Catskill 3500 Bushwhack/ Westkill, North Dome & Sherril Mountain Traverse

WESTKILL, NORTH DOME and SHERRILL MOUNTAIN Traverse
READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BELOW BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS HIKE

• Not a beginner hike *

*** This should only be attempted by experienced bushwhackers and experienced hikers ***
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SAFETY GLASSES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THIS HIKE & YOU SHOULD HAVE THEM TO PROTECT FROM POTENTIAL EYE HAZARDS
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RSVP Note: Everyone who RSVPs will be automatically placed on the waiting list.
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HIKE SNAPSHOT:
Total Estimated Mileage: approximately 10.5 miles
Total Estimated Elevation Gain: approximately 3,950 feet
Total Estimated Elevation Loss: approximately 4,500 feet
Estimated Hike Time: approximately 6-7 hours

Milestones
Parking to Westkill summit ~3 miles into hike
Westkill Summit to start of Bushwhack ~5.9 miles into hike
Bushwhack to N. Dome summit ~6.85 miles into hike
N. Dome summit to Sherrill summit ~8.2 miles into hike
Sherrill summit to Shaft Road parking ~10.45 miles

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
Shaft Road parking area along Rt. 42
Please be early - we leave on time.
Coordinates for the initial meeting point parking area are: 42.165891, -74.409382

We will spot cars, leaving some at the Shaft Road parking area and driving the rest over to our starting point at the parking area on Spruceton RD. Hike Start coordinates are approx.: 42.192034, -74.32442
Please meet at the Shaft Road parking area (don't drive directly to the Spruceton Road trailhead) so that we know how many cars we'll need to spot before taking off to the starting point.
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WARNING REGARDING BUSHWHACKS: "Bushwhacks" are hikes that go off of maintained trails and through pure wilderness. Please make sure you are very confident in your ability to navigate through the woods without trails since it is very easy to get lost in these forests. A working charged GPS is also recommended, but it is not a substitute for a map & compass and the skills to use them effectively.
You should not do this hike without having a topographic trail map for this area and a compass on you.

** NOTE: You are responsible for yourself and what equipment you bring, but it will be assumed and expected that you have the relevant map, a compass and a working GPS device on you during this hike, and that you are not so foolish as to come on this hike without them and the knowledge to use them. If you find yourself alone for one reason or another, will you have the tools & knowhow necessary to navigate this off-trail (bushwhack area)? It will be assumed and expected that you do if you sign up for this hike & that you read the liability waiver on the Hudson Valley Hiker Group website & about page
Suggested Special Gear / Requirements:
Hiking footwear; cold weather non-cotton wicking clothing; enough food/water for the hike (if you don't know how much food and water you'll need for a hike like this, you should not be on it); first aid; emergency whistle kept some place where it is easily accessible while you are hiking; insulating shirt & rain jacket, gaiters; Headlamp and extra batteries; Compass; GPS with appropriate trail junctions, turn off points, summit locations, etc. programmed in; Catskill Trails conference map #142
** If you're signing up for this hike, it's expected that you're an experienced hiker and bushwhacker, that you know what equipment/supplies you need, that you're responsible for yourself, and that no one else is responsible for you or for making sure you have proper equipment/supplies.
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There will NOT be a sweep on this hike.