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Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:11 pm
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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Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 3:23 pm
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.

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:35 pm
by bikenhike
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing your experience. Very enjoyable.

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:27 am
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.

Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:24 pm
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?