Hike on Guides Spotlight - Journeys: Chasing Light in the Catskills
Journey to Pine Hill: Stories, Light, and Trails at the Heart of the Catskills
Landscape photographer Jane Haslam is celebrating her first solo exhibition, “Journeys: Chasing Light in the Catskills,” hosted at the Pine Hill Community Center through October 11. Located just off Route 28 near Belleayre Ski Center. The exhibit brings the wild, textured beauty of the Catskills into sharp focus—and into your heart. Whether you’re in the neighborhood or planning a dipping day trip, it’s absolutely worth a stop.
Hiker Trash Husbands tip: If you're hiking the Catskills this fall, plan a side trip to Pine Hill and see these photos in person. The community center is supportive, welcoming, and radiates trail-inspired warmth.
Chasing Light & Quiet Growth
Jane’s journey into Catskills photography began with an inspired push into less traveled terrain—wild places just waiting to share their stories. That’s where our Moe of Hike On Guides came in. He introduced her not just to the forest paths and fire towers, but to the layers of history, geology, and quiet understanding that shape these landscapes. Meanwhile, Jane introduced Moe to the subtle art of capturing light—a perfect exchange of exploration and creativity.
Jane Haslam Photography
One of Jane’s earliest and most cherished images from the series came from Dibbles Quarry at sunrise. The light over Kaaterskill High Peak transformed everything, and a perfect moment was born—not just in that photograph, but in the emotion it carried.
More Than Photos—It's About Learning the Mountains
These journeys weren’t just about amazing backdrops—they were learning curves. Jane’s early hikes included a scrapped sunset at Pecoy Notch and a hasty return to the quarry. Every misstep, every elusive light, helped sharpen her expectations—and her photographic eye.
What’s Next: Stories in Every Frame
Through storyboards and moments frozen in time, this exhibition threads together months of seasonal color, whispered winds, and shared growth. Jane is already promising more stories to come—tales both visual and narrative that trace the paths she and Moe walked together.
Seeing the Show
The Pine Hill Community Center is a little gem tucked right into the heart of the Catskills—a place where art, music, and mountain life come together under one roof. Just off Route 28, the center serves as a hub for locals and visitors alike, hosting everything from concerts to yoga classes to gallery shows like Jane Haslam’s “Journeys: Chasing Light in the Catskills.” The exhibit will be on view through October 11, and stopping in couldn’t be easier—whether you’re road-tripping the Catskill Scenic Byway or spending a weekend hiking Belleayre or Balsam Mountain. Hours vary, so it’s a good idea to check the Pine Hill Community Center’s website or give them a quick call before you go, then carve out some time to enjoy Jane’s photographs after your hike, when the beauty of the mountains is still fresh in your mind.
More about Jane and the Exhibit
Be sure to visit Jane’s blog and photography page to learn more about her, her work, and her show.
More about Hike on Guides
If you’re ready to discover the Catskills in a deeper way, Hike On Guides is here to lead the way. Founded and led by the two of us, Hike On Guides is a full-service guiding company that helps hikers of all levels explore these mountains safely and confidently—whether you’re after a quiet day hike, a multi-day backpacking trip, or a chance to push yourself on more rugged terrain. For Moe, guiding is more than a business—it’s a calling. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and countless other long-distance routes, he wanted to share that same sense of freedom, resilience, and joy with others. Every trip with Hike On Guides is about more than just miles—it’s about building confidence, finding connection with the landscape, and carrying home a story you’ll keep forever.
