OF 37 CLIMBS COMPLETED (INCLUDING WINTER REQUIREMENTS)
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From the Catskill 3500 Club: Often accessed from the Woodland Valley Campground or a trailhead on Route 47 and traversed by the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail, this popular peak offers an open rocky summit ledge and fantastic views of the Ashokan Reservoir and beyond. The Phoenicia-East Branch Trail from the trailhead off of Lane Street in Phoenicia is a longer alternate route to ascend Wittenberg. From the Catskill 3500 Club: Accessed from the challenging Devil’s Path trail, Sugarloaf Mountain is a classically beautiful Catskills peak, with its balsam fir-dominated summit. Enjoy limited views from a ledge that is accessed by a yellow-marked spur trail just west of the true summit. Be sure to carry crampons during winter conditions—Sugarloaf is well known for its thick and dangerous ice—often along the steeper stretches of trail. From the Catskill 3500 Club: The easternmost peak on the Devil’s Path trail, Indian Head was named for its profile as you view from points south. A challenging hike with rock scrambles from both directions, Indian Head offers multiple view points and gorgeous balsam fir dominated summit. Trailhead: Prediger Road, Elka Park, New York Route: Devil’s Path to Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail to Devil’s Path Type: Lollipop Distance: 7.0 miles Elevation gain: 1,656 feet Difficulty: 7/10 Trail scenery: 10/10 Summit experience: 5/10 Summit views: 0/10 Overall: 7.0/10 (Rank: #4 - tied) From the Catskill 3500 Club: One of two high peaks that feature fire towers, Balsam Lake Mountain is accessed from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, a short side trail off the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Trailed approaches from the north, south and west offer plenty of variation for visiting this peak. While no views are possible from the summit without ascending the tower, the dense balsam fir forest is beautiful and serene. Another fire tower hike - this time I managed to battle my fear of heights and climb about halfway up. The photo above was taken by Topo from the top of the tower. Also got in a short meditation at the summit. Ice covered the trail in spots during the descent, so out came the spikes. Temps were in the low 40s with mostly clear skies and some winds. Trailhead: Beaverkill Road (end), Livingston Manor, New York Route: Dry Brook Ridge Trail to Balsam Lake Mountain Trail Type: Lollipop Distance: 4.3 miles Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet Difficulty: 8/10 Trail scenery: 7/10 Summit experience: 9/10 Summit views: 7/10 Overall: 7.5/10 (Rank: #3) |
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July 2023
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