Here’s a challenging 12.6-miler along the eastern Devil’s Path with great views and fun scrambles. With over 4000' of elevation gain, this challenging hike is rated as difficult and is expected to take about ten hours. The pace of the hike will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed, typically) 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, headlamp, and extra batteries. (We will probably finish after dark.)
This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com by January 31. Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about two to four days before the hike. (More info below.)
Meet, ready to shuttle, no later than 8am, at the Prediger trail head, off of Platte Clove Rd. *Note, the eastern section of Platte Clove Road is closed for the winter.
Directions to Prediger Road Trailhead: To reach the trailhead from State Route 23A east in Tannersville, bear left on South Main St., stay left on Spruce (becomes Platte Clove Rd.) and at 1.5 miles stay left on Platte Clove Road and continue another 4.2 miles. Turn right on Prediger Road, following the signs for forest preserve parking near the end of the road.
From Route 23A west, take a right on Bloomer Road (.6 miles after the 23A/ 214 jnctn). Just after a mile stay to the right at the yield signs and onto Platte Clove Road (Co. Hwy. 16). Continue 4.3 miles and turn right on Prediger Road, following the signs for forest preserve parking near the end of the road.
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vHJdQzeqL3cMtZSdA
GPS Coordinates: 42.1340112, -74.104360
More info
Bring:
• Headlamps with extra batteries
• Poles with snow baskets
• Warm, water resistant boots
• Gaiters
• Traction aides
• Snowshoes
• Extra mittens, liners, caps
• Survival gear/supplies (puffy, bivy, fire starting materials, extra food/water)
• Snow shovel, ice scraper, tow rope in car
• Change of boots/clothes in car
• Sleeping bag/blanket in car
Also from Marv:
• I can provide loaner gear. Tell me what you need.
• Set up Google offline mapping so you can head home without cell service.
• Well behaved dogs are generally welcome, with my permission. Please request my permission before bringing a dog. My standards for what constitutes a "well behaved" dog are pretty high. Please tell me if you're uncomfortable hiking with dogs.