Frequently Asked Questions

Aspiring members of the Club should subscribe to the Canister and are welcome to join the Club hikes listed therein. There is an “Aspirant” subscription on our Dues Page for this purpose.  Keep accurate records of your climbs on the “Tally Sheet."

The schedule of hikes for the quarter are listed in the Canister, and hikers can sign up to request a spot on a hike on our Hike Schedule page. The hike leader will email you to confirm your spot or assess your eligibility for the hike. The hike leader will confirm your spot on the hike and provide you with an updated start time and location.

You become a “Member” when you submit a completed Tally Sheet of your climbs. You must climb all the peaks on the official list, currently 33. In addition, the four winter peaks need to be climbed twice – at least once in winter – for a total of 37 peaks. For Club purposes, winter is December 21st through March 21st, regardless of the solar calendar. Those four, and any other peaks climbed in winter, may be counted for the winter patch. If you are not a current “aspirant,” you must pay the $20 annual dues (or $15 for students and seniors 65+) with your application--or pay $250 for a life membership. Your accomplishment is celebrated at the annual dinner.

Remarks noting good or bad hiking experiences will help in personalizing the congratulatory letter, as will selection of “Favorite,” etc. Whether you hiked solo or with a specific partner, or certain groups (such as our club), is also helpful. You could also note the starting/ending trailheads and “traverse” or “out and back.”

There are many acceptable methods for keeping track of your hikes. This site offers a downloadable spreadsheet, a fillable PDF, and an online form on our Membership Page. You are also welcome to submit a journal or spreadsheet along with the standard tally sheet. You could write “See attached” in the list of peaks.

Yes, you may use any prior climbs. If you can’t pinpoint an exact date, say so, and estimate the month/year. Hopefully, these would be at a minimum.

There is no official winter tally sheet. You may use the regular one and note “WINTER” on it under "Membership Type."

There is no “Winter Only” - you can’t get a winter patch without first qualifying for the regular patch. You must climb the four twice – they can both be in winter.

Tally sheets for four legged companions are accepted and, with the proper fees, a letter and certificate can be prepared. However, they are not listed in the Canister or called out at the dinner.

Select how you would like your name to appear – formal or familiar – in each of the following places: card, letter, listing in Canister, certificate, and website. You may want your formal name on the certificate, but be listed as your friends know you.

The dinner is the annual gathering for the 3500 Club, where membership certificates are rewarded. Look for and submit your reservation form as soon as it is available. We have been reaching capacity in recent years. Traditionally, the dinner was scheduled soon after the end of winter. Recently, it has been held in the summer at an outside venue.

Members in good standing can download a dues form and purchase additional or a decal with their application, or at any time. They are also available at the annual dinner as well as Winter Weekend without shipping. Dues and subscriptions are on an annual basis. Currently, we are transitioning to renewing on an anniversary date. Current members can prorate the renewal to move away from calendar year.

Winter Weekend is the annual winter gathering for members and aspirants of the Club. Hikes are hosted throughout the weekend and a gathering is held on Saturday night.

The Club is managed solely by volunteers. Members can get involved in many meaningful ways—by becoming a hike leader, serving as a Trailhead Steward, contributing a special skill or talent to one of our committees, such as helping to develop educational materials, helping to volunteer at our events, or contributing articles and content for The Catskill Canister. There are many volunteers that work behind the scenes! The Club also maintains the Peekamoose and Table Trail and has adopted a section of Route 214 for litter pickup. Volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to join these efforts. A service patch is available for those who wish to take on a dedicated service challenge and fulfill a set amount of volunteer requirements. Every role helps strengthen our community and supports responsible recreation in the Catskills.