This one-way hike will traverse three Catskill High Peaks: Blackhead (3940'), Black Dome (3994'), and Thomas Cole (3953'). Rated moderate-difficult, this 7.3-mile hike is expected to take six hours. We will hike at a moderate pace (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) with steep climbs, and short breaks. Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, water/ sports drink, snowshoes, traction aids (e.g. microspikes), warm layers of clothes, proper outerwear, winter boots, gaiters, poles, and a headlamp and batteries.
This hike is limited to 12 people and registration is required by January 17. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader. Note, meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about two to four days before the hike.
We will meet at the end of Barnum Road, ready to shuttle by 8:00 am. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave most cars here and will caravan to the parking area near the end of Big Hollow Road to start our hike. Please do not park in the snowplow turn-around, or block any driveway.
GPS Coordinates are 42.26399, -74.17666
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G727Db4fcoc5uGrz8
Directions to Barnum Road: From NYS Thruway (87) Saugerties/ Exit 20, turn right on 32 North for six miles and keep straight onto NY-32A. Take NY-32A for 0.6 miles, bear left onto NY-23A. Take Route 23A for 5.5 mi. and turn right onto Co. Hwy 25. At 2.8 mi. stay right onto Co. Hwy 23C; in another four miles turn right onto Co. Hwy 40. In 1.1 mi. turn right onto Hauser Rd for 0.5 mi./ end. Turn right onto Barnum Road and trailhead parking is 0.4 mi.
From NY-23 in Windham, take 23 east to NY-296; turn right on 296 and take 1.5 miles and stay straight (296 goes left) onto Co. Hwy 40 (Maplecrest Rd.) and continue two miles to Maplecrest. Turn right, staying on Hwy 40, climb the hill for .3 of a mile and turn left onto Barnum Rd. Continue to trailhead parking (0.4 mi.).
From NY-23 in East Windham, take 23 west to Co. Hwy 65 and turn left onto 65A. Take 65A, this merges with Co. Hwy. 40, and continue three miles to Maplecrest. Turn right, staying on Hwy 40, climb the hill for .3 of a mile and turn left onto Barnum Rd. Continue to trailhead parking (0.4 mi.).