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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 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by George J. Dagis on 5/7/2004 I have done these three monoliths in two separate hikes a number of times. I had climbed Blackhead alone and then Black Dome and Thomas Cole as a duet since the col between them is relatively inconsequential. Thomas Cole doesn't have too much to offer as far as views are concerned compared to the other two. Of the whole experience I found two things most impressive. The trek DOWN Blackhead, toward Black Dome is one of the most memorable views I have seen in the Catskills. The view of Blackhead, looking back while climbing up "The Dome", is also something forever etched in my memory.
Reviewed by Brian S. on 10/13/2003 This one of the nicest hikes in the Catskills. The section that goes over Thomas Cole is a great getaway, as it is very uncrowded. I prefer to make this a leisurely two day backpack, rather than a strenuous day hike. Check out the rock carvings from the 1800's on the ledge near the peak of Thomas Cole. The views along the entire route are outstanding. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||