Catskill 3500: Doubletop and Graham Mountains Notice
As if COVID could not make anything more weird. The Catskill 3500 Club has just announced that Doubletop and Graham Mountains will be closed to all hikers from November 8th to December 26th for the duration of hunting season. Given that the landowners have restricted the access to the peaks to people residing in local counties during COVID, the club has made temporary changes to membership climbs. Aspirants may climb Doubletop’s south peak for a…
Backpacking the Windham – Blackhead Mountain Range Loop
Backpacking the Windham High Peak – Blackhead Mountain Range loop makes for a wonderful 2 to a 3-day outing. Passing over 6-peaks and 3-subpeaks makes for a bumpy ride. There are abundant views on the entire route and you can find spots to camp that are not at a lean-to or designated campsite (aka primitive campsite). Sections of the trail can be arid, especially during summer so plan accordingly. If you do a true loop…
Graham Mountain Catskill Mountains
Graham Mountain is a privately owned peak in the Catskill Mountains. It is the second-highest of the Catskill High Peaks without a maintained trail. The first is its higher neighbor, Doubletop. It was once home to a TV relay station which its abandon remains still sit on its summit. This is too bad as the summit has a wonderful first growth pygmy hardwood population. Just below the summit, a ledge and talus slope looking toward…
Windham High Peak Catskill Mountains
Windham High Peak is the most northern of the Catskill 3500 Club high peaks. From various points, it towers over other peaks and valleys even though being one of the lowest of the 3500. It is one of the most frequently climbed mountains hiked in the Catskills due to its outstanding views, relative ease, and close proximity to a major Catskill tourist town. Windham High Peak makes for an excellent winter outing. Featured Photo: Windham…
West Kill Mountain in the Catskills
West Kill Mountain is the tallest peak on Devil’s Path at 3898 feet. It’s closest higher neighbor is Hunter Mountain that is 3.13-miles away at a Bearing 77.6° True or 90.7° Magnetic. It’s Isolation Limit Point is 3-miles away just below Hunter’s Summit. West Kill’s Isolation Circle Area is a large 27.7 mi² (71.8 km²). It was heavily glaciated and has many ridges with cirques in which small glaciers carved the slopes of this massive…