At 3460’ in elevation and
lying west of the Catskills’ high peaks (summits above 3500’), Dry Brook Ridge
is a less frequented and rewarding mountain to visit. There are several
approaches to this long ridge, including the Dry Brook Ridge Trail which runs 9.6
miles from the village of Margaretville to the Millbrook Road Parking Area (and
another 4 miles to Quaker Clearing in the Beaverkill Valley). Along the way,
there are intersections with the German Hollow Trail (a 1.65-mile trail climbing
from the east); the Huckleberry Loop Trail, which reaches Hill Road to the west
in 2.3 miles; and again the Huckleberry Loop Trail Valley which connects with Ploutz
Road in 1.5 miles. All of these trails are shown on the Central Catskills Trails
Map (# 142) which is published by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. It
is recommended that hikers obtain this map, which shows the many
‘point-to-point’ and advanced hiking possibilities found in this area.
Near the center of the ridge
and near its highest point are a series of ledges that offer westerly views. A
good way to reach these ledges (also known as Penguin Rocks) is from the Ploutz
Road Parking Area. Ploutz Road is reached by taking the Millbrook Road 6.7
miles from the Pepacton Reservoir. After turning left, proceed just over a
mile, passing the farmhouse, until the parking area on the right. At first, the
trail ascends through a mature spruce forest, then it passes through some rocky
sections before coming to the DBR Trail after a climb of about 1000’. Turning
left, the trail moves through an open swampy area and semi-stunted ridgetop
forests until the first overlook is reached in about a mile. This is a good
place for a break while you take in the view and decide if you would like to
continue about three-quarters of a mile to the next major overlook. Each of
these overlooks is denoted by a star symbol on the trail map. If you turn
around at this second viewpoint the hike is about six miles roundtrip.
There have been two lean-tos
adjacent to this 9.6 miles section of the DBR until a few years ago when the
German Hollow Lean-to was crushed by trees during a storm. It is still slated
for reconstruction, although it may be relocated. The second lean-to is located
1.35 miles from Mill Brook Road, which makes for a convenient “out-and-back”
overnight trip or a welcomed shelter if you’re on a longer journey. (Note his
lean-to is located near private land and access to the spring shown on the map
is limited.)
The large tracts of wild
forest along the ridge make for excellent wildlife habitat, and the ridge is
known for its bear and bobcat. In the spring, the ‘Pinkster’ bush, a type of
wild azalea, blooms in abundance along the higher, central part of the trail.
Although many hikers opt for the 9.6-mile through hike, each of the trailheads
offer secluded climbs to the ridge. To reach the trail from Margaretville, turn
onto Southside Road from Route 28 (across from Fair Street), go to the top of
the hill and turn left; the trailhead will be on your right in a short
distance.
