Catskill Winter Peaks: Blackhead Mountain
As one of the required climbs for the Catskills 3500 club, Blackhead Mountain is the 5th tallest peak at 3,940'.
Parking: 42.252352,-74.053678 End of Stork's Nest Rd., Round Top, NY
Miles: 9.5-10
Hours: 8-10
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| Parking is very limited during the winter and borders private property. Obey all parking restrictions. |
What I took:
- 3L water
- Snacks, lunch
- Daypack
- First aid
- Knife
- Tape
- Compass
- Map - New York New Jersey Trail Conference #141
- Trekking poles
- Snowshoes (with removable tails for extra flotation)
- Synthetic clothing; extra layers
- NO COTTON - Why no cotton? Cotton is a thicker material and isn't as breathable as synthetic materials. Once it's wet, it becomes heavier and takes longer to dry.
- Hiking boots (Gortex lined)
- Headlamp
- Water filter
- Gaitors
- Mini lightweight shovel
- Hand wipes
- Lightweight rain shell
- This is MY list – add or subtract depending on your likes/needs
This was the probably my toughest hike. Temperatures were in the 20's and there would be a fresh layer of crusty ice and snow from a storm a few days earlier. There was at least 4' of snow pack below this new precipitation. As I read the register, I realized that nobody had been out here in over a week - and I would see nobody during this hike. I was about to break trail; little did I know how tough of a day I was about to have.
The hike begins on the Yellow Dutcher Notch Trail. For the first 1/2 mile you will be on private property. Stay on the trail and please respect the privacy of the landowners. There will be signs posted when you enter state protected land. Follow the trail for 1.9 miles as you ascend to the Escarpment Trail. This climb on the Dutcher Notch is steeper at times than others.
With the amount of snowpack and fresh, untouched snow in front me I had difficulty following the trails all day. I wasted much time bushwacking trying to make sure I was on the right path.
After reaching the Escarpment Trail, turn right towards your destination. The trail continues to climb before it levels off for a mile or so. I took a break for lunch and was pleased to see this flatter section of trail. It was here I would catch a glimpse of where I was about to go.
The climb to the summit from this direction, and with this deep snow, was very hard and slow going. As I said, I was having trouble following the trail markers. The snow pack was so deep some of the markers on the trees were at my feet. I struggled in multiple sections trying the climb this mountain on a marked, unbroken trail - I just kept post-holing without making any vertical progress and at times, crawling through the snow reaching for any branch or rock for a grip to pull myself up. When I managed to get close to the summit, past these deep, steep slopes, I was treated to some nice views.
The summit of the mountain is marked by the intersection with the Yellow Blackhead Mountain Trail, which leads to the Red Black Dome Range Trail. Because it took me nearly 6 hours to reach the mountain top, I didn't rest long. At this point I was worried about getting back to my car before sunset. I set out back down the way I came, only this time I was able to ski down on my snowshoes at several of the steepest sections, which was awesome fun! If you do this hike and have skis, you might actually want to bring them.
An exhausting 9 hours or so later, I returned to my car, just as the sun set behind the mountains. Such a hard day called for a small reward. I was close to Tannersville, NY and there is a great restaurant called Last Chance Cafe. If you are in the area I highly recommend stopping by. I stopped by for some chili and a beer. Relaxing at the bar I thought about the day I had. Solo ascent of Blackhead Mountain, in the deep snow of a Catskills winter - bushwacking and post-holing and breaking trail - a sense of accomplishment washed down with my Sam Adams pint. I felt like I was capable of any hike after that; and so I look forward to all the difficult treks I can find.
With the amount of snowpack and fresh, untouched snow in front me I had difficulty following the trails all day. I wasted much time bushwacking trying to make sure I was on the right path.
The climb to the summit from this direction, and with this deep snow, was very hard and slow going. As I said, I was having trouble following the trail markers. The snow pack was so deep some of the markers on the trees were at my feet. I struggled in multiple sections trying the climb this mountain on a marked, unbroken trail - I just kept post-holing without making any vertical progress and at times, crawling through the snow reaching for any branch or rock for a grip to pull myself up. When I managed to get close to the summit, past these deep, steep slopes, I was treated to some nice views.
The summit of the mountain is marked by the intersection with the Yellow Blackhead Mountain Trail, which leads to the Red Black Dome Range Trail. Because it took me nearly 6 hours to reach the mountain top, I didn't rest long. At this point I was worried about getting back to my car before sunset. I set out back down the way I came, only this time I was able to ski down on my snowshoes at several of the steepest sections, which was awesome fun! If you do this hike and have skis, you might actually want to bring them.
An exhausting 9 hours or so later, I returned to my car, just as the sun set behind the mountains. Such a hard day called for a small reward. I was close to Tannersville, NY and there is a great restaurant called Last Chance Cafe. If you are in the area I highly recommend stopping by. I stopped by for some chili and a beer. Relaxing at the bar I thought about the day I had. Solo ascent of Blackhead Mountain, in the deep snow of a Catskills winter - bushwacking and post-holing and breaking trail - a sense of accomplishment washed down with my Sam Adams pint. I felt like I was capable of any hike after that; and so I look forward to all the difficult treks I can find.
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