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BIG Indian/Fir, Oct 8

Balsam Mtn (3602), Beaver Kill Range, Big Indian Mtn, Eagle, Hayes, Hirams Knob, Fir, Hemlock, High Falls Ridge, Mongaup, Sand Pond Mtn, Spruce, Willowemoc, Winnisock Lake Mt,
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traprocker
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:49 am

BIG Indian/Fir, Oct 8

Unread post by traprocker »

It was supposed to be a cloudy day so I headed over to the Biscuit Brook TH for a hike into the “viewless range”. After a brief, stiff ascent, it was an easy 45 minutes to the lean-to. After the brook crossing, I stayed on the trail to Big Indian- the climb was pleasant with a brook to the side, some impressive trees and a few ledges. I was hoping to do Eagle but after I spotted Fir Mtn through the trees, I decided there would not be enough time, it looked pretty far off. The sun was out but once at the 3500 foot mark, clouds rolled overhead and a stiff wind blew over Big Indian’s gnarled, forested shoulder. I reached the canister in 2:15. After the leaving the summit towards the col, I got disoriented and ended up on a rock with a nice view of the Slide-Table area. The foliage peak is fading fast.

The trip across the col was difficult with ledge bands, dense balsam thickets and beech branch “fencing”. I should of brought safety glasses as i got whipped across the face and eye. I found a footpath in the divide then quickly lost it due to downed leaves and ended up a on a rock with a view down the Biscuit Brook valley. I ambled up, went in circles on the broad north summit, then found a path to the south, true summit and the canister. It took 1:50 to go across the col to the Fir canister. From the summit, I followed a footpath southwest but lost it at a ledge drop, then pushed down to the stream, hitting the marked trail above the lean-to (40 mins). I stopped at the lean-to for a much needed rest- nice spot- then back to the TH. Total time 6hr. 30 mins. No one else around- last name in register was on Oct. 5., Slide PA was empty too, a few cars at Giant Ledge PA.
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: BIG Indian/Fir, Oct 8

Unread post by mike »

Never seen this view point. Nice find. The trip from Big Indian to Fir has been known as "difficult". Most people have a hard time in the Winter because it drifts with snow, and makes it difficult to get across the col. If you travel from Fir along the ledge, I think that there is another view point there. But, very few people ever go that way.

Looks like you had a good time. Nice trip report!
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