Blackhead Mountain is a peak in the Catskill Mountains, specifically in the Catskill’s Blackhead Range or Chain. When viewed from the Hudson Valley, the rise stand some 3000′ above. Blackhead has very steep approaches from the northeast and south, and it requires snowshoes and crampons in winter. Blackhead is a required peak for the Catskill 3500 Club membership and is also one of the club’s four winter required peaks.
Featured photo: Blackhead Mountain from Black Dome. Above clockwise from top left: Climbing the steep SOUTH face of blackhead; View from Yellow Jacket Lookout; Blackhead from Acra Point; Approaching the view above the slide on the Blackhead Trail; Climbing near the slide on the Blackhead trail; Stream along the Batavia Kill Trail with Blackhead behind; Batavia Kill primitive campsite; Double blazed escarpment on Blackhead; Descending the steep NORTH face of Blackhead.
| Elevation | 3941′ (1201.2 m) |
| Lat/Lon: | 42.26771°N / 74.10465°W |
| Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Activities | Hiking, Camping |
| Nearest higher neighbor | Black Dome |
| Line parent | Black Dome |
| Key-col | 3441 ft/1049 m at Lockwood Gap |
| Prominence | 500 ft (150 m) |
| Range | Catskill Mountains > Blackhead Range |
| Land Unit | Windham-Blackhead Range SWA |
| Summit forest | Boreal in first growth |
| Shortest approach | From Big Hollow Road Trailhead: 2200 ft/671 m |
| Main trails | Escarpment Trail, Blackhead Trail, Black Dome Range Trail, Batavia Kill Trail |
| Easiest winter route | Black Dome Range Trail to Lockwood Gap to Blackhead Trail to summit. |
| Closest camping | Batavia Kill (lean-to, designated campsites) Lockwood Gap (designated campsite) |
| Maps and Guide | NY-NJTC Catskill Map Set NY-NJTC Digital Trail Maps ADK Catskill Trail Guide |
The Dirt
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administered the lands on Blackhead Mountain. The DEC works with numerous organizations to maintain the trails, lean-tos, and campsites. In the Catskills, the maintenance is done by a volunteer force.
Approaches
Its steepest approaches are on the Escarpment Trail from the South and Northeast, with sustained grades between 30 to 45-degrees below the summit. These sections can ice up significantly in winter and may require crampons. Its Key Col is Lockwood Gap between itself and Black Dome at an elevation of 3440 – 3420′.
Trails/Routes
- Blackhead Loop from Big Hollow Road
- Blackhead from Colgate Lake Wild Forest or Stork Nest Road
- The Blackhead Range Traverse from Barnum Road
Camping
Camping at the lean-to is first come, first serve, and no one can reserve a lean-to or designated campsite. Lean-to capacity is about 7-8 people. All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black “Camp Here” markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water’s edge.
Related reading: 10 Things to Think About Before Using a Lean-To or Backcountry Shelter
At-large backcountry camping is also allowed. Campsites must be below 3,500 feet in elevation and at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.
Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Safety and Wellness
Please sign in at all trail registers.
Related reading: Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and Why to Use Them
Bears
There are an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 black bears in the Catskills. The following are the recommendations from the DEC on bear management:
- Use bear-resistant food canisters. These are a highly effective means for preventing bears from getting your food, toiletries, and garbage. Use of bear-resistant canisters is encouraged throughout the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry, and are required in Eastern High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park.
- Pack a minimal amount of food. The less food to store the better. Use lightweight and dehydrated foods.
- Cook and eat before dark. Bears become more active after sunset.
- Cook away from your campsite. Choose an area at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area.
- Be neat and clean while cooking. Avoid spills and drippings. Do not pour grease into your fire pit.
- Keep food in storage containers. Only take out the food you plan to cook. Keep containers nearby and store food immediately if a bear approaches your cooking area.
- Avoid leftovers. Carefully plan your meals and eat all that you cook.
- Never leave food unattended. Bears may watch from a distance waiting for opportunities to steal food.
DEC Fact Sheet on Bear Encounters (PDF)
If You Encounter a Bear at Your Campsite
Do:
- Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite.
- Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice.
- Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area.
Don’t:
- Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
- Run from a bear: They may chase.
- Throw your backpack or food bag at an approaching bear: This will only encourage bears to approach and “bully” people to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other campers/residents, and the bears.
A note on water
Drinking and cooking water should be boiled for 5 minutes, treated with purifying tablets, or filtered through a filtration device to prevent giardia infection instances.
Contact and Map
| Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness | |
|---|---|
| Contact Information: | DEC Region 4 Stamford Office hours: M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Phone: (607) 652-7365; Email: r4.ump@dec.ny.gov Backcountry Emergency: (Search, Rescue & Forest Fire): 518-408-5850 or dial 911 |
| Location: | Towns of Cairo, Hunter, Jewett, Windham and Durham in Greene County |
| Map: | View Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness Map - PDF (2.82 MB) |
| Amenities: | Dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cairo, Windham and Palenville. |
| Weather: | Blackhead Mountain weather |
| Cell Service: | Never count on your cell phone for rescue. Cell service in the Windham-Blackhead Wilderness is okay and one may have problems in ravines. We have not had problems with service. |
Click on the map or here for an interactive version of the map
Backwoods wanderer with a passion for backpacking, hiking, and exploring the wilds of the Catskills and Adirondacks in New York. A Catskill 3500 Club Member and Adirondack Forty-Sixer. Climbed Mount Rainier. Professionally an Exercise Physiologist.
