117 .C3R9 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. .4'^.!^f«i£iii i§r9. RUSK'S Illustrated Gi^uide TO THE ^ ^OM '^^^^*M itSkill ^oui^tkin^ ; WITH MAPS AND PLANS. Samuel E. Rusk, Publisher, Catskill, N. Y. Price, with -''rof. A. Gnyot's Map of the Catskills, 75 Cts. Price, complete, without the above Map, 25 Cts. Season of 1879. CATSKILL NIGHT BOATS. The Coolest, most Comfortable, and in every respect THE BEST WAY to reach THE CATSKILL REGION. The Splendid New Steamers ESCORT, Capt. JAMES STEAD, C. VANDERBILT, Capt. CHAS. RU TON. Leave New York from Pier No. 34, foot of Harrison Street, Daily (except Sunday,) at 6 P. M. Leave Catskill Daily (except Saturday) at 6 P. M. Fare to Catskill, One Dollar. Berths Free. Through Tickets from New York At the fallowing rates, with no extra charge for Berths : Leeds $1-25 Paddock's Cor's.$2.25 Prattsville §2. 50 South Cairo 1.50 Oak Hill 2.00 • Manorkill 3.00 Cairo 1.75 Potter's Hollow . . 2.25 Conesville 300 Acra 2.00 East Windham.. 2.50 Gillioa 3-00 Freehold 2.00 Windham 2.50 Palenville 2.00 South Durliam.. 2.00 Union Society... 2.50 Tannersvillo . .. 2.50 East Durham . . . 2.00 Ashland 2.50 Hunter 2.00 Durham 2.00 Red Fall.s 2.50 Lexington 2.00 Meals furnished on board at 50 cents. Churchill's, Haines', and Baldwin & Tubbs' Stages leave the wharf at Cats- kill every morning on arrival of the Boat, for Cairo, Durham, Windham, Prattsville, Ashland, Gilboa, Palenville, Tannersville, Hunter, Lexington and all Poi.its in the Catskills. Omnibusses and Carriages in attendance from all the principal Hotels and Boarding Llouses. Telegraphic communication between Catskill and all parts of the County. Wires direct from the Steamboat Oflice. Particular attention ]iaid to the transportation of Horses and Carriages, for which excellent accommodations have been provided. N. B. From July 1st to Sept. 15th. the Sunday Night Boat will leave Catskill at 7 instead of 6 P. M. Staterooms may be secured in advance, or information obtained, by appli- cation to WM. DONAHUE, Caiskill, N. Y, AN Illustrated Guide TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS; WITH Maps and Plans. SAMUEL E. RUSK. A BOOK OF FACTS. c .^ OF ^ lr^,37|- SAMUEL E. RUSK. PUBLISHER, CATSKILL, N. Y. \^ Mu<^. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by , SAMUEL E. RUSK, A In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. All rights reserved. F. H. WEBB, Printer aiid Stereotyper, Hudson, N. Y. TO THE READER. The number of visitors to the Catskill Mountains has in- creased ten fold during the past fifteen years. A wide-spread desire has thus been created for accurate information concern- ing the different locahties ; how to reach them ; where to go, and what to see. The author having, with Professor Guyot, and alone, made surveys and measurements of the Mountains, and having been acquainted with the place and its inhabitants for many years, has had an opportunity for obtaining much information valuable for a reliable Guide. The work throughout is intended to be of a practical charac- ter. The book is made for every-day use, in reaching the Cats- kills, and in walking and driving among them. The few poetical extracts inserted give perfect descriptions of the scenery to which they are applied ; in fact, some of them were written concerning these particular places. It is well known that guide books are too frequently prepared in the interest of those who pay the most money for advertising, thus often deceiving the purchaser. Such matter is presented in these pages as the author supposes the public desire, entirely independent of any preference or influence of any house or 4 RUSK'S GUIDE. -TO THE READER. locality. Every advertisement contained herein is in the form of an advertisement. The map of the Mountains, found in one edition of the Guide, has just been prepared from accurate surveys made especially for the purpose by Professor A. Guyot, of the College of New Jersey. It is the only map of the Catskill Mountains that has ever been made. The other map, embracing the section where most hotels an;: boarding-houses are centered, has been made from actual sur veys, to show the location of all houses and objects of interest, with the roads and paths leading to them. Most of the illustrations have been drawn from Nature and engraved especially for this Guide, and they are faithful repre- sentations of the subjects. No previous engravmgs have been made of many of these scenes. Words printed in full face type call attention to prom- inent features in various paragraphs. The index will facilitate reference to anything mentioned. The author acknowledges his indebtedness to Professor Guyot for the use of all of the figures showing the altitudes of various places in the Mountains, which are here given to the public before their publication by him ; also for many other favors, tending to make this little work more accurate and complete. This Guide will be frequently revised, so that each edition may be relied on as correct to date. RUSK'S GUIDE. Hotel and Boarding-house Directory. Parties corresponding with any of these houses in reference to board will coiifer a favor by mentioning Ri'SK's Guide. See index, in back of book, lor advciLisements. CAIRO. Post-office Accommod ation Walters' Hotel, Walters Brothers, Cairo. 50 Telegraphic address, Cairo, N Y. CATSKILL. Grant House, Grant & Cornell, Catskill, 300 Gunn's Hotel, Enos Gunn, Catskill. 75 Irving House, H. A. Person, Catskill. 100 Olney House, George R. Olney, Catskil), Box 338. 30 Prospect Park Hotel, Prospect Park Hotel Co. , Catskill. 400 Salisbury House, James Salisbury, Catskill, Box 366, 25 Summit Hill House. P. M. Goetchius, Catskill. 150 Telegraphic address, Catskill , N. Y. CATSKILL MT. HOUSE. Catskill Mountain House, Catskill, N. Y. 400 Telegi i-aphic address, Catskill Mt. House, N. Y. PAINES' FALLS REGION. Clifton House, E. F. Haines, Catskill, Box 71 80 Glen Cottage, Owen Glennon, Catskill 45 Haines' Corner, Miles A. Haines. Tanners ville. 40 Haines' Falls House, C. W. Haines, Catskill. 80 High View House, Mrs. G. W. Reed. Catskill. 25 Maplewood, E. H. Layman, Tannersville. 25 Roe's Cottage, Hiram Roe, Catskill. 20 Shady Grove, John O'Hara, Catskill, 35 The Vista, Catskill. 25 Telegraphic address, Haines' Falls, N. Y, HENSONVILLE. Griffin's Rural Retreat, O. S. Griffin, Hensonville. Telegraphic address, Hensonville, N. Y. HUNTER. Central House, J. Rusk & Son, Hunter. Hunter House, M. C. Van Pelt, Hunter. Telegraphic address, Hunter, N. Y. 25 65 80 RUSK'S GUIDE. KISKATOM. • Post-ofRce. [ lalf-Way House, David Bloom, Catskill. Telegraphic address, Catskill, N. V. Accommodatioi : 50 LAUREL HOUSE REGION. Laurel House, J. L. Schutt, Catskill. Telegraphic address, Laurel House, N. Y. OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE. Overlook Mt. House, James Smith, Woodstock. Telegraphic address, Overlook Mt. House, N. Y. 125 PALENVILLE. Hawver House, P. Hawver, Palenville. 40 Maple Grove House, Philo Peck, Palenville. 100 Palenville Hotel, Peter Burger, Palenville, 40 Pine Grove House, C. DuBois, Palenville. 75 Pleasant View ^louse. George Haines, Palenville. i8 Sunny Slope House, P. H. Sciibner, Palenville. 40 The Winchelsea, Theo. C. Teale, Palenville. 40 0. Adsit, Palenville. 16 T. N. Lawrence, Palenville. 25 Telegraphic address, Palenville, N. Y. TANNERSVILLE. Blythewood, Mrs. Alex. Hemsley, Tannersville. 60 Cascade House, G. N. Eggleston, Tannersville. 45 Elm Cottage, Miss L. A. Craig, Tannersville. 15 Fairmount House, William Wooden, Tannersville. 40 Meadow Brook House, A. Stimpson Haines, Tannersville. 35 Mountain Home, Aaron Roggen, Tannersville. 85 Mountain Summit House , S. S. Mulford, Tannersville. 75 Tannersville Cottage, George Campbell, Tannersville. 20 Frank Eggleston, Tannersville. 15 Telegraphic address, Tannersville, N. Y. WINDHAM. Osbom House, 0. R. Coe, Windham, L. Box B. 40 Windham House, Sherman Munger, Windham. 65 John Soper, Windliam. 30 L. S. Graham, Windham. 15 Telegraphic address, Windham, N. Y. RUSK'S GUIDE.— ALTITUDES. ^ALTITUDES Above mean tide in New York harbor of some of the princi- pal peaks and points of interest in the Catskill Mountains, as measured — By a. Guyot. Hunter Mountain 4,040 Black Dome 4,003 Black Head 3,945 Big Westkill Mountain 3,896 Stony Mountain, east end 3, 841:1 Mink Mountain 3,807 High Peak 3,664 Schoharie Peaks, west and highest peak 3,^5*-' Rusk Mountani 3,624 Indian Head, west and highest peak 3,581 Windham High Peak 3,534 Round Top 3>S°^ -West Peak 3,44^^ North Mountain, • East Peak 3,28£ ^The Outlook 3,108 Ashland Pinnacle 3,420 Plaateikill Mountain, approximate 3j28o Easlkill Mountain, approximate • • • ■ 3, 190 (highest. Barometer Station B. Zt^^b Colonel's Chair, • i north end. Barometer Station A 3»037 Overlook Mountam 3, 150 East Jewett Mountain 3>146 Overlook Mountain House 2,978 Pisgah Mountain 2,905 lo RUSK'S GUIDE.— ALTITUDES. Indian Pass, highest point of trail between Plaaterkill Mountain and Indian Head 2,694 Mink Hollow, highest point of road 2,629 i'arker Hill i ". 2,545 South Mountain 2,497 Chun Hill , 2,372 Catskill Mountain House . 2,225 Catskill Lakes 2,138 Point of Rocks . . 2,128 Sunset Rock, on South Mountain 2, 1 15 Laurel House . . 2,038 Grand View House . Ii97'^' The Vibta .„ 1,932 Tannersville, Mountain Home ... ...... I.926 Plaaterkill Falls, Dibbles 1,855 Stony Clove Notch, approxniia'e .... ,... 1,700 Hunter, J Rusk & Son's .- 1,609 Windham 1,510 Lexington . > . , . 1,320 Sleepy Hollow I 290 Prattsville 1,164 Kiskatom, toll-gate . , . 687 Palenville, Palenville Hotel . . 680 Woodstock 594 *By special arrangement with Professor Guyot this list ot altitudes is first given to the public through this Guide, which is copyrighted Parties are cautioned against publishing any part thereof without permission. Hunter Mountain is the highest point in the Catskills. In the South Cats- kills is one mountain higher — Slide Mountain, reaching an altitude of 4205 feet. IHE (A TSKILLS. For more than half a centu- ),\ ry the Catskill Mountains have been visited by many who have ^^- - sought a few weeks summer SANTA CRUZ FALLS. recrcation. While, until about (865 they might have been counted by hundreds, since that time each season has added to the number, so that now thou- 12 RUSK'S GUIDE.— THE CATSKILLS. sands annually visit this region. The hotel and boarding-house accommodations have kept pace with the increasing influx of people. Many things combine to attract the health and pleasure seek- ers to this section : It is so near New York and easy of access by cars and steamers of the Hudson. The atmosphere is pure and invigorating and the temperature on the mountains is fif- teen degrees lower than at New York. There are always cool breezes. The place is free from chills and fever, malaria, and hay fever ; it affords relief from these things. Owing to the altitude of the mountains, a change of climate is experienced equal to that of going to a much more northerly latitude with- out the increased elevation. In a small compass is a varied combination of magnificent scenery, and panoramic views in- clude a large section of the Hudson valley and extend across it into six states. There is a growing custom of remaining among the mountains later in the autumn than was formerly done ; and this is a com- mendable practice, for October brings mountain beauties and pleasures that mid-summer does not possess. PRICE OF BOARD. The price of board in the Catskills varies from five dollars a week to three dollars and a half a day. The large houses pro- vide comforts and conveniences equal or superior to similar priced houses in many other parts of the country, while a large number of smaller ones give perfectly satisfactory accommoda- tions at from eight to ten dollars a week. The price at some houses is frequently higher than at some other similar ones, on- account of being in a more desirable locality. RUSK'S GUIDE. -ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. THE PRINCIPAL WAY. The most direct route to the greater part of the Calskill Mountains is by the way of Catskill. The village is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, at the junction of the Catskill Creek. It is one hundred and ten miles from New York, and thirty- three miles from Albany. TO CATSKILL FROM NEW YORK. From New York, Catskill may be reached by the New York and Albany Day Line of Steamers, C. Vibbard and Daniel Drew ; by the Hudson River Railroad ; and by the Catskill Night Boats, Escort and C. Vanderbilt. The Day Boats leave New York every morning, except Sundays, throughout the summer, landing at Catskill Point in the middle of the afternoon. The Point is the name of the dock built out a short distance into the Hudson where it is joined by the Catskill Creek. Those who desire to enjoy a delightful sail, and to have an opportunity for viewing the va- ried scenery along the "River of the Mountains," as the Hudson was called by the Spaniards, will make the journey by these palatial steamers. A pocket map, entitled "The Hudson by Daylight Map," with descriptive pages, will' be' useful to the stranger, by showing prominent resiJence-, historic landmarks, and other interesting objects on the banks of the river. The 14 RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. fare from New York to Catskill is one dollar and fifty cents. (See index in back of book for time-table.) The numerous trains on the Hudson River Railroad stop at Catskill Station, making the time from New York from three and a half to four hours. Catskill Station is on the opposite side of the river from The Point, and is connected therewith by ferry. The ferriage is thirteen cents. Parties can usually leave New York by a train as late in the day as be- tween eleven and twelve o'clock, and yet reach Catskill as early as the boats do. The summer fare is two dollars and eighteen cents j being less than in winter. (See index for time table.) The Catskill Night Boats leave New York every even- ing, except Sundays, and reach Catskill early the following morning. They have very comfortable accommodations ; thus assuring a good night's rest on the cool water. Sometimes they land at The Point, and at other times up the Creek, near the business center of the village. Full particulars may be learned by consulting a time-table in this book. (See index.) The fare, including berth, is one dollar. TO CATSKILL FROM ALBANY. Three lines of conveyances may be used to reach Catskill from Albany. The Day Boats previously mentioned, which leave Albany in the morning and arrive at Catskill before noon ; the trains of the Hudson River Railroad, which noake the trip in about an hour; and the steamer City of Hudson, which leaves Albany in mid-afternoon and reaches Catskill in the evening. The fare by the boats is fifty cents, and by the cars seventy-six cents. ' (See^index for time-tables.) RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 15 CONVEYANCE FROM CATSKILL TO THE MOUNT- AINS. Conveyances, in great variety and abundance, are always found in waiting at Catskill on the arrival of the boats and cars. Many of them run from particular hotels and boarding-houses ; others convey parties to any of the houses in certain localities ; while the livery-men of the village will provide vehicles for an\ place that may be desired. The omnibuses are present to carry to the village hotels. People who engage board before going to the Mountains — the greater number do so — usually arrange at the same time for their conveyance to the house. This has been found to be a desirable plan : for, both time and the inconvenience sometimes incident in securing a satisfactory carriage are thereby avoided. In the description of each particular locality mentioned in these pages, under its appropriate head, may be found the spe- cial details concerning conveyance to it. (See index for names of places.) For the Catskill Mountain House, the Laurel House, Palen- ville, Haines' Falls, Tannersville and Hunter the road crosses the Catskill Creek, in the village. Three miles and a half out, over a hilly region of varied beauty, the Cauterskill Creek is crossed in a deep valley. In ascending the hill on the west side, there may be seen, down toward the creek, half a mile to the left, an old, low, stone house. From this house, in 1781, David Abeel and his son Anthony were taken prisoners by a band of Indians and tories, and carried to Canada ; stopping for one or two niglits in the Old Indian Fort, between High Peak and Round 1'op. I6 RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. Half a milft farther on is Glenwood Hotel, and another half rnile reaches the Mountain Retreat House — both located in Kiskatom — and ai an elevation above the Hudson of some three hundred feet. The name K^'-katom is said to be of Indian origin, meaning hickory Uee or nut. These trees abound in this region. Just beyond this point roads diverge : the one to the right leads to the Mountain House and Laurel House, while the left hand one passes up through the Cauterskill Clove. The road out of the upper end of Main Street leads, by way of Jefferson, to Leeds, Cairo and Windham. At Leeds, three miles from the village, the road passes over a picturesque old stone bridge. THE RONDOUT ROUTE. The Overlook Mountain House, Hunter, and some places in the south-western part of the Mountains, are most conveniently accessible from the Hudson by the way of Rondout Rondout is a part of the city of Kingston, situated on the west bank of the Hudson, opposite Rhinebeck. Its distance from New York is eighty-nine miles, and from Albany fifty-three miles. TO RONDOUT FROM NEW YORK. Trains on the Hudson River Railroad; and the New York and Albany Day Boats, stop at Rhinebeck. The boats leave New York in the morning and land at about two o'clo'fck. A ferry connects with Rondout. The fare by the cars is one dollar and seventy-six cents, and by the boats one dollar and twenty-five cents. Thei^ewiageis thirteen cents. RUSK'S GUIDE— ROUTES TO THE CATSKTLLS. i7 By way of the Erie and Wallkill Valley Railroads, Rondont may be reached direct. The fare is one dollar anc righty-eight cents. There is, also, a line of Night Boats which leave New York late every afternoon, except Sundays, and arrive at Ron- dout early the following morning. The fare by these boats is seventy-five cents. TO RONDOUT FROM ALBANY AND FROM THE EAST. The facilities for reaching Rondout from Albany are by the Hudson River Railroad ; and the Day Boats, which land between twelve and one o'clock. The car fare is one dollar and eighteen cents, and the fare by boats is seventy-five cents, to Rhinebeck. The western terminus of the Rhinebeck and Connecticut Railroad being at Rhinebeck, parties from the East can con- veniently make that their line of travel. TO THE MOUNTAINS FROM RONDOUT. Having arrived at Rondout by any of the several converging lines mentioned, passage to the mountains is continued by the Ulster and Delaware Railroad. The places that are mentioned in these pages, for which this route should be chosen to reach, may be found, with descrip- tions of the same, under suitable headings. Here, also, may be learned the proper railroad stations to leave and other par- ticulars. PLAN OF by-S^muzlE/.P^ RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY. CATSKILL VILLAGE AND YICINITY. The name Catskill was derived from the Dutch Katzkill, meaning cats' river or stream • probably so called from the many panthers or wild cats that formerly infested this locality and the mountains bearing the same name. Only a small part of the village is visible from the Hudson or even from the landing at The Point. A narrow ridge of land hes between the river and the Catskill Creek ; and it is on the western slope of this ridge, along the creek, where the greater part of the village is situated. From the river, however, a few comfortable looking residences appear along the top of the ridge. The one large building overlooking the Hudson from the southern end of the ridge, and which is so conspicuous from the landing and from quite a long distance along the river, is the Prospect Park Hotel. The sketch on another page will convey an idea of the Mountains as they appear from Catskill. A distance of ten miles reaches the nearest point of their base, and an elevation of some seven hundred feet above the Hudson. From this base they rise, almost perpendicularly, thousands of feet in their per- petual sublimity. While, midway between the northern and southern Hmits of the lofty peaks forming the front of the range, the Catskill Mountain House stands in full view, the Overlook Mountain House is barred from sight from this point by 22 RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILL AND VICINITY. the dark clothed summit of Overlook Mountain on whose southern slope it is located; but, from a short distance down tlie river, it stands out in as clear relief against the sky as the Catskill Mountain House does from here. There, on his back, lies the Old Man of the Mountains, seemingly unmindful of the many storms that sweep his rocky bed. The tri-topped Indian Head forms his rugged visage, pillowed between Schoharie Peak and the long slope of High Peak ; the Plaaterkill Mountain, his high heaved chest ; while the Overlook Mountain outlines his drawn up knees. The Cauterskill Clove and Plaaterkill Clove are the only deep gorges cut through the eastern side of the mountains. No finer view of the Hudson valley can be had than that from the sum- mit of High Peak. The maps will show the arrangement of the Mountains. Catskill being the grand gate-way to the mountain region, and possessing within its precincts so many attractions delight- ful to the summer pleasure seeker, — it is not surprising that many choose to view the varied mountain scenery from this stand-point. Its locality, directly on the great Hudson River thoroughfare, provides convenient access to New York for those who can leave the city but a day or two at a time. There are special conveyances from the Prospect Park Hotel and the Grant House to the bca';s and cars. From the Irving House and Gunn's Hotel, located on Main Street in the business center of the village, omnibuses meet all boats and trains. Besides the hotels, Catskill village contains some private boarding-houses. There are six churches, two banks, an opera- RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY house, an academy, two weekly newspapers, a pa- per mill, a foundry and a woolen factory. There are numerous stores with vari- ous lines of goods. Cats- kill being the shire-town of the county, the court-house is in this village. The Post-office is cen- trally located at 244 Main Street. There are three or four mails each day be- tween this place and New York. This office receives and forwards nearly all the mail of Greene county. It is also a Money Order Office. The Western Union Telegraph Office is at 275 Main street. Money Transfers are made by telegraph between this and all other large Western Union offices. There is also a summer office at the Grant House, on the Cats- kill, Cairo, and Windham line. An office of the American Express Com- pany is at 266 Main street. Overlook Mt. Hous I <\ . rk.ok Mountain. Plaaterkill Jlountain. East Peak. Indian Hea.l. 3581 WestPe.ik. East Peak. Schoharie Peaks. 3650 West Peak. Catskill Mt. Hors z Tl e Outlook 311 W 5" W ^t Peak. ;;-.'H5 St Peak, .3440 / Windham High Peak. - -■ 3534 ■ 24 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CATSKILL AND VICINITY, Sixty thousand brook and salmon trout were procured and put in the creeks and ponds of the towns of Catskill and Cairo in 1876-7 ; and Greene county now has, in successful opera- tion, an establishment for hatching trout and other fish and re- stocking all the lakes and streams of the county. Many thous- ands of young trout have thus been already suppUed. The establishment is located on a fine trout stream at Palenville. (See index for "Greene County Fish Hatchery.") For boating, no better places need be desired than the Hudson River at this point, and the Catskill Creek. There are plenty of row boats and small sail boats obtainable. JEFFERSON HEIGHTS Is a part of Catskill. It is a mile from the center of Catskill village. On this plateau are located the Grant House and some other smaller boarding houses. WALKS ABOUT CATSKILL AND VICINITY. The fine river view and view of the mountains from the grounds around the Prospect Park Hotel claims this as an»ng the first walks to be made in Catskill. The residence of Church, the artist, appears on a high hill which rises from the eastern bank of the Hudson almost opposite. Admirably located on the hill in the upper part of the village are the residence and studio of the late Thomas Cole, N. A., of "The Course of Empire" fame. His "A I,ake with Dead Trees" and "The Falls of the Cauterskill" were painted after a RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 25 visit to the Catskills. That he was greatly deh'glited to be among the mountains is evinced by the following fragments from his pen : Friends of my heart, lovers of Nature's works, Let me transport you to those wild bhie mountains That rear their summits near the Hudson's wave. and: Oh, for an hour Upon that sacred hill, that I might sleep, And with poetic fervor wake inspired ! Then would I tell how pleasures spring like flowers Within the bosom of the wilderness. Two hours or less will suffice for a walk up to, and around the Grant House and return. Three-fourths of a mile above the Grant House is Hope HoUcw or Austin's Glen, in whose cool recesses a half- hour may be pleasantly spent. This Hollow was the course oi a railroad in their earlier days. A spring of cold water furnishes drink for the thirsty. DISTANCE FROM CATSKILL BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTE TO Acra 13 Ashland 30 Cairo , , 10 Catskill Mountain House 12 Cauterskill Clove 10 Durham 22 East Durham 15 East Windham . < , , 19 26 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CATSKILL AND VICINITY. Freehold 15 Forge 10 Haines' Falls 13 Hensonville 25 Hunter 20 Jewett Heights 28 Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House , 14 Kiskatom 5 Leeds 4 Palenville 10 Prattsville 36 South Cairo 8 South Durham 16 Tannersville 15 Windham 26 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 27] PALENYILLE. The hamlet of PalenviUe is located directly at the en- trance of the Cauterskill Clove and is the most western part of the township of Catskill. It was named from a family by the name of Palen, who built three tanneries here ; first, a small one, and soon after, two large ones — all dating near the begin- ning of the present century. The enterprise was successfully carried on for many years. There is yet a large tannery in operation on the site of the one last built by the Palens, — thi- only one remaining anywhere in this region. Where the other large one was located, there is now a woolen factory which was built several years since. Half a century ago, Greene county produced more leather than all the rest of the State of New York. The base and sides of the mountains above PalenviUe art dotted with many quarries, producing large quantities of pavmg and building stones, which are shipped to various cities through- out the United States. PalenviUe is but nine miles from Catskill and its general ele- vation is seven hundred feet. The first summer boarders here were artists, who found this an admirable region in which to obtain choice studies, — from amid such varied mountain wild- ness as is seldom found more alluring than in the Cauterskill Clove and its surroundings. There are now many first-class summer boarding-houses here, accommodating from a dozen to a hundred people each, and they are well patronized. The place is certainly a pleasant one. 28 RUSK'S GUIDE. -PALENVILLE. The time of day at Palenville is the same as at New York City, for the Hue of longitude three degrees east from Washing- ton or seventy-four degrees west from Greenwich, passes through both places. Stages and private conveyances meet parties upon arrival at Catskill, and the drive out, over good roads, is enjoyable. The stage fare is one dollar, which includes baggage. There are plenty of conveyances to be had for drives to the places of interest in the vicinity ; such as the Catskill Mountain House, through the Cauterskill Clove, Haines' Falls, Kaaters- kill Falls, and Sleepy Hollow. The points here mentioned are so located that a round trip of fifteen miles will reach all of them, but such a trip would not allow sufficient time to properly see them in detail. There are two daily Mails ; the post-office being at the store of Charles H. Teale. A Western Union Telegraph Office, with direct wires to New York, is located in the post-office. In the centre of the hamlet is a Union Church. Measures are being taken to build an Episcopal Chapel in the place. The Greene County Fish Hatchery is located in Palenville. (See description elsewhere.) This is a novel attraction, espe- cialh for visitors wlio are interested, but who have not hitherto had an opportunity to examine the science and art of piscicul- ture in its practical working. Near the upper part of the Cauterskill Clove is a small stream, ernpt) ing into Santa Cruz Creek, on which arc Eridal Veil Falls — well seen from near The Winch elsea after prolonged rainb. RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 29 WALKS ABOUT PALENVILLE AND VICINITY. DISTANCES FROM THE POST-OFFICE. MILES. Artists' Grotto and La Belle Falls, in Cauterskill Clove. . . i Catskill Mountain House, by path via Moses' Rock 3 Drummond Falls ... i Fawn's Leap and Profile Rock, in Cauterskill Clove 2 Fish Hatchery , i Haines' Falls, by road 4 '* " by path via Haines' Ravine, — including Shelving Rock and The Five Cascades 4 Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, via Cauterskill Clove and Kaaterskill Ravine,— including Bastion Falls .... 4 Moses' Rock 2 Mossy Rock 2^ Palenville Overlook 2 Santa Cruz Falls 3 Sunset Rock, via Kaaterskill Ravine and Laurel House. . 5 White Fawn Falls and Black Crook Falls # 4 Many of the points of interest near Palenville are in the Cauterskill Clove and are described under that heading. (See index.) DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF PALENVILLE. DIC-IAM ;ES from the POST-OFFICE BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTfS. MII.ES. Aroiind South Mountain, via Cauterskill Clove, Haines' Falls, Kaaterskill Falls, Mountain House, and Sleepy Hollow, — ^roulfid trip. .'.'. ..*.-;.. . . . . . ... 15 3° RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. Catskill Mountain House, via Haines' Falls ,T. . 8 " " " via Sleepy Hollow 6 Cauterskill Clove, — through it, to Haines' Falls 4 Drummond Falls i Fish Hatchery i Haines' Falls 4 Hunter 1 1 Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, via Haines' Falls ... 6| " " " " " via Sleepy HoUow.. 8^ Overlook Mountain House, via Woodstock i6 " " " by new road via Plaaterkill . . ii Plaaterkill 6 Stony Clove 13 Tannersville 6{, DRUMMOND FALLS. WALK OR DRIVE IN PALENVILLE. Drummond Falls are one mile south from the Union Church, and but a few yards off of the road leading to Sau- gerties. The path starts on the left from an abrupt turn in the road just beyond the Drummond Falls House. The distance to the Falls from the post-office is, also, one mile ; by the road on the right, which is shaded a considerable portion of the way. The Fountain Kill is here formed into a foamy cascade of pleasing detail, as it makes a sudden descent of some forty feet. The walls on either side, and a huge mound of red sandstone, which stands near below, give evidence that the erosive power of the water has gradually formed this attractive nook. A little way on, the stream unites with the Cauterskill. RUSK'S GUlDE-DkUMMOND FALLS. 3t DRUMMOND FALLS. 32 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. BLACK CROOK FALLS. WHITE FAWN FALLS. WALK IN PALENVILLE. Black Crook Falls and White Fa-wn Falls are both on the Fountain Kill, but a few rods apart. The distance to them, either from Mrs. Hinman's, near the Winchelsea, or from the Union Church, is half a mile. The path east of Mrs. Hinman's house is first across the fields, and then in a growth of small oaks and pines, amid which the Falls are found. From the road, north of the Church a fourth of a mile, starts the path which leads up the mountain, via Moses' Rock, to the Mountain House. The White Fawn Falls are a httle to the left of this path, an eighth of a mile along. Neither of these Falls are more than a few feet in height, and yet the brook in its changing moods has a fascination which invites one to spend the morning here. By whichever of the two ways this spot is reached, the return is usually made by the other path. GREENE COUNTY FISH HATCHERY. WALK OR DRIVE IN PALENVILLE. The Greene County Fish Hatchery is about one mile south from the post-office, and located by the road, so that it may be reached by driving. It was established for the purpose of greatly increasing the supply of trout, and other fine, edible fish, in the numerous streams and lakes of the County. These waters are adapted to the habits of a variety of fish. The following figures show the work of the Hatchery in •tocking the waters for two years : RUSK'S GUIDE. -PALENVILLE. 33 1878. 1S79. Brook Trout 288,000 200.000 Salmon Trout 38,000 90,00c California Salmon , 1 5.00c White Fish 25,000 Black Bass It is the intention to continue this undertaking for three years more, supplying about the same or an increased number of young fish as above shown during each year. The work is superintended by A. W. Marks, of the New York State Fishery. Salmon trout will seldom bite a bait, and are usually caught by troUing, or in nets. California salmon are taken with a fly. and black bass are the best fish for fly fishing that we have. All of the kinds mentioned, except the brook trout, are to be found in the lakes and large creeks instead of the small streams. An angler might be tempted to use his hook at the Hatch- ery, where 2,500 full-grown brook trout may be seen together. The crystal water of the winding Spring Creek, which flows by, and through the Hatchery, has the peculiar character- istics which the trout naturally seek. I come from haunts of coot and hem, I make a sudden sally, And sparkle out among the fern, To bicker down a valley. ■» * « « « • I chatter over stony ways, In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles. » « • « • I wind about, and in and out, With here a blossom sailing, And liere and there a lusty trout, And here and there a j|;La^-ling. —Tetittj/son, 34 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. WALK FROM PALENVILLE. Palenville Overlook is the high point of South Mount- ain on the right of the entrance to Cauterskill Clove, and over- looks Palenville. A small house marks the spot. The distance from the post-office is two miles, and the roads and paths which wind up the rugged steep to it are shown on the majx Its elevation above Palenville is some fifteen hundred feet and the side of the mountain is so nearly perpendicular ihat the chief view of the houses below is of their roofs. The view of the Hudson valley is similar to the one from the Mountain House, but less extended. There is a path from here over South Mountain to the Mountain House — a walk of a mile and one fourlh ; and also another path along the side of the mountain which intersects the road below the Mountain House. RUSK'S GUIDE. CAUIERSKILL CLOVE. 35 CAUTEKSKILL CLOVE. No visitor to the Catskills should depart without having seen 'he many attractions of the justly celebrated Cauterskill Clove. It is a fact to be especially noticed that the greater number of the water-falls in the whole range of the Catskill Mountains are centered around this Clove. The roads from Catskill and Saugerties converge at the entrance, which is at the upper end of Palenville. It is three miles, or a little more, from here to the top of the mountain, and ten miles to Hunter — this road constituting the Hunter Turnpike. By the bridge, at the entrance of the Clove, is the quaint studio of the artist Hall. Opposite is the Palenville Hotel; at whose watering tub horses are watered when driving through tlie Clove. On the south side rises the long and steep slope of High Peak ; while to the north an almost perpendicular wall reaches the height of seventeen hundred feet above the road, at which point is the Palenville Overlook. Just above the toll-gate, an eighth of a mile along, is a path leading down the steep bank to the creek, where are located the Artists' Grotto and La Belle Falls. It will take but a few minutes to reach these interesting places. A few rods on from the toll-gate a land-slide extends from the road down to the creek, and on the opposite bank is a high, perpendicular wall of red sandstone. The passage between 36 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CAUTERSKILL CLOVE. them is the Red Chasm. The projecting point of the top of the mountain above it is the Point of Rocks. Just west of this Point is a wild gorge, extending down the side of South Mountain, and partially dividing it, which is known as The Gulf. An old road or path, starting from the bridge at the entrance of the Clove, leads along up the side of the mountain and has several diverging branches which reach The Gulf at different elevations. Soon the road passes the cozy summer cottage of E. T Ma- son. A short distance more reaches the top of a hill at a turn in the road, to the right of which the creek flows through a de- file in the rocky barrier called Deep Chasm. The objects of special interest to be next seen are at More Bridge, — a trille more than a mile on the way, — which spans the Cauterskill. Church's Ledge rises close by the road and bridge, and part of its irregular side, seen from a point across the Bridge and a few feet to the right of the road, re- solves itself into the features of Profile Rock. More Falls are just below the bridge, and above, the water has worn queerish channels and circular cavities into the red sand- stone bed of the creek. At the west end of Church's Ledge is a gorge known as Hillyer's Ravine. Half way up the steep, visible side of the mountain it expands into a wide basin. Above are pre- cipitous chffs, down which dash the waters of a small stream, forming Viola Falls. (See description elsewhere of Viola Falls, Wild Cat Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Santa Cruz Falls, which are here only mentioned.) Froni More Bridge the road follows for a ways close on the RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. VIEW OF MORE BRIDGE. 38 RUSK'S GUIDE. -CAUTERSKTLL CLOVE. north bank of the Cauterskill, whose waters a few rods along come pitching down between the cleft rocks into a dark shaded pool below. This chasm is called Fawn's Leap ; tradition saying that a young deer, being pursued by a h^ioter an^ his dog, leaped across the gulf and escaped, while the dog fell into the water beneath and was drowned. The spot is so close to the road that but a few minutes will be consumed in stopping to view it. A small stream enters the Cauterskill above Fawn's Leap, up which are located Wild Cat Falls of a hundred feet in height. The curved side of South Mountain up to the right, with its many ledges rising one above another forms The Amphi- theater, best seen in the autumn when the foliage is less dense. At its western extremity the projecting part of the mountain forms Sunset Rock. At the base, the road passes along a flat where was once quite a hamlet ; but now only the Old Tannery Ruins and a few piles of stone on either side mark the sites of the numerous buildings that existed when the mountains furnished plenty of hemlock bark for tanning purposes. Behind the Tan- nery Ruins is Buttermilk Ravine with a pleasing Cascade visi- ble from the road, while the upper part of the Ravine contains the Buttermilk Falls proper. In crossing the flat, Santa Cruz Ravine may be seen on the left, descending the side of the mountain in an easterly direction. The road takes a short turn at the end of the flat and grad- ually ascends to Lake Creek Bridge. From here, up, is the really steep part ol the mountain road, a mile long, and people usually walk this portion to lighten the horses' burden RUSK'S GUIDE. -CAUTERSKILL CLOVE, 39 A path leads up Lake Creek through the Kaaterskill Ravine to the Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, one mile distant, passing Bastion Falls on the way. To the left of the Bridge and opposite this path is another path ieading down to the Cau- terskill and thence up through the ravine to Haines" Falls, a mile and an eighth distant, passing by Naiads' Bath, Shelvmg Rock, and The Five Cascades. Dripping Rock is a moss- covered ledge by the side of the road half way up the mountain from Lake Creek Bridge over which flows a small stream of excellent potable water. During the remainder of the ascent the increasing exhilerating effect of the pure mountain atmos[>here is especially noticeable. A portion of Haines' Falls may be seen from a ways below Dripping Rock. Near the top of the mountain is a road to the right, called Feather-bed Iiane, connecting with the Mountain House road. It is steep and rough and not adapted to driving. A few yards more reaches the top of The Great Land-slide, which extends from the road fiown to the bed of the creek — a descent of nearly five hundred feet. The view from here do vn through the CauterskiU Clove and beyond to the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts is much adn.ired and is specially delight- ful near the sunset hour. Having here reached the upper end of the CauterskiU Clove, it is but a short distance to the Haines' Falls House. \lMUHi:UIJII.I I'.vnKivit ■■- ..tv/.v/. f^S^I' MrtVNTVlN "\^ A I X K Jf I. A t R E 1 II K\v S/i: ^J> sJll*Ojl''^K "^ jajje"*" >TCR3NltL FALLS ^-^ til-*- M-**"" * SOI'THMT r, MAP OF THE ^^^^^'^^''''^ I H I VIEW OF IME MOUNTAINS fROM CATSKILL — THE WHOLE FRONT OR EASTERN SIDE OF the RANGE ^ts:-; IGAISKILLMOUNWINS. .| | {, ;, h * "°*'"' s cuc Of "i'-'^i ■ ,-• A,"^ >. '•*> '//v :;.;it() '' < I oVi: RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 43 HAINES' FALLS KEGION. The name Haines' Falls has been used in three senses. First it was appHed particularly to the Falls ; afterward, also, to the house of Charles W. Haines, at the Falls ; and, more re- cently, any of the numerous houses within a radius of about a mile are mentioned as being at Haines' Falls. In order to clearly designate which is meant, it has been thought best to use the name Haines' Falls for the Falls only ; Haines' Falls House for the house there ; and Hames' Falls Region for the locality in general. The place is thirteen miles from Catskill, situated at the head of the long-time famous Cauterskill Clove, and, consequently, at the front of the mountain range. The view through the Cauterskill Clove extends beyond the Hudson, into Massachu- setts and Connecticut. The elevation above the Hudson of points where the houses are placed, varies from one thousand and nine hundred to two thousand and three hundred feet. On the south side the land rises quite abruptly to the summits of High Peak and Round Top, while to the north a more grad- ual ascent leads to the top of the North Mountain ridge. It is a region of much singular wildness and scenic beauty ; and many years ago, before other people had made it their summer home, noted artists sought it out as a rich field of subjects for tiieir canvas. The view of the Hudson valley, as seen from aear th« Shady Grovt House, is excellent. 44 RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. With the exception of a few hotels that have been in existence for many years, this region was the first to pro- vide summer boarding-houses among the Catskills. There are now many houses, with accommodations for from twenty to a hundred people each. While, during the past fifteen years, the accommodations have been increased forty-fold, there is, almost every year, added provision for the increasing influx of peojile. In this region is the Cauterskill and Schoharie water-shed, which sends the water east to the Hudson at Catskill, or, in the opposite direction ; flowing by the circuitous route of the Schoharie and Mohawk Rivers to the Hudson above Troy, and following in its course some two hundred and fifty miles to Catskill, where it is then but a dozen miles from its source. From most houses in the Haines' Falls Region convey- ances run daily to Catskill to meet the Day Boats each way, and the trains as late as half past three o'clock. For a later hour special arrangements can be made. The regular fare, including baggage, from Catskill is two dollars. Conveyances may be had for local excursions. The Mails between here and New York are sent and received daily or oftener — Catskill being the post-office. The Western Union Telegraph OflB.ce, with direct wires, is at the Haines' Falls House. There is a Methodist Episcopal Church, in which services of other denominations as well as its own are held. HAINES FALLS. 46 RUSK'S GUIDE— HAINES' FALLS REGION. WALKS ABOUT THE HAINES' FALLS REGION AND VICINITY. DISTANCES FROM THE HAINES' FALLS HOUSE. MILES. Catskill Mountain House, by path via Laurel House 3 " " by road 4 Clum Hill 2^ Fawn's Leap and Profile Rock, in Cauterskill Clove 2 Haines' Falls 1-16 Haines' Falls Ravine, — through it to Lake Creek Bridge. . i^ High Peak 4 Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by path via Prospect Rock i^ Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, including Bastion Falls, via the turnpike to Lake Creek Bridge ; thence up the Kaaterskill Ravine 2 Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by road 2^ Old Indian Fort, between High Peak and Round Top 4^ Overlook Mountain House, by path around the summit of High Peak to Plaaterkill ; thence by new road. 11 Parker Hill 3 Plaaterkill, by path around the summit of High Peak. ... 6 Prospect Rock i Rifted Rocks } Santa Cruz Falls i Tannersville 2^ The Five Cascades, ^ Shelving Rock, ! -^ ^^.^^^, ^^^. , Naiad s Bath, | * Triton Cave, J The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark ". | RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. 47 To Buttermilk Falls, if; thence to Wild Cat Falls, ^ ; thence to Viola Falls, ^ 2f There are descriptions of nearly all of the above walks in these pages. (See index.) Where the routes are by direct roads, no descriptions are given. The map will show the location of these places and the way to them. DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. DISTANCES FROM THE HAINES' FALLS HOUSE, BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTES. MILES. Around South Mountain, via Mountain House, Sleepy Hollow, Palenville, and Cauterskill Clove, — round trip. 14 Catskill Mountain House 4 CautersJ