Why the NY/NJ Trail Conference maps?

[NJTom]

I have read online, including in this forum, that the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference map set for the Catskills is the gold standard. Why? In comparing them to the Nat Geo map, I don’t really see anything on the topo side of things that make them markedly better (in my view at least; maybe I am not looking for the right things, the concession of which prompted this post).
Is it the trail descriptions on the back side of the map?

[YanaLG]

My personal favorite feature is that it will show you viewpoints. Many people do not realize how many viewpoints are out there in the Catskills and unless you have the map, you would not know. The TC often show herd paths, which Nat Geo does not. TC also shows seasonal roads and water sources and I am pretty sure that Nat Geo does not. The smaller maps are also easier to carry in the field and show topo better than Nat Geo (especially for the super steep terrain). There is also an Avenza version of NY-NJ TC maps. When I started out hiking in the Catskills, Nat Geo was very helpful to navigate the roads as the signal was scarce to use phone GPS. They are also useful if you decide to red line the park as the trail names and the numbering system follows the Nat Geo maps (as does the guidebook). I am sure there are other pros and cons, but this is all I can think of right now.

Also... TC maps are updated fairly regularly, and they remove viewpoints which no longer show anything, they will move the location of relocated lean-tos, and add new trails. Nat Geo does not keep up as well. And, TC cartographer relies on regular hikers to verify map updates and check on the above. If you look at the back of the map, it will list people involved. Disclosure - I am listed as well, but I was a huge champion and a fan of TC maps well before I was reviewing any map updates.

[Blowdown Gang]

Agreed 100%! Over the years I've used Nat Geo, Venture Out, and at least one other map-set for the Catskills. But after nearly 2 grids and thousands of miles, the only one I trust and use is NYNJTC maps, both paper and on Avenza.

[YanaLG]

thanks Rob! and I also just remembered that TC maps will show "primitive" (for the lack of better word, the official designation escapes me at the moment) parking spots. they show up as grayed out P vs bold P. the latter is an official DEC parking but the former still allows you to park.

[Peakbagr]

Agree with Rob. Trail Conference are the best. I've used the NG, USGS topo, AMC map to Catskills. Trail Conference map updated every two years, good clarity without the colored clutter. The NG maps utilize old data and not updated regularly. Until the Venture Out maps sold their data and were discontinued, they were the Rolls Royce of Catskill maps. My only negatives about the Trail Conference maps is the use of 50ft contours vs 20ft on USGS maps and they don't list all of the Catskill 100 summits. Neither of these will bother most Catskill hikers. Due diligence, I've contributed info to the last 3 Trail Conference map sets.

[debmonster]

TC maps also show designated primitive tent sites, bus and train stops. Nat Geo do not.

[Nivek]

Maps are green. Green is my favorite color.