Giant Ledge and Panther Mtn.

I picked a beautiful day to head back to the Catskills and a trail that provided me with some of the best views I have ever seen while hiking.  I decided to explore a new area and headed to the Slide Mountain Wilderness, hiking the Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain.  Panther Mountain is # 17 on the 3500 ft list with a height of 3725 ft.  I arrived at the DEC parking area about 10am and after signing in on the register began the climb up toward the Giant Ledge.  It is a steady climb, with sections that are steeper then others.  The trail is quite rocky for the first .75 miles.

It is a climb from the beginning but soon the trail levels out for a breather before the climb to the views.  I made pretty good time and was soon enjoying some fantastic views from the Giant Ledge.  Looking out over the valley was amazing, in the top 5 views for me.  There are a number of viewing areas along the trail and I stopped and enjoyed most of them. Slide Mountain along with Cornell and Wittenberg stood out to me and will be on the list for another day.

After a snack and a quick break I continued on toward Panther Mtn.  The trail dips down into the col before climbing again.  The climb up Panther is not bad, it is steady with some steeper sections thrown in. The Catskills have some of the most interesting rock formations I have seen, I really enjoy climbing around and over these formations.  I try to take as many pictures as I can of all the different outcroppings.  I have seen this type of rock only in the Catskills.  It is pretty cool!

I was soon at the 3500 ft sign and the forest was transitioning to the boreal forest I enjoy so much.  I love being in the spruce and fir, the smell of the trees, stands of birch and Mountain Ash scattered about, it just seems to make the hike cruise along. 

There are a few viewing areas on or near the summit and I stopped and rested and took in some more views.  I hiked past the summit and found another opening to look out over the valley, then turned around and started back. 

The trail does continue, but I was doing and out and back hike.  The way back went well and I was soon back at the ledges.  I met a number of other hikers, as this is a popular trail.  Some just heading to the ledges and others hiking to the summit of Panther.  I stopped and chatted with a few of them, but not for long as I wanted to keep moving.  I made it back to the car after about 4 hours of hiking, having hiked 7 miles round trip.  I really enjoyed this trail and would consider going back, maybe camping in the designated campsite on top near the ledges.  There were quite a few people on the trail, even mid-week, which is something I try to avoid, but the views made up for the lack of solitude.

Sugarloaf Mountain

I headed back to the Catskills yesterday to climb another 3500’ peak.  I hiked the Sugarloaf loop, taking me over 3810ft Sugarloaf Mountain.  This is my eighth Catskill 35er.  I left home with cloudy skies and wet roads but could see blue sky in the distance and soon the sun was out.  It became a beautiful day with low humidity and temps ranging from the low 50’s in the morning to low 70’s in the afternoon.  I arrived at the Roaring Kill DEC parking area around 9am, and after signing in on the trail register, I was off.  I soon came to the first trail junction and turned left heading to Pecoy Notch. 

The trail climbs slowly but steady and soon comes to a rock quarry where there are a number of “chairs” made out of rocks among other rock creations.  There is a lot of flat rocks to build with and it is a nice open area with a good view of Twin Mountain.  I stopped and had a snack, sitting on one of the chairs. 

Continuing on, the trail soon comes to a beaver swamp with some nice views of both Twin and Sugarloaf Mountains, and wild flowers all around. 

Once I reached Pecoy Notch and came to the trail sign I turned right to climb Sugarloaf.  This becomes part of the Devil’s Path and there are some stretches that are steep and difficult.  I was soon at the top where the trail levels out and is a nice hike over the mountain.

It crosses over the top through Spruce and Fir trees, it smells wonderful and reminds me of Christmas.  Once over the top there is a short spur trail to a lookout.  The view is somewhat obscured by the evergreens growing up around the rock outcropping but still an enjoyable view.

I lingered briefly then continued on making my way down.  There are some steep sections and a lot of rock on the way down. I am glad I chose to go down this side of the mountain as it would be a tough climb up.

Soon I was at the notch in Mink Hollow and heading back toward the car.  The trail levels out from here, with just a few ups and downs.  I was back at the car just before 2pm having hiked about 7 miles.  While the views were good they do not compare to Twin Mountain but I enjoyed the forest and interesting rock formations all along this loop.

Looking at Plateau Mtn.

Twin and Indian Head Mountains

I went back to the Catskills yesterday for what turned out to be a great hiking day.  The weather was cool in the high 50's when I left home with clear blue sky's.  I was heading for the Prediger Rd. parking area and planned to hike the Jimmy Dolan trail to connect with the Devil's Path and on to the summit of Twin Mountain.  I encountered some thick fog in places along my route to the trailhead but when I got to Prediger Rd. the sky was clear.  I began hiking at about 9:45am.

I hiked the Jimmy Dolan trail to the notch which was wet, rocky with lots of roots. The trail is well traveled and easy to follow, with good blazing. It starts out fairly flat with a mild grade for the first 1.5 miles or so, then the climbing begins.  It is pretty steep, gaining elevation quickly.  

 Soon enough you are at the notch and connecting with the Devil's Path.  A right turn will take you to Twin Mtn. and beyond, a left to the summit of Indian Head Mtn. and beyond.  There is also a short unmarked trail straight ahead that leads to a nice view.  I went straight and took it all in for a few minuets before taking the right turn and heading to Twin Mtn.

The Devil's Path is challenging and steep in places but I enjoyed the climb and was soon at the top where the trail flattens out and becomes a joy to hike along.  There are a few wonderful lookouts along the way to the summit of Twin and I stopped and enjoyed all of them.  The morning was beautiful with a few puffy clouds, a nice breeze, and low humidity.  It couldn't have been better!

After soaking in the sun and views, I turned around and headed back toward Jimmy Dolan notch.  I was feeling good and it was such I nice day I decided to hike up Indian Head Mtn. I continued on the Devil's Path, once again climbing a moderately steep section to reach the summit.  There is not much of a view on the summit of Indian Head Mtn. and I hiked up and over, before once again turning around and making my way back.  

I was soon back at the car and heading home.  I really enjoyed this hike, it was challenging but very rewarding.  I hiked 8 miles in just under 5 hours. Once again the Catskills are proving to be a great place for hiking and great views.  I will surely be back soon for another adventure. 

Hunter Mountain

I got up early and drove to the Catskills.  My plan was to hike Hunter Mountain up the Becker Hollow trail, see some views from the fire tower and then head back the same way.  The trailhead parking was easy to find and I arrived at about 8:30am.

 The trail climbs about 2200ft in about 2 miles.  It is pretty strenuous.  I had the trail to myself and took my time on the way stopping here and there to catch my breath.  The closer you get to the 3500ft line the better the view through the trees.  I think when the leaves are down you would be able to see some nice views.

I made it to the fire tower and had a snack.  I was disappointed to find that the tower was closed for renovations and I couldn't climb it.  Maybe next time I'll be able to.  Since there would be no views I continued on and headed back down.

I reached the car about 12:30pm tired and sweaty.  I hiked about 5+ miles and beat the rain that came through.  I got my 5th 3500 footer as well.  I like the Catskills and will be back to hike again soon.