Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

Hi all. This is my first post here.

I couldn't decide whether to hike KHP or Blackhead. I hiked Blackhead last March but decided to go for it again because of the views. What a difference a year makes. Instead of crazy deep snow and thick ice, the trails were in great shaped. I brought crampons and microspikes just in case. For the most part, there was no snow or ice. The last 250 ft up to Blackhead did have quite a bit of soft-ish ice and I decided to don my microspikes. Maybe they were not absolutely necessary but they were much more comfortable.

I am always amazed by the approach near the lean-to as the trail rises to meet the top of the escarpment. The views out to Round Top, Catskill and the Hudson, etc. were outstanding. After reaching the summit I took the detour left for Camp Steel and the lookout approximately 0.25 miles east, an easy walk. I have never seen that spot and I was glad I made the effort, it's not to be missed. The hike down to Lockwood Gap is steep and dramatic. I noticed several steel posts rising about 12 inches out of the ground and supporting rocks. It looks like someone is trying to reinforce the trail to prevent undue erosion. I stopped to take a drink from the spring before descending into the quite forest below. There I stopped to view the multiple waterways and gentle falls.

There were two other groups on the trail. One signed in before me and one after me. I never saw either of them, though both groups signed out before me.

Sounds like you had a nice hike. There are two lookouts down towards Camp Steel. The 2nd one has the best views. Blackhead is always nice to hike. I like to hike it from the lockwood gap side. Nice either way. Years ago, the top of blackhead was cleared off. I bet the views were spectacular.

Yes, I believe I went all the way to the second lookout. It is quite spectacular.

Yup, the 2nd view is better. blackhead is a real nice hike any time of the year. Just don't want to be there in high winds.

Here a picture.

I think that is the 1st view point. But I could be wrong.

mike wrote:I think that is the 1st view point. But I could be wrong.

Next time I'm up there I'll go farther. It was quite a large ledge. Hard to imagine it gets better than that.

Both view points are excellent. But, the second one is better. The first one has "Camp Steel" painted on the rock.

mike wrote:Both view points are excellent. But, the second one is better. The first one has "Camp Steel" painted on the rock.

Yes, I did hit the second view point. It was well past the "Camp Steel." Also I superimposed my GPS track on yours and indeed, I did go as far as you to the second view point.
The first picture above was taken from the extreme right of the view point. Here is a panorama of the entire view. Hope you can enjoy it.

I think that solves it!