clear what land is owned by the State and what land is in private hands so you don’t inadvertently trespass when you are exploring off the trail.
What do I get?
You get four large maps and one smaller map. The four large maps each cover a fairly large portion of the Catskills. The Northeastern Catskills are covered on one map, then the Central, the Southern and finally the Western Catskills. The fifth map provides detail around the North and South Lake Day-Use and Campground area as there are a number of trails and things to see and do here that would be lost on the larger scale maps.
On the back of the maps you get a list of all the trails on that map along with short trail descriptions. This kind of information doesn’t really replace a good guidebook, but for those who are familiar with the area and really only want basic trail detail, this is more than enough for hiking in the area.
How are the maps?
What I like about these maps is that they show pretty much every town, road, trail, campground, vista, and parking area in the Catskills. They make it very easy to visually see a hike you’re going to take and make it easy to figure out how to get to the trails.
The maps are very clear and easy to read. They are detailed enough that it’s fairly easy to use them for off-trail adventures. The scale is somewhat large on the four main maps, but not so big that you can’t see topographic details on the contours and get a general feel for the overall route you’ll be taking.
The maps are printed on tear-resistant and waterproof paper making them extremely durable. The ink is also durable so it won’t wear off or smudge if the maps get wet. I’ve had one set for years and besides some wear and tear around the folds, the maps are just as good as when I got them.
For those who use the UTM system, the map features UTM grids along with the latitude and longitude information.
Using the maps
I always carry one of these maps when I’m out hiking in the Catskills, even if I know where I’m going just so I can track my progress. For trips in areas I’m less acquainted with, they are real lifesavers and make it easy for me to get where I want to go.
In addition, I used them when I was an Assistant Forest Ranger several years ago. They were a great help in locating boundary lines and for exploring areas that didn’t have trails on them.
I also like to use the maps for trip planning. They make it easy to plan a total trip. The road and parking area info lets you know how to get to the trail and where to park and then the trail information is detailed enough that you’ll be able to plan almost any hike, even a multi-day hike in the area.
The fact that the maps clearly show what is and what isn’t public lands is very helpful, especially when you are planning a trip where you won’t be on a trail. You can see where you can legally access the public lands and you can plan your trip to make sure you stay on those public lands.
Final Thoughts
Anyone hiking in the Catskills should have one of these map sets. If you don’t, you are hiking and exploring with one hand tied behind your back.
These maps have great detail, plenty of information, and basically indestructible. Go out and get a set today, you won't be disappointed.
Learn about and explore The Catskill Mountains and Catskill Park
Catskill Resources
Woodstock
Hunter, Tannersville and Haines Falls
Phoenicia
Hunter Mountain Wild Forest
Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Woodland Valley Campground
Devil's Tombstone Campground and Day-Use Area
Hunter Mountain Ski Resort
Ski Windham Ski Resort
Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort
Emerson Place
Catskill Trails Map Set
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.