Twin and Indian Head Mtn - July 8, 2012

[mike]

Alexis wanted to do a more challenging hike this weekend. Saturday turned out to be one of those hotter days we like to avoid when hiking. A cold front was coming in late Saturday, so we decided that we would hike on Sunday. We arrived at the Preidger parking lot a little after 9 am. We then headed up the trail. The first 1-3/4 miles is fairly flat and easy going. But, once you hit the last 1/4 mile to the Jimmy Dolan Notch, the uphill grade increases dramatically. We huffed-and-puffed our way up the mountain to the notch. While the temperatures were in the low 70's the humidity was high and there was NO wind. It was a little uncomfortable hiking up the hill.

After some hemming-and-hawing over which mountain to climb first, we decided on Twin. We then headed up the trail. There are a couple difficult sections, but Twin is the easiest of the four mountains on the Devil's Path on the Indian Head Mountain Range. We slowly made our way up to the top. Once on top, there is a nice view point looking at Indian Head Mountain. We were not disappointed by the view. We then headed to the 225 degree view point. The trees had gotten taller since I had been there in 2009. The DEC trimmed some of the trees, but not enough. Some of the view is now obstructed. But, it is still a nice view. The blueberries still are not ripe - Major disappointment! We then headed over to the other Twin summit. Easy short hike. The last section before the summit has a few small challenges, but nothing terrible. We then spent some time on the summit.

We then headed back to the first Twin summit for lunch. When we got there the sun was out, and it was hot. But, the clouds came rolling and it cooled off. Then the wind started to blow pretty good. Natural A/C - It was great. After lunch, we headed down Twin to the Jimmy Dolan Notch.

We then headed up Indian Head Mountain. It was a steady uphill climb, with only one climbing section. Nothing terrible. Once we got by the summit, we turned around and headed back down the the Jimmy Dolan Notch, and then down the hill. The hike back to the car was fairly short and easy.

During the day, we were invaded by caterpillars. They kept falling onto our shirts. Loads of butterflies to sweeten the view. Overall, we had a good day hiking. Twin is considered one the best views in the Catskill Mountains.

Here are a couple pictures of our adventures:


The flat 1-3/4 miles of the beginning and end of the hike


The trail signs at Jimmy Dolan Notch


One of the difficult sections up Twin Mountain


View of Indian Head Mountain from Twin Mountain


View of Indian Head Mountain from Twin Mountain


Trail on the summit of Twin Mountain


The 225 degree view Point from Summit #1 of Twin Mountain


Unripe Blueberry bushes


Panoramic view from Summit #1 (225 degree view)


The trail up Indian Head Mountain

[Peakbagr]

Great trip report and photos, Mike and Alexis.

[mtnclimber]

Really like the view of Indian Head. I don't think you can ever get sick of the views from Twin. Nice hike.

[TrunksWD]

Great shots from the peak of Twin. I haven't been up there yet and it looks like I'm in for a treat.

[mike]

Pick a nice clear day to do this hike. The views are one of the best in the Catskills. On a clear Fall day, the view point can actually get crowded.