With more than 600 miles of trails within just a few hours of New York City, the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley are a hiker's paradise, boasting varied and scenic terrain from Westchester County to Albany. This new guide from the experts at the Appalachian Mountain Club leads beginner and experienced hikers alike along sixty of the region's most spectacular trails, from short family nature walks to day-long hikes that reward with magnificent views. Each trip description includes a detailed map and a summary of the trip time, distance, and difficulty, plus an icon indicating whether the trail is also good for snowshoeing or cross-country. The guide includes appendices packed with snowshoe treks, rock climbing in the Gunks, and other opportunities for outdoor adventure in the region, making this guide an essential four-season reference for locals and visitors alike. Special features include: >Fifty day hikes for all ability levels, ranging from two to eight miles long >Detailed and accurate trail descriptions >Locator map and "At-A-Glance" highlights chart for easy trip comparison and planning >Hiking and safety tips >Detailed maps showing parking areas, trails, and natural highlights >Nature Notes about prominent species, and unique natural features of each hike >Photographs of plant and animal life reflecting each trip's hidden wonders Peter Kick , a native of the Catskill Mountains, is a New York State licensed wilderness guide and trip leader. The author of several hiking and mountain-biking guides, including AMC's Catskill Mountain Guide , his writing also has appeared in Backpacker , Outdoor Traveler , and Adirondack Life . He lives in New Paltz, NY. AMC BDH CATSKILLS 2ND