Thomas Cole Mountain and the Catskill Artist Remembered
In his funeral oration delivered before the National Academy of Design, New York, May 4, 1848 William Cullen Bryant described in exceptional detail the life of his dear friend and celebrated artist Thomas Cole. As you climb Thomas Cole Mountain, spend some time thinking about his grand works, Falls of Kaaterskill (1826), View on the Catskill – Early Autumn (1837), His Master piece The Clove, Catskills (1827) and some of his spiritual works which he might…
Blackhead Mountain – A “Peak” at History
Standing about 3,900 feet above the town of Catskill along the Hudson, Blackhead Mountain is an icon among peaks in the Catskills. It is seen from almost every sizable mountain in the area and towers over the valleys below. It is the highest mountain in full view from the Hudson Valley. It also commands endless views from different points on its slopes. Sadly, it bestows no vista from its summit. The Town of Catskill &…
Best Hikes: Black Dome Mountain from Big Hollow Road
The trailhead for Black Dome Mountain, Blackhead Mountain and the Escarpment Trail is reached at the end of Big Hollow Road and space for about 8-9 cars exist. When the lot is full one can find parking along the road. You will find a kiosk and trail register here, please sign in. The trail leaves from the lot walking the last few yards on the road. The trail turns right (southeast) just before a bridge over…
Black Dome Mountain – Big Brother of the Blackhead Range
Like most big brothers they always seem to be just a few inches taller than the rest of us. Black Dome is the loftiest peak in the Blackhead Range but only by about 40 feet and is third highest in the Catskills. Black Dome provides the hiker with excellent vistas from the east and south. No view exists from the northern edge of its summit. There are several approaches to Black Dome, one from Big Hollow…
Best hikes: Camel’s Hump, Thomas Cole, & Black Dome in the Catskills
There are some renowned hikes in the Catskills and this is one of them. The bulk of the Blackhead Mountains consists of four peaks over 3500 feet. Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole all reach almost the 4,000-foot mark. Although not considered a peak (in my opinion it is), Camel’s Hump eclipses 3,500 feet. All peaks are great destinations and have superb features along the way. The range can be climbed from the north or south at…