(A. Purdy)

Enjoy this 9.5-mile hike, beginning at the Stork’s Nest Parking area, climbing to Dutcher Notch, and reaching the Arizona (3413’) and Blackhead Mountain (3940’) summits. This scenic trail hike is rated as difficult, includes 2728’ of elevation gain, and will take at least six-to-eight hours. Participants need to bring lunch and snacks, plenty of water and sports drink, headlamp or flashlight, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hiking poles (optional). Participants must pre-register by September 5 by contacting leader Al Purdy via email Albertpurdy1@aol.com or by phone (845) 514-0919. Dogs are not permitted; and severe weather cancels the hike.

From NYS Thruway Exit 21 Catskill make a left at traffic light, go approximately 0.4 miles and turn right on Route 23 West. Go 5.2 miles and turn left onto Silver Spur Rd. Take Silver Spur Rd. for 1.3 miles then turn right and an immediate left onto the Mountain Ave. Take Mountain Ave. .75 and stay left on Co. Rte. 39. Take 39 1.25 miles to stop sign. Continue straight across intersection onto Maple Lawn Road for 1.25 miles. Turn left and make first right onto Storks Nest Rd. Continue to end of Storks Nest Road and parking area is on the left.

From Windham (at the junction of State Route 23 and County Route 21), take Route 23 East 11.9 miles and turn right onto Hearts Content Road (Co. Rte. 31). Take Rte. 31 for 3.5 miles and turn right onto Maple Lawn Rd. Take Maple Lawn Rd. for 1.25 miles. Turn left and make first right onto Storks Nest Rd. Continue to end of Storks Nest Road and parking area is on the left.

GPS coordinates of trailhead: 42.252398, -74.053720

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nBNr1KTdLtH5vKjB7