Huntersfield Mountain in the Catskills
Although outside the Catskill blueline, in the Huntersfield State Forest, Huntersfield Mountain can stand with the many of the Catskill High Peaks. Its proximity being many miles away from the jumble of 3500 high peaks and standing high above its neighbors at a height of 3,423’ makes Huntersfield look massive. With large ridges that makes an X or cross when looked at from above the footprint of the peak is large. This was a “recovery…
Ashland Pinnacle in the Catskill Mountains
Straddling the border of Schoharie and Greene county, Ashland Pinnacle at 3010’, and its slightly shorter neighbor, The Knob, sits in the shadow of Huntersfield Mountain. They are in a chain of peaks that could be considered to be the Huntersfield Range. Although no long views present themselves on this hike, when the trees are bare many peaks are visible and views into the valleys are inspiring. Note, on the 2010 Trail Conference map, the…
Best Hikes: Vroman’s Nose, Schoharie Valley NY
Vroman’s Nose is a little mountain with a giant view. Located just outside the Village of Middleburgh, this small peak has been a hiking favorite for thousands of people. I would imagine that many avid hikers got their start here. Although not typically thought of being Catskill, these hills are akin to their larger members inside the Blue line. In fact, Arnold Guyot, the geologist who measured much of the Appalachian chain felt the Catskill…
4 kid ready hikes in the Catskills
Contrary to many adult’s views that kids are only interested in video games, one thing we know is that given the chance, kids the love the outdoors! In fact, kids are spending time outdoors – just not doing nature-oriented activities. Young children spend more time outdoors than older adolescents. So, it’s the responsibility of the adult to cultivate the love for nature-related outdoor activities, not the kid. One of the keys is to start young…
Best Hikes: Catskills Escarpment Trail to North-South Lake
Sometimes we should do things slowly. This hike is one of them. As Christian and I are getting ready for an upcoming backpacking trip, probably Devil’s Path, we looked for something easy to do that would give bang for our buck. One of the most exciting sections of trail in the Catskills is the Escarpment Trail. It runs 23.9 miles from just outside the gate of North-South Lake State Campground to its northern terminus on…