Central Catskills

Once out of the southern parts of the Catskills, the Long Path enters the more well traveled and civilized regions. The trail joins the Devil's Path, one of the most strenuous hiking trails in New York, and passes near the former sites of two large hotels. Both hotels played a huge role in the development and then subsequent protection of the Catskills as an area "forever wild" to be spared from logging and other encroachments of civilization on nature. North Lake State Campground now occupies the land owned by both hotels in order to preserve the landmarks and vistas seen by the rich and famous when the Catskills were "the" place to go to for travel and vacation. The trail also passes a bounty of waterfalls, some directly on the trail and some nearby. Kaaterskill Falls, a short distance from North Lake State Campground, has two major drops, each a major waterfall in its own right, that add up to the tallest falls in New York State.

 

porcupine

Porcupine. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

21. Silver Hollow Notch to Platte Clove Road

Section 21: Silver Hollow Notch to Platte Clove Road

Quick Facts

Distance: 13.0 miles
Parks: Indian Head Wilderness, Platte Clove Preserve
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (map 141)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

This section of the Long Path contains some of the most spectacular and rugged scenery in the Catskills. From Silver Hollow Notch the trail ascends a shoulder of Plateau Mt. Passing several viewpoints before reaching the Devil's Path on the ridge of Plateau Mt. From here it follows the Devil's Path east over Plateau's summit, Sugarloaf, Twin and Indian Head Mountains. This trail ascends and descends in dramatic fashion, clambering over and through large rock ledges. Each mountain offers excellent views. The Devil's Path is the most dramatic trail in the Catskills, going up and over six major peaks. The Long Path traverses the four eastern peaks. As its name implies, there are tremendous drop-offs between the peaks. The hike of the entire Devil's Path (west to east) involves a gain of over 8,000 feet in total elevation, an elevation gain comparable to that of the Great Range in the Adirondacks!

Access

The southern end, Silver Hollow Notch, is not accessible by car. It can be reached on foot from NY Route 214 by walking up the abandoned Silver Hollow Notch Road (now called Notch Inn Road) from Edgewood. To reach Notch Inn Road, take Exit 19 of the New York State Thruway. Follow NY Route 28 west to Phoenicia and then north on NY Route 214 to Edgewood.

Parking

0.00  Parking area is 1.2 miles from the trail, on the west side of Route 214, 0.3 miles north of Notch Inn Road. (42.14324°, -74.21215°). Walk to Notch Inn Road, then 0.9 miles up mostly abandoned and severely eroded old road to Silver Hollow Notch.
13.00  Steenberg Road. (42.13387°, -74.08194°)

Camping

5.13  Mink Hollow Lean-to
11.83  Devil's Kitchen Lean-to

Trail Description

0.00  Silver Hollow Notch (2,340') - The trail crosses the old woods road (Silver Hollow Notch Road) following blue markers across a flat stretch joining a faint woods road and ascending.

0.45  Turn hard left at switchback. Yellow trail leads 75 yards right to a view over the Warners Creek Valley and the slopes of Edgewood Mt.

0.64  After scrambling over some boulders and up a ledge, view from top of ledge south to Belleayre Mt. and beyond.

0.91  Trail turns hard left where yellow side trail branches right to a grassy view towards Olderbark Mt. across Warners Creek Valley. Grade eases shortly beyond this side trail before beginning a pleasant walk thru the thick spruce fir high elevation forest across Daley Ridge.

1.71  Pass the bearly noticeable summit (3,440') of Daley Ridge and begin descent.

2.22  Low point, begin ascent of Plateau Mt.  

rocks

Rocks on Plateau Mountain. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

2.42  First of two extensive views from top of headwall overlooking Warners Creek Valley and Olderbark Mt.

2.65  Yellow trail to right leads 100 yards to spring.

2.69  After a short scramble a yellow marked side trail leads 10 yards to a sweeping view south over Daley Ridge and Stony Clove Valley.

2.74  Pass thru an open fern field.

2.93  Junction with red marked Devil's Path. Turn right. Unmarked trail opposite is a private trail, keep out. The next mile is a pleasant walk along the more or less flat summit ridge of Plateau thru a majestic old growth spruce fir forest.

3.43  Cross the summit of Plateau Mt. In dense spruce woods.

3.93  View east, trail begins the steep descent into Mink Hollow. Sugarloaf looms across the Notch.

4.73  Spring right of trail.

5.13  Junction with the southern leg of the Mink Hollow Trail - continue ahead on red markers. Mink Hollow Lean-to is located 200 feet to the right. Also to the right, the blue marked Mink Hollow Trail leads 3 miles to the end of Mink Hollow Road. It is another 3 miles south to Lake Hill on NY Route 212.

5.33  Junction with the northern leg of the Mink Hollow Trail. Left on blue markers leads 2.25 miles to a junction with the Pecoy Notch Trail and 0.25 miles further, Roaring Brook parking area. Continue ahead on red markers soon reaching the first of 5 rock ledges the trail climbs over ascending Sugarloaf.

5.68  The forest becomes primarily balsam fir and red spruce, with birch mixed in as the grade begins to moderate.

5.88  Pass the sign indicating the 3,500 foot elevation line. The forest now becomes more open with views to the left of the Blackhead Range to the north. The trail passes a large rock on the right with excellent views of Plateau Mt. across Mink Hollow.

6.08  A yellow marked side trail leads right to a rock ledge with an outstanding view of the southern Catskills. Visible are the Burroughs Range, Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain and mountains along the Pine Hill - West Branch Trail. Ashokan Reservoir can also be seen with the Shawangunks in the background. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Hudson River Valley.

6.13  Reach the flat, level summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. The trail continues through a mature balsam-spruce forest, beginning to descend in a series of steps, alternating with level sections.

6.73  Reach a viewpoint to the east over Pecoy Notch, with Twin and Overlook Mountains visible beyond and the Ashokan Reservoir and Shawangunks in the distance to the right. The trail now begins a very steep descent into Pecoy Notch.

sugarloaf

View from Sugarloaf Mountain. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

6.88  Descend steeply over a series of rock ledges. There are many good views over Pecoy Notch to Twin Mountain beyond.

7.33  Descent ends abruptly shortly before reaching a junction with the Pecoy Notch Trail in the col between Sugarloaf and Twin Mountains. Left on blue markers leads 1.75 miles to the north end of the Mink Hollow Trail and a quarter mile beyond, Roaring Kill Road. The Long Path continues, beginning a steep climb of the west summit of Twin Mountain and climbing over large rocks and several rock ledges in the process. There are several good views back towards Sugarloaf during the ascent.

7.53  Pass a huge rock on the left that separated from the main ledge.

7.68  The trail goes thru a narrow passage and climbs up a rock ledge.

7.88  Reach a rock ledge with a large overhanging rock, a good temporary shelter, on the left. The trail continues through a cleft in the rock ledge. At the top of the ledge, there is a good viewpoint of Sugarloaf Mountain with the fire tower on Hunter visible to the west, and the Blackhead Range, Stoppel Point and Roundtop visible to the north. The grade now moderates.

8.03  The trail turns left and climbs a small ledge to reach a viewpoint near the west or true summit of Twin Mountain. From this vantage point, one can see to the south, the Ashokan Reservoir and the Shawangunk Mountains to the southeast, with the Hudson Valley and the Hudson Highlands far in the distance. The actual summit of Twin is slightly beyond this viewpoint. The trail now descends thru a mature spruce-fir forest.

8.33  Reach the col between the two peaks of Twin. The trail now ascends gradually to the east peak of Twin.

8.68  Reach the east peak of Twin Mountain with an excellent 180 degree view. To the west, Sugarloaf and Plateau Mountains are visible, and to the south all the major peaks of the southern Catskills may be seen. On a very clear day, High Point, NJ with it's tall monument can be spotted. To the southeast, the Ashokan Reservoir and Shawangunks are visible with the Hudson Highlands and Hudson Valley in the distance. Overlook Mountain with it's firetower may be seen to the east, with the Hudson River and the Taconics in the far distance. This is one of the best views in the Catskills. The Catskill 3500 Club does not consider the east peak of Twin, while over 3,500 feet high, as a separate peak, since the drop between the west and east peaks of Twin is less then the required 200 feet. The trail continues eastward, beginning to descend.

8.78  Reach a viewpoint to the east over Jimmy Dolan Notch. The trail now begins to descend more steeply.

8.93  Descend over rock ledge and pass under a large balanced rock to the left.

9.08  The trail reaches Jimmy Dolan Notch, the col between Twin and Indian Head Mountains. This notch has the highest elevation (3,100') of all the col's along the Devil's Path. Here the blue marked Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail descends steeply at first then moderately north two miles to Prediger Road. Continue ahead following red markers to begin a moderate to steep ascent up Indian Head.

bluestone-quarry

            Bluestone Quarry on Indian Head Mountain. 2001  [HERB CHONG]

9.63  The ascent becomes more gentle as the trail reaches thick spruce woods after a steep scramble up the final ledge to the summit of Indian Head Mountain. This is the highest of the three summits making up the summit ridge.

10.08  Reach a spectacular overlook after going over the second summit. Below is the eastern summit with Plattekill Mountain beyond and Overlook Mountain to the right. Belopw and to the left is Platte Clove with Huckleberry Point prominent above the north side of the Clove. On the far horizon is Vermont to the north, Massachusetts to the northeast and Connecticut to the southeast. In between is the Hudson Valley from just south of Albany to the Highlands beyond Newburgh. A short but very steep descent brings one to the low point between the middle and east summits.

10.58  View to north with Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top across the upper Schoharie Valley with the eastern Escarpment mountains and Black Dome Range beyond. Begin a steep to moderate descent.

overlook

View from Overlook Mountain. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

11.83  The Devil's Path meets the blue marked Overlook Trail coming in from the right on a wide woods road. Turn left on the road, continuing to follow red markers. Right on the Overlook Trail leads 0.15 miles to Devil's Kitchen Lean-to.

11.88  Reach another trail junction. The Long Path continues ahead on the old road now following blue markers while the Devil's Path turns left. There is a large bluestone quarry to the right.

12.13  Cross onto the Platte Clove Preserve. The blue markers now change to green diamonds Preserve markers. Camping is not permitted within the Preserve which runs from here to beyond Platte Clove Road.

12.83  Cross Plattekill Creek on bridge at head of Platte Clove. Continue steeply uphill to Platte Clove Road. Turn right following paved Platte Clove Road east.

12.98  Reach Steenberg Road and the state snowmobile trail on the left. This is the end of Section 21. A large parking area is located 250 feet north on Steenberg Road from this intersection. To continue on the Long Path, turn left on Steenberg Road.

waterfall

Waterfall at Platte Clove Preserve. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

 

Previous Section: Section 20
Next Section: Section 22

22. Platte Clove Road to Palenville

Section 22: Platte Clove Road to Palenville

Quick Facts

Distance: 9.8 miles
Parks: Kaaterskill Wild Forest
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (map 141)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

The first part of this section runs along a DEC snowmobile trail that ascends the northern slopes of Kaaterskill High Peak on rather gentle grades. After leaving the snowmobile trail, the Long Path descends gradually at first and then steeply to the old Red Gravel Hill Road, which it follows the rest of the way. For the next two miles it is level, passing a series of dramatic waterfalls with a spectacular view into Kaaterskill Clove. After a brief ascent, it descends continuously into Palenville, passing a number of abandoned bluestone quarries. For most of this section, blue DEC trail markers mark the Long Path. The last part of the section, which crosses private property, is marked by aqua paint blazes.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). Continue on NY Route 212 west to the small town of Centerville. As Route 212 curves to the left, bear right onto Ulster County Route 35 and stay on it for the next 1.6 miles. Shortly after passing the Blue Mountain Campground, Route 35 makes a sharp left turn. Turn left here, but afterwards continue straight ahead on Ulster County Route 33, as Route 35 turns right. In about two miles, the road (now known as Platte Clove Road or Greene County Route 16) turns into a dramatic mountain road that climbs over 1,000 feet in less than three miles. At the top of the climb, four miles after leaving Route 35, the road crosses a small brook; the trailhead is immediately beyond the brook on the right at the intersection with Steenberg Road.

Winter Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). Take NY Route 32 north to NY Route 32A. Continue on Route 32A north to Palenville. Turn left (west) onto Route 23A, and follow it through Kaaterskill Clove and past Haines Falls to Tannersville. In Tannersville, turn left at the traffic light and continue along Greene County Route 16 (known for most of the way as Platte Clove Road) to the top of Platte Clove. The trailhead is on the left at the intersection with Steenberg Road.

Parking

0.00  On Steenberg Road about 250 feet north of the trailhead. (42.13387°, -74.08194°)
9.80  DEC parking area on Route 23A. ( 42.17620°, -74.03041°)

Trail Description

0.00  From Platte Clove Road take the snowmobile trail to the north, following a gravel road (Steenberg Road) uphill. The snowmobile trail is blazed with large orange or yellow DEC plastic snowmobile markers in addition to blue DEC markers for the Long Path.

0.70  Turn right onto another dirt road.

0.95  Turn right, leaving Steenberg Road, and follow another old woods road northward.

1.05  To the right, an unofficial trail, with yellow markers, leads to Huckleberry Point, an excellent viewpoint. The Long Path continues straight ahead on nearly level grades.

1.35  Cross bridges over a pair of streams in a swampy area. After the second bridge, the ascent resumes, as the trail climbs to the 3,000-foot elevation on the north flank of Kaaterskill High Peak.

2.25  Reach the highest point on the trail in this section in an area known as the "Pine Plains." The trail continues through nearly level, though swampy, terrain. For the next 0.75 miles, the forest is typical of that found at higher elevations, with considerable spruce, hemlock and birch.

3.50  The snowmobile trail turns left, uphill, while the Long Path, blazed with blue DEC markers, continues straight ahead. To climb Kaaterskill High Peak, turn left with the snowmobile trail, turn right in 0.1 miles onto the snowmobile loop trail, and then turn left onto an unofficial blue-blazed trail that leads to the summit of High Peak. The Long Path now goes through drier terrain.

3.70  The Long Path turns right (north) onto an old trail that formerly ran from the private community of Twilight Park to High Peak, and begins to descend off the ridge. The descent is often steep and contains many small switchbacks.

4.15  Leave the old Twilight Park Trail and begin to descend over a series of sharp slopes and narrow flat ledges.

4.80  The trail reaches another narrow ledge, turns right on the old Red Gravel Hill Road, and begins to run parallel to the edge of the great drop to Kaaterskill Clove on the left.

5.00  Reach Buttermilk Falls just to the left of the trail, a spectacular two-step waterfall. Cross the stream and continue along a level ledge.

5.50  Reach Wildcat Falls, another spectacular waterfall. The ledge to the west of the falls affords an excellent view of Kaaterskill Clove and the Hudson Valley to the east. Cross the stream and continue along the level trail. You will descend a small ledge to the left, pass a large boulder, and bear right along the slope edge again.

6.00  Cross the two streams of Hillyer Ravine, which provide the last sure source of water in this section. The trail now ascends slightly and crosses several intermittent streams.

6.80  A yellow side trail on the left leads in half a mile to Poets Ledge, a popular hiking destination.

6.95  Reach the crest of the rise and begin to descend. The trail continues downhill, at times steeply, until reaching Malden Avenue. The trail uses several long switchbacks in its descent, and an old bluestone quarry is passed to the right of the trail.

8.50  Cross the state land boundary. The Long Path now runs over private property and the trail markers change to a mixture of aqua paint blazes and blue DEC plastic markers.

8.90  Reach Malden Avenue in Palenville and turn left along the road. Pass the Fernwood Inn on the left.

9.05  The road is closed to vehicular traffic.

9.40  After going around another barricade, which blocks vehicular traffic, turn right onto NY Route 23A.

9.80  The section ends at a DEC parking area on the left, just east of an "Entering Catskill Park" sign. To continue, turn left into the parking area and continue on an old road.

 

buttermild-falls

Buttermilk Falls during the dry season. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

 

Previous Section: Section 21
Next Section: Section 23

23. Palenville to North Lake State Campground

Section 23: Palenville to North Lake State Campground

Quick Facts

Distance: 4.8 miles
Parks: Kaaterskill Wild Forest, North/South Lake State Campground
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (map 141)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

For most of this section, the Long Path follows the Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail, the route of the old Harding Road that led from Palenville to the Hotel Kaaterskill. There are a number of views along this route, which is blazed with the yellow markers of the horse trail. The Kaaterskill Clove Lookout provides a dramatic open view of the Clove, and there are continuous views of the Clove through the trees when the leaves are down. Upon reaching the Escarpment, the Long Path follows the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, passing the sites of the two most famous nineteenth century hotels in the Catskills, the Hotel Kaaterskill and the Catskill Mountain House. Along the way, there are several spectacular views of Kaaterskill Clove and the Hudson Valley. The section ends at North Lake, once used for recreation by guests of the Catskill Mountain House. Today, it is the site of a large state campground, complete with a beach and a boat rental facility.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). Take NY Route 32 north to NY Route 32A. Continue on Route 32A north to Palenville. Turn left (west) onto NY Route 23A, and pass through the Village of Palenville. The section begins a short distance beyond the village, about 100 feet east of an "Entering Catskill Park" sign, where the Long Path enters the woods on the Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail.

Parking

0.00  On NY Route 23A, about 0.4 miles west of the "Entering Catskill Park" sign, there is a small parking area on the north side of the road, just before the bridge over Kaaterskill Creek. (42.17693°, -74.03655°)
4.80  North Lake State Campground, at North Lake Beach (parking fee charged in season). (42.19802°, -74.03501°)

Camping

4.80  North Lake State Campground (fee charged).

Trail Description

0.00  From Route 23A, about 100 feet east of the "Entering Catskill Park" sign, the Long Path proceeds north, following the red markers, the route of the old Harding Road from Palenville to the Hotel Kaaterskill. Shortly after leaving Route 23A, the trail switchbacks to the left and begins a long climb up Kaaterskill Clove. The trail parallels the clove most of the way, climbing 1,400 feet in three miles.

0.25  A woods road goes off to the right. The Long Path continues ahead on old Harding Road.

0.95  Reach a trail register. Here the trail turns right and follows a deep side gorge formed by a stream. Just past the register, the trail reaches Kaaterskill Clove Lookout, which affords a spectacular view to the left into Kaaterskill Clove. Kaaterskill High Peak towers over the clove on the south side. On the right side of the trail, there is a stone fireplace below a small rock ledge. This is a great place for a picnic. Beyond the viewpoint, the trail continues to parallel the gorge, now often lined with hemlock trees.

kaaterskill-falls

Kaaterskill Falls. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

1.20  The trail reaches the head of the gorge and turns left to cross the stream that formed the gorge. There is a small waterfall here. The trail continues uphill, once again paralleling the clove. When the leaves are down, there are continuous views through the trees of Kaaterskill Clove and Kaaterskill High Peak.

1.90  The trail makes a switchback to the right and begins to move away from Kaaterskill Clove. The Long Path now parallels the Escarpment Trail, which runs to the north, about 300 feet above the level of the Long Path. Again, there are views of Kaaterskill Clove through the trees, now with the Hudson River valley beyond.

2.45  Reach a viewpoint to the east, down Kaaterskill Clove, with the Hudson Valley, the Hudson River and the Taconics visible beyond.

2.65  The Long Path turns left, following the red markers, as a horse trail goes off to the right to the Palenville Lookout and Rip Van Winkle Hollow.

2.85  Turn right onto the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail. To the left, the Escarpment Trail leads to Inspiration Point and the Layman Monument.

3.25  Reach the top of South Mountain. This was the site of the famous Hotel Kaaterskill, built in 1881 by George Harding, an influential guest at the Catskill Mountain House. He had become upset when the Mountain House refused to accommodate the special dietary needs of his daughter. As a result, he left and built his own hotel. That building was destroyed in a fire in 1924. The Long Path turns right, continuing along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, as the red-blazed Schutt Road Trail goes off to the left. The Long Path now follows a wide and level trail.

3.85  A red-blazed trail continues straight ahead and provides a shortcut to the Catskill Mountain House, as the Long Path turns right, following the blue blazed Escarpment Trail, which begins to descend.

4.05  Reach Split Rock and Boulder Rock, which afford a fine view of Kaaterskill Clove and the Hudson Valley. Boulder Rock, a large glacier erratic that is perched atop the ledge, makes a fine scramble for those who enjoy bouldering.

4.15  The red-blazed shortcut trail rejoins from the left as the Long Path, still following the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, and continues north along the ledges. The trail passes an area known as "Puddingstone Hall", named for the conglomerate rock in the area, and descends to the Catskill Mountain House site.

4.55  Reach the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. Built in 1824, it was the earliest and most famous of the old Catskill hotels, and was frequented by Presidents and famous artists. Just east of the hotel site, an inclined railway brought guests up from the Hudson Valley. The Mountain House fell into disrepair in the early twentieth century, when travelers chose the American West and Europe, rather than the Catskills, as the destinations for their summer vacations. It was burned in 1963 by the DEC, since it had become a hazard. The area around the hotel is well-worth exploring. From the hotel site, the trail continues along a former hotel access road towards North Lake and then turns right, along the Escarpment, and follows a chain-link fence.

4.80  The trail passes through a picnic area, where a short side trail leads left to the North Lake parking lot. To continue, proceed straight ahead on the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

 

Previous Section: Section 22
Next Section: Section 24

 

24. North Lake State Campground to Batavia Kill

Section 24: North Lake State Campground to Batavia Kill

Quick Facts

Distance: 9.8 miles
Parks: North/South Lake State Campground, Windham Blackhead Range Wilderness
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (map 141)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

This section of the Long Path offers dramatic scenery. From North Lake, the trail proceeds north along the Catskill Escarpment (also known as the "Great Wall of Manitou"), with many spectacular views of the Hudson River valley over 2,000 feet below. Thomas Cole of the Hudson River school of painting made this area famous. After a steep climb to North Point, the trail becomes more rugged, descending from Stoppel Point to Dutcher Notch and then climbing Blackhead Mountain. The summit of Blackhead is the second highest point on the Long Path. North of Blackhead, the trail descends to the Batavia Kill Trail along one of the steepest trail sections in the Catskills. For the entire length of this section, the Long Path follows the Escarpment Trail, blazed with blue DEC trail markers.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). Take NY Route 32 north to NY Route 32A. Continue on Route 32A north to Palenville. Turn left (west) onto NY Route 23A, and continue through Kaaterskill Clove to Haines Falls. In Haines Falls, turn right onto Greene County Route 18 and follow the signs to North Lake State Campground 3 miles ahead. Pass through the gate (a fee is charged in season) and continue ahead to the parking area at North Lake.

Parking

0.00  North Lake State Campground, at North Lake Beach (parking fee charged in season). (42.19802°, -74.03501°)
9.80  Parking area at end of Big Hollow Road. This is 1.4 miles along the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail and the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail from the beginning of this section. (42.28932°, -74.11610°)

Camping

0.00  North Lake State Campground (fee charged).
9.80  Batavia Kill Lean-to (0.25 miles from the Long Path along the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail). Camping is prohibited between North Lake and North Point.

Trail Description

0.00  From the end of a short side trail that begins at the east end of the parking lot, the Long Path proceeds north along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, passing through a picnic area. The trail passes a register box and begins to ascend.

0.30  After a short, steep climb over a rock ledge, the trail reaches Artist Rock, which provides a good view of the Hudson River valley. Artist Rock was made famous by Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River school of painting. Beyond Artist Rock, the trail climbs a series of small ledges and passes through an area of hemlock, white pine, pitch pine, red spruce and balsam fir. The trail passes a large rock ledge on the right. This was the site of "Jacob's Ladder," which allowed Catskill Mountain House visitors to climb up to Sunset Rock above.

0.80  To the right, a yellow-blazed side trail leads to the top of Sunset Rock, which offers a dramatic view of North and South Lakes and the site of the Catskill Mountain House, with Kaaterskill High Peak visible directly behind the lakes. This was the site of one of Thomas Cole's most famous paintings.

1.00  Reach Newman's Ledge, a large overhanging rock outcropping with a spectacular view north over the Hudson River valley. On a clear day, the tall buildings of Albany are visible in the distance, with the Taconics and Green Mountains of Vermont beyond. The trail now climbs about 140 feet and emerges in an open area, with an interesting mountaintop swamp that is well worth exploring.

1.55  The yellow-blazed Rock Shelter Trail leaves to the left. This trail drops into Mary's Glen and continues to the gatehouse at the entrance to the North Lake area. From Mary's Glen, the red-blazed Mary's Glen Trail can be followed back to North Lake. The Rock Shelter Trail is named for a large overhang known as Badman's Cave, which was reputed to be a hideout for outlaws in the 1700s. The Long Path continues to the right and climbs through a rocky area in a spruce-balsam forest.

2.20  The red-blazed Mary's Glen Trail leaves to the left. This trail descends through a beautiful wooded area and provides an alternate return route to North Lake. The Long Path continues ahead and begins a very steep ascent to North Point.

2.35  Reach North Point, an open rocky ledge, which provides a spectacular 360-degree view. To the south, directly below, are North and South Lakes, with Kaaterskill High Peak and Roundtop in the background. To the east is the ridge of the Escarpment that we have been following, with the Hudson
Valley precipitously below. To the west and immediately ahead is North Mountain, with Blackhead Mountain behind to the right (northwest). The City of Albany is visible in the distance to the northeast. From here the trail continues to climb North Mountain.

2.80  Reach the summit of North Mountain. While only slightly over 3,000 feet high, North Mountain has a spruce-balsam forest that is characteristic of the higher elevations. The trail continues up, at times steeply, through brushy, rocky areas.

4.05  Reach Stoppel Point, which provides a view northeast over the Hudson Valley, with Albany and the Taconics in the distance. Stoppel Point was the site of a recent plane crash, and parts of the wreckage may still be seen. From Stoppel Point, the trail begins to descend towards Dutcher Notch, with occasional views of the Blackhead Range through the trees, and then levels off.

5.15  The trail curves to the north and resumes its descent. Just before the descent, there is an excellent view back to the southeast. From here, it is evident that one has already descended a substantial distance from Stoppel Point. After a short, steep descent, the trail levels off again.

6.30  After another short, steep descent, the trail reaches Dutcher Notch, the lowest point on the Escarpment Trail since just beyond North Lake. To the right, the yellow-blazed Dutcher Notch Trail drops 1,700 feet in 2.4 miles to Floyd Hawver Road. There is a reliable spring on the Dutcher Notch Trail at 0.35 miles and about 500 vertical feet below this point, the only reliable water in this section. To the left, the yellow-blazed Colgate Lake Trail descends to Colgate Lake, first passing around an unnamed lake and skirting private Lake Capra. The Long Path continues straight ahead, beginning a steep ascent to a level area sometimes known as Arizona Plateau.

Escarpment-Trail

Ledge on the Escarpment Trail. 2001 [ED WALSH]

7.15  After an 800-foot climb, the trail reaches the Arizona plateau and begins to level off. To the left, a short side trail leads to a viewpoint back towards Stoppel Point and Lakes Capra and Colgate. The trail follows this level plateau for about a mile, with increasingly spectacular views of Blackhead Mountain straight ahead.

8.30  The trail begins its final 600-foot ascent to the summit of Blackhead Mountain. Near the summit, there is a spectacular view to the east over the Escarpment below, with Albany and the Taconics visible to the north.

8.80  Reach the summit of Blackhead Mountain, the second highest point on the Long Path and the fourth highest mountain in the Catskills. The view from the summit is overgrown, but views to the south are possible by heading into the scrub vegetation just left of the trail. Here, the Long Path, following the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, turns right, as the yellow-blazed Blackhead Mountain Trail goes straight ahead and descends to Lockwood Gap between Blackhead and Black Dome Mountains. (It is worth the 0.2-miles detour down this trail to a spectacular view to the south and west). The Long Path drops precipitously down the north face of Blackhead, plunging over ledges in one of the steepest descents in the Catskills. Near the base of the descent, there are two fine views of the Hudson Valley to the east.

9.80  Reach the base of the descent from Blackhead Mountain. Here, the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail descends to the left, passing the Batavia Kill Leanto in 0.25 miles, and ending at the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail in 0.9 miles. From this point, the Black Dome Range Trail continues straight ahead to the parking area at the end of Big Hollow Road in another 0.5 miles. To continue on the Long Path, proceed straight ahead on the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

Escarpment-trail-2012

Along the Escarpment Trail in the fall. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

Previous Section: Section 23
Next Section: Section 25

25. Batavia Kill to NY Route 23

Section 25: Batavia Kill to NY Route 23

Quick Facts

Distance: 8.55 miles
Parks: Windham Blackhead Range Wilderness, Elm Ridge Wild Forest
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (map 141)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

The Long Path continues along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail to NY Route 23 in East Windham. The trail crosses several 3,000-foot peaks before making the final climb over Windham High Peak. There are many views along the way over the Blackhead Range to the south and the Catskill and Mohawk valleys to the north. On a clear day, one can see all the way to the southern Adirondacks. From Windham High Peak, the trail descends to NY Route 23, at the northern edge of the Catskill Park, passing through two groves of Norway spruce planted by the CCC in the 1930s. For the entire length of this section, the Long Path follows the Escarpment Trail, blazed with blue DEC trail markers.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 21 (Catskill). Continue on Route 23 west about 22 miles to Brooksburg. At a sign for Hensonville, turn left and proceed south on Greene County Route 65. In Hensonville, turn left onto Greene County Route 40 and follow it to Maplecrest. In Maplecrest, bear left onto Big Hollow Road, passing the Sugar Maples Resort, and continue about 5 miles to a parking area at the end of the road. To reach the beginning of this section of the Long Path, follow the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail straight ahead for 0.5 miles to the intersection with the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail. Continue ahead on the Batavia Kill Trail 0.9 miles to the Escarpment Trail.

Parking

0.00  Parking area at end of Big Hollow Road. (42.28932°, -74.11602°) From here it is 1.4 miles along the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail and the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail to the beginning of this section.
8.55  Parking area on Route 23 in East Windham, at intersection with Cross Road. (42.31280°, -74.19024°)

Camping

0.00  Batavia Kill Lean-to at 0.25 miles from the Long Path along the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail.
7.45  Elm Ridge Lean-to.

Trail Description

0.00  From the intersection of the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail with the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill trail, the Long Path proceeds north along the Escarpment Trail, ascending an unnamed knob with a fine viewpoint over the Hudson Valley. Although the trail runs close to the edge of the Escarpment, there are no other views on this section of the trail. The trail begins a gradual climb up to Acra Point.

1.80  Reach the open rock summit of Acra Point. The view here is somewhat obscured by low growth and is confined to the north. However, a short distance down the trail there is an open view to the west towards Big Hollow, with the Blackhead Range towering behind. As the trail begins to descend, a short side trail to the left leads to an open rock with another view toward Big Hollow and the Blackhead Range. There is also a view northwest along the ridge towards Burnt Knob and Windham High Peak. A little further down the trail there is a view to the north. The trail continues to descend to the col between Acra Point and Burnt Knob.

 

view of blackhead range

View of the Blackhead Range from Acra Point. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

2.50  The trail reaches the col. Here, the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail descends to the left to Big Hollow Road. Water is available from a stream 0.7 miles down this trail. The Long Path continues ahead to the west, beginning a steep climb up Burnt Knob.

2.80  At the top of the climb, the trail curves to the left and reaches the southern side of Burnt Knob, where a short yellow-blazed side trail to the left leads to a beautiful viewpoint over Big Hollow and the Blackhead Range.

3.45  After descending from Burnt Knob, the trail passes by a viewpoint to the north.

3.80  The trail reaches the summit of another unnamed knob, where a short side trail to the left leads to a viewpoint to the southwest over Big Hollow.

3.95  After descending from the knob, the trail begins its ascent of Windham High Peak.

4.35  The trail passes through an open area, with views of Windham High Peak directly ahead, and begins to ascend steadily.

5.05  The Trail reaches the summit of Windham High Peak. Just before the summit, there is a large rock outcropping to the right, with an open view to the north. Sometimes called the "Great Northern Viewpoint", this is the last spectacular view from the Escarpment Trail. To the north, the lesser peaks of Ginseng, Hayden, Pisgah and Huntersfield, followed by the Long Path to the north, are visible. In the far distance, the Helderbergs and the southern Adirondacks may be seen on a clear day. The Hudson River valley is visible to the northeast, and on a clear day, the City of Albany, the Taconics and the Green Mountains of Vermont may also be seen. The trail bears left and continues along the level summit, with a partial view over the Blackhead Range to the southeast, and another partial view northwest at the west end of the summit. It then begins a steady descent.

 

Windham High Peak

Windham High Peak from Burnt Knob. 2001 [MICHAEL WARREN]

 

6.75  The trail enters the first of two groves of Norway spruce trees planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The trail climbs over the tangled roots of these trees. Between the two groves, the trail passes through a small open area.

7.40  The trail passes the Elm Ridge Lean-to, to the left of the trail.

7.45  The Long Path turns right at a junction, continuing along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, as the yellow-blazed Elm Ridge Trail descends to the left for 0.85 miles to the parking area at the end of Peck Road. The Long Path now follows a wide snowmobile trail, the route of an old turnpike across the mountains.

7.60  Turn left, leaving the old road, and continue to descend on a narrower path.

7.70  Turn sharply to the right and descend steeply.

8.55  After passing a trail register, the trail crosses a bridge over a stream and reaches NY Route 23 near East Windham. To continue, go across Route 23 and follow Cross Road to the northwest.

 

Previous Section: Section 24
Next Section: Section 26

26. NY Route 23 to Greene County Route 10

Section 26: NY Route 23 to Greene County Route 10

Quick Facts

Distance: 7.2 miles
Parks: Elm Ridge Wild Forest, Mount Hayden State Forest, NYC DEP watershed land
Maps: Interactive Map, Catskill Trails (maps 141 and Long Path North)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

In this section, the Long Path leaves the Catskill Park after a journey of 94 miles and continues to the north. The terrain is similar to that found in the Catskills, but on a smaller scale. The primary ridge followed by the trail in this section is a continuation of the Catskill Escarpment. For some of the distance along the ridge the trail follows logging roads. The area is still alive with logging activity, but the forest recovers quickly where there has not been any clear cutting. There are no great open views, but there are many good views along the way when the leaves are down. The trail crosses two notches, Jennie and Barlow, which are bisected by the remnants of old mountain turnpikes that connected the mountains to the valley to the east. The first 0.75 miles of the section goes through state land and is marked with blue DEC trail markers, while the rest of the section is on a mixture of NYC-DEP land, Trail Conference land, and state land, and is marked with aqua Long Path paint blazes. On the NYCDEP lands lands,  no camping and no fires of any kind are permitted.There are no water sources in this section along the ridge.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 21 (Catskill). Continue on NY Route 23 west approximately 20 miles to East Windham. About 0.5 miles past the "Entering Catskill Park" sign, there is a DEC parking area for the Escarpment Trail and Windham Mountain at the intersection of Route 23 and Cross Road.

Parking

0.00  Parking area on NY Route 23 in East Windham, at intersection with Cross Road. (42.31280°, -74.19024°)
1.35  NYC-DEP parking area at the end of Jennie Notch Road, past the first gate (which is kept open). (42.32789°, -74.18847°) Do not park on the road near the house.
6.55  Intersection of Sutton Road and Cunningham Road. (42.37305°, -74.22457°)
7.20  Greene County Route 10, about 200 feet north of the trail intersection. (42.37532°, -74.23265°)

Trail Description

0.00  From the intersection of NY Route 23 and Cross Road proceed north on Cross Road for about 150 feet, just beyond the DEC parking area. The Long Path, blazed with blue DEC trail markers, then turns right, crosses a small field and enters the woods. The trail continues east, parallel to Route 23, crosses a stone wall, passes through a swampy area and then crosses another stone wall.

0.30  Here we leave the Catskill Park, which the Long Path has traversed for the last 94 miles. The trail turns left, away from Route 23, and ascends gradually to an old spruce and hemlock forest. From here, the trail descends gradually to the left.

0.75  Cross Old Road and continue north on Jennie Notch Road. The Long Path now leaves state land, and for the remainder of the section it is marked with aqua paint blazes.

1.30  After passing several houses, Jennie Notch Road officially ends at an old red brick house. The trail passes through an open gate onto NYC-DEP land and continues along a gravel road to the DEP parking lot and a closed gate. The gravel road becomes overgrown as it follows the route of an old 19th century mountain turnpike uphill to Jennie Notch. 

 

Windham escarpment

Escarpment off the Jennie Notch Road extension. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

2.10  Passing through another open gate, the trail leaves DEP land and enters land owned by New York New Jersey Trail Conference. In this area there are limited views across the valley to Windham Mountain.

2.35  At the height of land, the trail turns sharply to the left and begins a steep climb up Ginseng Mountain frequently turning on and off old logging roads. After a small downhill and another steep uphill, there are some snatches of views to the northeast across the lowlands toward Albany. The trail passes north of and below the summit of Ginseng Mountain.

2.80  The trail descends and crosses onto state land (yellow survey blazes). The trail is on state land for the rest of the section, but often follows close to the border with NYC-DEP land (red survey blazes).

3.30  After descending a rock step, the trail follows a logging road along the level for a while, then turns left off the logging road and soon passes between some large rocks. At the end of the mostly level stretch the trail turns sharply right and climbs steeply up an unnamed knob.

3.70  Reach the top of the knob. The trail now descends steeply, passing a view to the north just before descending a steep switchback through a rock ledge.

4.00  Barlow Notch. Here the trail crosses another mountain turnpike and passes through a level area in the notch. The trail then descends slightly in order to stay on state land as it heads north out of the notch.

4.05  Sutton Memorial. The trail turns sharply left, crosses a logging road, and begins a steep switchback ascent up to the ridge.

4.30  The trail reaches a shoulder of the ridge and levels out for a bit. There are winter views of Lake Heloise through the trees to the southwest. Soon the trail begins climbing again, but less steeply.

5.00  After traversing the summit plateau, the trail passes about 100 feet south of the true summit of Mt. Hayden, where it makes a sharp left turn and begins to descend. It leaves the summit on a round about route to avoid cliffs and a former land boundary, and eventually heads down the north ridge.

Windham+Dave
Foggy woods. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

5.50  After descending steadily, the trail reaches the top of a steep sidehill down an extremely steep slope. This stretch may be treacherous in snow. There are views through the trees to the north at the top of the steepest area. After about a tenth of a mile, the sidehill ends and the trail descends a little less steeply.

5.80  The trail turns left onto an old logging road and levels out. Midway through the level stretch the logging road angles off downhill to the right but the trail continues level.

6.20  At the end of the level stretch, the trail steps off a short rock ledge and begins a steady descent to Sutton Road.

6.55  Turn left onto dirt Sutton Road close to its fork with Cunningham Road. Cross both roads and re-enter the woods. The trail turns left and angles away from Cunningham Road, descending gradually to a small stream crossing. Soon a second small stream is crossed, but both of these streams may be dry in late summer.

7.20  After a brief climb, reach Greene County Route 10. Turn right (north). In about 200 feet there is a parking area on the east side of Route 10. To continue, cross Route 10 before the parking area and proceed uphill into the woods.

 

Previous Section: Section 25
Next Section: Section 27