CATSKILL Escarpment Trail Hike (23.9 mile)

This is one of the most scenic hikes in the Catskills!

This traverse is very long and strenuous:

22.5 Miles

5,100+ feet of climb.

Estimated Hike Time:

2.5mph / Hour: About 9-12 Hours

BE SURE TO BRING A CATSKILLS MAP AND HEADLAMP WITH SPARE BATTERIES.

We will meet at the parking lot on Schutt road at 7am and spot cars from there.

Driving Directions

Coordinates 42.200662,-74.058473

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). Beyond the toll booths, turn left at the traffic light, cross over the Thruway, then turn right onto Route 32 North. Follow Route 32 for 6.0 miles, then continue ahead on Route 32A. In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Route 23A and follow it up Kaaterskill Clove. At the top of the climb, in the Village of Haines Falls, turn right onto North Lake Road. In 2.1 miles, turn right onto Scutt Road and follow it for 200 feet to a parking area on the right.

The hike starts at the trailhead on Rte 23 & Cross Rd.

From there, we follow the Escarpment trail (blue) past Windham High Peak (no not the ski resort alas!) at mile 3.4. Descending from Windham High Peak, we pass the scenic viewpoints of Burnt Knob and Acra point. After walking for 5.3 miles we reach the base of Blackhead mountain and it's onto a steep ascent up Blackhead. There are some lovely views on Blackhead. From Blackhead it's a fairly long slog past some more scenic viewpoints to North Point where the approach to North-South lake begins. The hike winds its way past yet more scenic viewpoints back to the starting parking lot on Scutt road.

http://catskillmountaineer.com/images/NSL/Escarpment-NM-01-15.jpg

Hike Plan:

Everyone must meet at Schutt Road

(7:00am) Parking lot on Schutt road

Route 23 parking Area

1.05-Junction with yellow blazed Elm Ridge Trail.

1.10-Side trail on left leads to the Elm Ridge Lean To.
3.40-Summit of Windham High Peak (3524 feet). Excellent views to the north.
4.10-Begin the ascent of Windham High Peak.
4.70-Viewpoint to southwest from rise.

5.70-Burnt Knob. Excellent views to the south

6.05-Junction with the red blazed Black Dome Range Trail. (Bail-out)

6.70-Acra Point (elevation 3100 feet).

8.60-Junction of the yellow blazed Batavia Kill Trail on your left that leads 0.25 mile to Batavia Kill Lean To. (Bail-out)

9.50-Summit of Blackhead Mountain (elevation 3940 feet). Junction of yellow blazed Blackhead Mountain Trail that leads 0.4 mile to a viewpoint and continues toward Black Dome and Thomas Cole Mountains. Escarpment Trail turns right.

10.90-Short side trail on left leads to a viewpoint.

11.00-Height of land known as Arizona.

12.30-Junction with the yellow blazed Dutcher Notch and Colgate Lake Trails.(Bail-out)

13.20-Milt's Lookout. Views to the northeast.

14.60-Stoppel Point (elevation 3420 feet).

15.80-Summit of North Mountain (elevation 3180 feet).

16.35-North Point (elevation 3000 feet). Spectacular views.

16.60-Junction with the red blazed Mary's Glen Trail. (Bail-out)

17.30-Badman Cave and the junction of the yellow blazed Rock Shelter Trail on your left.

17.95-Newmans Ledge. Excellent view of Hudson Valley.

18.15-On your right is a yellow blazed side trail that leads to Lookout Rock and 0.2 mile to Sunset Rock (different Sunset Rock).

18.65-Artists Rock with its excellent views of the Hudson Valley.

19.15-Parking area at North Lake State Campground. Follow blue discs along cliff edge.

19.40-Catskill Mountain House site.

19.80-Junction with red blazed short cut trail. (Bail-out)

19.90-Boulder Rock

20.10-Junction with red blazed short cut trail that bypasses Boulder Rock. Escarpment Trail turns right here.

20.75-Junction with the red blazed Schutt Road Trail which leads to the Kaaterskill Hotel site.

21.20-Trail joins Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail briefly, then meets Long Path and turns left and ascends.

22.00-Inspiration Rock.

22.15-Sunset Rock.

22.25-On your left is a yellow blazed trail that leads 0.5 mile to the Schutt Road Trail.

22.70-Layman Monument. Trail turns sharply left.

23.35-Trail register.

23.40-Junction with the red blazed Schutt Road Trail.

23.90-the parking area on Schutt Road, cross road and follow blue discs.

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NOTE -- THE FINE PRINT! You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back.

See suggestions for GEAR on the "About" page for additional gear ideas.

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.