Catskills: Slide / Panther / Balsam Mountains

***** Please read the complete write-up details before committing *****

Please join us for a Christmas Day very strenuous hike in the superlatively beautiful Slide Mountain and Big Indian Wilderness regions of the Catskills Mountain Range. We will climb Slide Mountain (4182'; 5.5 miles roundtrip), Panther Mountain (3602'; 6.5 miles) and Balsam Mountain (3602'; 5 miles) along marked trails. We will plan to start at Slide at 7am; Panther at 11:00am +/- 30min; and Balsam at 3:00pm +/- 30min. Please note in the comments section if you are planning to do all peaks, or just joining us for a subset.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/8/3/f/600_451067167.jpeg

Difficulty: Strenuous. Many long sustained hill climbs along very rocky trails with steep ledge cliffs. Conditions may be very icy. You must have successfully completed a strenuous hike with me in the last twelve months to qualify for this hike.

Distance: 16 - 18 miles

Duration: 10 - 13 hours

Trail map: NY/NJ TC #42 / 142 and #43 / 143

Google Map link to Slide meetup spot (Oliverea Road DEC parking lot):

https://goo.gl/maps/wLMqT4mNStB2

Google Map link to Balsam meetup spot (Rider Hollow Road DEC parking lot):

https://goo.gl/maps/P9tPMsZZsN92 (https://goo.gl/maps/d2fXvLrmeDy)

Google Map link to Panther meetup spot (Oliverea Road DEC parking lot):

https://goo.gl/maps/X7Lfo3BGR7H2

Weather: Inclement weather cancels.

Sunset time: 4:35pm

Links:

Slide

http://catskillmountaineer.com/SMW-slide.html

http://www.catskillhiker.net/Catskill35/peaks/slide.shtml

Balsam

http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/BIW-balsam.html (http://www.catskillhiker.net/Catskill35/peaks/southwesthunter.shtml)

http://www.catskillhiker.net/Catskill35/peaks/balsam.shtml

Panther

http://catskillmountaineer.com/SMW-giant.html

http://www.catskillhiker.net/Catskill35/peaks/panther.shtml

Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes. Water -- at least two liters. Hiking poles recommended. Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries are required.Trail map is required. Fully charged cell phone with extra battery. Microspikes / snowshoes if conditions warrant.

Dog policy: Dogs are welcome on this hike, but must be kept on leash and under control at all times.

Guests: No guests for this event. All participants must be members of WHMG.

Important Note: Be certain to check this webpage and your email prior to the hike for any last-minute changes or cancellations.

Liability Waiver: Hiking or outdoor activities have inherent risks. Your participation in our hikes or other events could be dangerous and can result in serious injury, medical emergency, even death. You agree to participate in this event completely at your own risk and to take full responsibility for your own safety and well being, including those of your guests.