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Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Acra Point, Black Dome, Blackhead Mtn, Burnt Knob, Dutchers Notch, Elm Ridge, Thomas Cole, Windham High Peak
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Mitch
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:00 am

Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Unread post by Mitch »

Hiked up Windham High peak last Tuesday from Peck Rd. I arrived at the empty trailhead at 9AM. There was a light dusting of snow, with a layer of ice underneath. I strapped on the crampons and set off.

After a short while I arrived at the Elm Ridge Lean-to. After a short break, I continued on into the thick old growth plantations. I gotta say, it was kinda unnerving walking into such a dense, dark, forest! Really beautiful though.

I came across a lot of little animal tracks on the trail. The most notable looked like coyote or fox tracks. I'm no expert, maybe someone can help ease my curiosity here. :)

I made it to the summit after a gentle hike and enjoyed the 3 views on Windham Mountain. I had lunch on the ledge, overlooking the Blackheads. What a beautifully warm and sunny day up there!

By the time I started to head back down, temps were peaking in the low-mid 40s and the ice was beginning to melt. I was starting to wish I had microspikes as well, because most spots were exposed earth with only patches of ice. I eventually took of the crampons and avoided the few remaining ice patches. I passed one other hiker one the way down.

I got back to my car around 2PM and decided to stop at Kaaterskill Falls off 23a on the way back. I took some pictures from the road, and headed home. Eventually, I'd like to do the short hike from 23a to get a better view of the falls.

Icy path up:
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Tracks:
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Elm Ridge Lean-to:
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Dense old growth:
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First views of the BlackHead Range:
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From Windham summit:
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Kaaterskill Falls, lower tier from 23a:
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Last edited by Mitch on Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Unread post by mike »

Nice TR Mitch. WHP is a very nice hike. The views from the top are always enjoyable.

The tracks look like coyote tracks.

Kaaterskill Falls always looks nice. Wait until the ice melts a little more. When there is good water flowing, the views are always enjoyable. View from the top isn't that good.
bikenhike
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:53 pm

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Unread post by bikenhike »

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing your experience. Very enjoyable.
dharple
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:24 am

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Unread post by dharple »

Thanks for the TR. Looks like a fun hike.

Kaaterskill Falls is a relatively short hike, but the views are nice. Parking is a pain, though.
CTCatskillfan
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:18 pm

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Unread post by CTCatskillfan »

I have always enjoyed the views from Windham High Peak and the trek through the dark forest. Does anyone know what conditions are like now?
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