New Year's in the Catskills Gathering

[Kevin_B_NY]

OK, so instead of hijacking another thread, I thought it be smart to open a new one.

So...

No set plans, just offer up some ideas... Location thoughts? The peaks to be bagged? I would imagine that whatever the camping locale, it should be able to hold a few folks and their tents... Maybe somewhere we can have a campfire? Some place close to a bunch of peaks so that lots of folks can get out on a variety of excursions. Maybe near a leanto?

So, let the thoughts fly like the snowflakes that are swirling in some of our thoughts already!!!!
Kevin

[TFR]

Originally Posted by Kevin_B_NY

OK, so instead of hijacking another thread, I thought it be smart to open a new one.

So...

No set plans, just offer up some ideas... Location thoughts? The peaks to be bagged? I would imagine that whatever the camping locale, it should be able to hold a few folks and their tents... Maybe somewhere we can have a campfire? Some place close to a bunch of peaks so that lots of folks can get out on a variety of excursions. Maybe near a leanto?

So, let the thoughts fly like the snowflakes that are swirling in some of our thoughts already!!!!
Kevin

Just so you know, the Catskill 3500 Club has a 'Winter Weekend' scheduled for 1/26-28/7. The details are still forthcoming, but we stay at a hotel in the region, and hike Saturday and Sunday. The hikes will be posted in the club's next newsletter. There is usually at least 1 of the required winter peaks done at this time as well. All are welcome to join us (whether staying at the hotel or not), or sign up for the hikes.

This is a great chance to meet some of the 'veterans' of Catskill Winter hiking.

[Snickers]

I am definitely in Kevin. I will check out my maps this week and offer up a game plan.
Just got back from the Catskills, what a great weekend. We hiked Twin and Indian Head yesterday and camped at Echo Lake last night. Yesterday was windy, but clear and the views were awesome. Great starry night last night!!! Trails were very wet and muddy, watch the roots. While sitting and have tea this morning around 8:15AM we heard the sound of trees ripping loose and crashing to the ground and a really loud crash that sounded like rock hitting a canyon floor. Sounded like it came from the other side of the mountain, really weird. Anyone else in the area this morning hear it or know what it was??
My jeep was parked at the Pecoy Notch trailhead. When we returned to pick it up on the rear, passinger side door, window and roof there were mud marks and scratches, looks like a bear was really interested in the jeep. It is a grand cherokee and the paw prints were up on the roof above the window and its snout prints all over the window. Glad I wasn't sleeping in the jeep that night!!! We still can't get over the bear prints on the jeep!!!

[Snickers]

Some questions, some thoughts...
Elka Park Road is closed in the winter?? Will it be closed by New Year's? Is it closed with a pile of dirt blocking the road or just not maintained in the winter? Can you get back there with 4W drive vehicles?

Option 1:
Camp in around Platte Clove Road, in from Kaaterskill parking area and day hike some of the peaks in that area. Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau. Many variations possible here, but dependent on access to the trail heads.

Option 2:
Blackhead Range/ Windham - camp Elm Ridge lean-to
Day 1 - hike Windham
Day 2 - hike Black Dome, Thomas Cole, Black Head
after hiking head over by Hunter - Diamond Notch trail and set up camp
Day 3 - hike SW Hunter and Hunter
many variations are possible here, such as hike Black Dome and Thomas Cole, hike only Black Head, hike only Hunter, only SW Hunter. Westkill is also over in the area.
Any other ideas??

[Jay H]

Re: Elka Park Road, I believe it is not maintained between Mink Hollow Road on the west and somewhat before Dale Rd on the east. However, it may or may not be driveable with a 4x4 or AWD vehicle, just depends on the conditions. I don't believe it is actually gated but it's been awhile.

Option 2:
Blackhead Range/ Windham - camp Elm Ridge lean-to
Day 1 - hike Windham
Day 2 - hike Black Dome, Thomas Cole, Black Head
after hiking head over by Hunter - Diamond Notch trail and set up camp

I'm assuming you mean camping at Batavia Kill leanto?

If you're doing Windham (which is a short hike, why go back to the Elm Ridge leanto unless you want to dayhike Windham and stash gear at Elm Ridge then hike out the next day... You could backpack up Windham and camp at the Batavia Kill leanto then the next day, go do the three in the blackhead range and out to Barnum (car/bike spot needed).

Jay