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North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Kaaterskill Falls, North/South Lake, North Point, North Mtn, Palenville Overlook, Rip's House, South Mtn, Stoppel Point
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by mike »

On Saturday, Nov 21, I headed up to North-South Lake. My plan was to bushwhack up Spruce Creek to North Mountain. I had done this route before. Last time I ended up on Stoppel Point instead of North Mountain. This time I came out below Stoppel Point. I always seem to get it messed up. But, I still had fun.

It was sunny, and the temps were 40-50 degrees. Perfect for hiking. I parked at Scutt Road, and hiked back down North Lake Road to Spruce Creek. I then started to hike up Spruce Creek. There was a LOT of water. They got a lot more rain then the valley. So, the water was flowing well. When I got up to the cirque, I took a right and hiked up the stream that branches off to the east. I then saw an easy way up to the top of the Escarpment Trail. This was a mistake because it took me towards Stoppel Point instead of North Mountain. Not a big deal, but still a mistake. Hiked up the cirque. When I got up to the top, I found an old logging road. I followed it for a while before cutting over to the Escarpment Trail. Hiked down the Escarpment Trail to North Mountain.

I then redid the tracks to the hidden campground looking over North-South Lake. It is about 450' off the trail with a nice view over North-South Lake and the Hudson River. There is a fire ring and an eating table, and a place for about 3-4 tents. sits right on the edge of the Escarpment. Wouldn't advice it for sleep walkers. Beautiful place to camp.

I then walked down to Lookout #1 and #2. No one on North Point. I then hiked down to the trail junction. I took a left and hiked further down the Escarpment Trail. When I got to Badman's Cave. I took a right and hiked down the Glen Mary. On the upper ledge waterfall, there was a LOT of water on the trail. About a foot underwater. Still nice. I then hiked down to North-South Lake Campground. Only saw two people on the trail all day. When I got to the campground there were a lot of people walking around. Overall, it was a real nice day.

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Old logging road near Stoppel Point

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where you leave the path to find the campground - You can see the rim in the distance

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View from the campsite. You can see the fire ring

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North Point DEC trail sign
Birdman
Posts: 135
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:23 pm

Re: North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by Birdman »

I have never been to North Mountain. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a great day. Regards
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by mike »

The two view spots (North Point) have excellent views over the valley. Well worth the hike
mtnclimber
Posts: 496
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 10:46 pm

Re: North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by mtnclimber »

Another magical section of the Escarpment Trail. The trail from North Point down to North Lake is so nice.
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kennykb
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Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:19 pm
Location: Niskayuna, NY
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Re: North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by kennykb »

Glad to see that you've returned to the trail with a vengeance! It gives me some hope that MY foot will be up to the task again.

This plantar fasciitis stuff is for the birds.
I'm not lost. I know exactly where I am. I'm right here.
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: North Mountain - bushwhacked from Spruce Ck

Unread post by mike »

It took me a year to get over the plantar fasciitis. I thought that it would never heal. But, slowly it did. I am slowly trying to get back into it. Nice to be back out there again.
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