Mill Brook & Woodpecker Ridge Mountains - February 21, 2012

[Jim Kennard]

Finally after weeks, there were 2 or 3 days in a row that were forecasted to be very good weather. Tuesday started out sunny as forecasted with the temperature right around 30 degrees. Ralph Catskillhiker) and I decided on doing a through hike over Woodpecker Ridge and Mill Brook Ridge Mountains. We parked one car at Alder Lake and the other one at the start of our hike at the Hardenburgh PA. From the parking area we bushwhacked straight up to the top of the ridge. This is a gentle ascent on the south side of the mountain. The snow depth was only about 2 inches until nearing the upper elevation where it was maybe 4 inches. We located the summit of Woodpecker Ridge straight away and had a nice view of the BLM fire tower and some of the surrounding area.


Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower

We took a few pics and then headed to the next view point on our way to Mill Brook Ridge.


Jim at view point

As we hiked west the snow depth increased to about 6 inches. Snowshoes were not needed and we didn’t bring them along either. By mid-day the sunshine had disappeared but the temperature had risen to the low 40’s still making it a very nice comfortable hike. The hike to Mill Brook ridge Ridge was pleasant but there was not much of a view from the summit. From here we followed along the marked trail that leads to Alder Lake. We arrived at the Lean-To and found it very clean and the cooking equipment stored and organized. Then onward to Alder Lake. Ralph remembered that one of the bridges around the lake was out so we head to the right were there were functional bridges. As we departed Alder Lake we observed the stone walls and supports that still remain of an old mansion.


Old mansion at Alder Lake

We covered a total of 8 miles during this through hike.
Cheers, Jim

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