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 Reporter |
Summary: I did this as a Backpack but this can be done as a day hike. The hike takes you through the Blackhead Range. The area got its name because when viewed from a distance the tops of the peaks appear Black due to the spruce/Balsam Summits. The backpack starts out on the Black Dome Range trail. It takes you over Thomas Cole Mt (3950ft) and Black Dome Mt (3990ft). From the peaks you get limited views of the Northeast Catskills like Colgate lake, and Hunter Mt. After descending Black dome Mt you pick up Blackhead Mt trail to the Summit of Black Head. At this point you pick up the Escarpment trail making a steep decent to the Batavia Kill. This is were you pick up the Batavia Kill trail to the shelter were I spent a very relaxing rainy night. Then the next day I continued on the Escarpment trail over Acra Point, Burnt Knob, and Windham High Peak. There I got some great views of the Black Dome Valley. After descending Windham Mt I got onto the Elm Ridge trail to end Trailhead: Take NY thruway to exit 20 (Saugerties). Take 32 north, to 32A towards Tannersville. Take 23A West to Hunter. Make right onto Scribner Hollow Rd. Make left onto onto 23C. Make a right on Maplecrest RD. To get to the start take Barnum Rd to end. To get to end point continue on Maplecrest Rd to Peck Hollow RD. Take Peck Hollow Rd to end. (Lat:42.26427 Lon:-74.17694) Trail Guides for Blackhead Range, Catskills, NY: Catskill Mountain Guide by Pete w kick (Appalachian Mountain Club) Catskill trails map by NY-NJ trail conference (NY-NJ trail conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: DEC Region 4:845-256-3083 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shawn Viggiano, who has posted 44 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ken on 11/7/2011 I did the full loop as a day hike on 11/5/2011 from Peck road to Barnum Road and then walked back to my car. There was quite a bit of snow remaining on the ridge due to an early season snowstorm. I started at 9:30 and was back to my car by 5:30. It was a long day and I only took a couple of very short breaks. I'll come back and hike it again in the Spring. 
Reviewed by HCS on 3/21/2010 Recently 1 man was killed here from Hypothermia, The Catskills have had a lot of snow this year, pay heed to all the postings here, it might save your life.
Reviewed by CZ on 11/17/2008 11/15-16.Very Rigorous hike! Started Sat 11AM from the Peck Rd’s ER Trailhead (Th).Raining heavily, cont. on ES Trail E over the WH Pks toward BKnob, AcraPt, Blackhead Mt, BDome, Tom Cole Mt., exited Barnum Rd Th.I camped 10 mi E/SE from Peck Rd Th.The vpoints along the Black Head Mts were well worth the effort. Not only were the views awesome but so was the fragrance.The Pine and Evergreen fragrances made the journey delightful. I don’t recommend doing this hike in one day.Remember, if you park at the Peck Rd Th, you must walk from the Barnum Rd Th to your car 3 mi away. I reached my car 1PM, Sun.The entire loop is 17+ miles but well worth it.Due to this time of year’s ice, rain and sleet, I cannot stress enough to keep WARM and DRY.
Reviewed by HCS on 12/18/2006 Did this 12/18/06 temps were 40-50, Did Thomas Cole from the Barnum Rd. then the next day I did Blackhead Mt. from the other end, I'd like to do all 3 in the summer when the day is longer.
Reviewed by gsos on 11/14/2006 I drove all the way from Pittsburgh to do this hike on Nov. 9-10. I did it in the opposite direction and I did the 3 mile road hike from the BDR Trailhead back to my car at the Elm Ridge Trailhead. I think my feet hate me. The cloud level was around 3400 feet so I got no views of anything. It was a challenging backpack and I would definitely do it again. Next time maybe the clouds will part for me.
Reviewed by Pete on 9/5/2006 Beautiful trip. Long, challenging and with great views from the summit of Black Dome and both sides of the Lockwood Gap. Possible in under 7 hours from Barnum Road end if you're quick.
Reviewed by Pete on 5/11/2006 Tackled Thomas Cole, Black Dome and Blackhead in one shot today. Lovely walk, varied and challenging terrain. Unfortunately the peaks were shrouded in mist, so I couldn't actually see anything....I'll have to go back, soon.
Reviewed by ant on 5/30/2005 We did this as a 2 night backpack and had a great time despite getting drenched in Thunderstorms the whole way up to Thomas Cole on our first day. Luckily our second day was sunny and we met an extrodinarily helful and knowledgeable 3500 club member (Thanks John, you're the best) that no only showed us some of the sights but also drove my buddy back to our car so that we could continue along the trail rather than backtrack to our parking spot. We spent our second night near the leanto just beyond Blackhead, off of the escarpment trail and enjoyed a bonfire in the company of a few other friendly hikers. On day three we diched the packs in our car and headed over to nearby Katerskill Falls for a quick short hike and AWESOME views. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Greene County Hiking, Greene County Trails, Greene County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
