Sugarloaf Mountain Botanizing

Brandon Cohen is an amateur botanist based out of the Catskills in New York

Sunday, June 1st | 10 am – 4 pm

Sugarloaf mountain is one of the Catskills most prominent peaks, and is one of six high peaks on the infamous Devil’s Path. On our way to its peak, we’ll explore a seeping calcareous cliff, a rare habitat here in the Catskills which hosts a unique plant community including a state rare northern species, disjunct here from its broader circumpolar distribution at higher latitudes. After exploring this cliffside, we’ll head to the top of Sugarloaf where we’ll hike through an incredible example of first growth Spruce-Fir forest while discussing the flora and natural history of this sub-alpine plant community so characteristic of the Catskills. From there we’ll have the option to return, or descend the east side of Sugarloaf to explore a rich Sugar Maple dominated slope community.

Please wear footwear that accomodates sharp rocks and steep climbing as this will be a challenging hike, and remember to pack lunch and plenty of water.

If you have any questions about the trip before registering,  please email sugarloaf@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

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