Southern Escarpment

[mike]

On Saturday Alexis and I headed to the Catskill Mountains for a day hike. We had planned on hiking up towards North Point, but changed our minds when we discovered a dusting of snow had covered the ground. Instead we decided to take the 3rd ledge trail to Boulder Rock and then hike the southern escarpment in the Kaaterskill Clove. It was slippery due to the snow.

The 3rd ledge trail was still pretty good. Most of the snow was up in the tree, so it was easier hiking. It is always nice to walk thru the conifer forest. When we arrived at Boulder Rock we ran into a guy hiking for the day. Had a nice talk and then moved on. We then hiked up to the USGS Post Monument. On the way back we explored the thin chute down below Boulder Rock.

We then hiked down to the Southern Escarpment to Kaaterskill Clove. It was slightly windy, and actually cold. We brought extra clothing and we used it too. The first part of the trail was muddy, but not terrible. Once at Inspiration Point, the trail got better. We stopped at Sunset Rock (improperly marked as Inspiration Point by the DEC). Took a few pictures and moved on.

We then hiked up the DEC trails back to the car. About 5.3 miles and some great views. Without leaves there is almost a view on most the escarpment. Overall, we had a great day. Here are some pictures:


Map of the hike


Snow Covered road around North-South Lake


Pine Orchard - 3rd Ledge Trail


USGS Post Monument


Route from Boulder Rock to the trail below the ledge


Southern Escarpment


View from Inspiration Point


View of Santa Cruz Falls from Sunset Ledge

[Jon]

Great pics. They bring back memories for me. Since I was a little kid we used to go camping at N/S lake and hiked up to north point. We would also go up south mountain sometimes and around the southern escarmpent. The falls was a must every year as well. I haven't been over by south mountain in about 15 years though. I might go for a snowshoe there this winter if I can get my car up to the plateau

[mike]

We hike around North-South lake quite a bit in the Winter. Maybe you can join us sometime.