Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

We have a question on trail surfaces. One person in our party has a tough time walking on rock-strewn surfaces. The combination of eyesight issues at ground distance, loose ankles and a short stride make it hard for the person to walk on rocky trails. For example, we tried climbing Cascade (near L. Placid) and the going was tough and slow. We started kinda late but did not summit. This is rated an easy peak, but my friend (a 46er) says that was typical for a ‘Daks peak trail.

Our hiker does fine on reasonably flat surfaces, has good endurance, keeps in good shape and is a strong climber. Using low light walking shoes. I have my doubts that high boots will help; I don’t put much faith in boots with “ankle support” and the person’s ankles are really floppy.

We are spending a week in the North-South Lake area in October and would like to summit a peak or loop the scenic trails in the area.

So two questions:
1. Do trails in the Catskills often have a layer of fist-sized rocks on the surface?
2. Can anyone recommend a trail or trails with great views and a basically flat surface?
We don’t need a groomed trail. Some rock or tree root is fine.

Advice please?

Dale

I am a firm believer in heavier, leather boots. I'm always rolling an ankle or stubbing my toes. My boot of choice is the Cresta, by LL Bean, a mid-weight boot, perhaps heavy to some folks.

The Catskills are loaded with rocks, generally, fist-sized, gravel sized, and bread-box sized. I can't think of a trail that has a flat surface, but you can aim for some of the trails around North/South Lake. You can get to some nice views w/o going too far; Sunset and Artists rock, Boot-Jack Rock to Boulder Rock and beyond to the Hotel Kaaterskill site.

Some Catskill hikes are loaded with rocks. Others, not so much.

There are some nice trails around North-South Lake. Hiking north of the North-South Lake campgrounds should be avoided. LOTS of rocks and ledges. but, south of there might be good. The southern part of the Escarpment might be too difficult.

You could also hike the Colgate Lake trail to Dutcher's Notch. Pretty much flat and very few rocks. It is an old road. http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/WB-colgate.html

You could also hike Windham Mtn. Some rocks in the beginning, but not too bad. Nice views on top. I would hike it from the south side. http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/WB-WHP.html

There is also Rochester Hollow. Another old road.

Another hike that might be good is Huntersfield Mtn. You can drive up to the pass and park. then hike to the summit and come back. Short hike of a couple miles. this link shows it as a loop. Once you get to the summit, just turn around. The loop would probably be too difficult. http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/PM-huntersfield.html

You can also do Bearpen from Ski Run Road. it is an old road. There is a long ridge walk that is flat and good. Here are two ways to do it.
http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/BWF-bearpen.html
http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/BWF-bearpen2.html

the hike up Hunter Mountain from Spruceton road is just an old Jeep trail.