A CATSKILL CLASSIC- "Escarpment Trail" Backpack (slight-modified) 1 night 2 days

We will meet at Scutt Road Parking Area at the North-South Lake Campground at 8:00 sharp.

We will then shuttle in as few cars as possible to Big Hollow Road Parking area just across from the "Black Dome Valley Unit"-Unmaintained trail, for the start of the hike.

This is an unconventional start to the Escarpment Trail Traverse as the section of the Escarpment Trail from Elm Ridge Leanto to Windham High peak summit is still closed due to the plane crash in 2024

Saturday: hike length approximately 11 miles. We will summit Windham High Peak (elev. 3533) from the unmaintained trail, then continue down the Escarpment Trail passing through Burnt Knob & Acra Point, then climbing over another Catskill 3500 peak Blackhead Mountain (elev. 3964). We will leave the escarpment trail briefly and descend ~ 1.1 miles & ~500' down the Colgate Lake trail to our camp spot.

We will camp here for the night. In the morning, we will eat, break camp and head to North-South Lake Campground, the Southern Terminus of the Escarpment Trail.

Sunday: hike length approximately 10 miles. After ascending the Colgate Lake Trail back to the Escarpment Trail, we will make a right and continue through the Windham Blackhead Range Wilderness around Stoppel Point, North Point, to Trail Crossroads where we will stay left. Continuing to Newman's Ledge, then a quick out & back to Lookout Rock & Sunset Rock. Next, we will come to Artist Rock, then we will pass the old site of the Catskill Mountain House & Split Rock on our way to the Scutt Road Parking Area.

After arriving at the Scutt Road Parking Area we will drive back to Big Hollow Road to retrieve our cars then head out for a nice lunch (optional)

This hike is for experienced backpackers only.

This hike is for hikers who have backpacking gear & know how to use it.

This hike is for experienced backpackers with navigation skills, should you find yourself hiking alone, you will be able to navigate yourself to where you need to be.

We try to keep the group together, but faster hikers have no obligation to wait for slower hikers.

This is YOUR hike. Hike YOUR own Hike.

You must have proper food storage equipment for overnight camping.

Catskill group size limits to 10 over night campers/hikers.

Everyone starts on the waitlist and will be moved to going.
only reliable self-sufficient hikers will be moved.

You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.
If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.
Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver.
Full waiver can be found on the ABOUT page on the Hudson valley Hiker webpage.