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:
Tracks:
Elm Ridge Lean-to:
Dense old growth:
First views of the BlackHead Range:
From Windham summit:
Kaaterskill Falls, lower tier from 23a:
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Windham High Peak 1-31-12
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Windham High Peak 1-31-12
Last edited by Mitch on Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
- mike
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Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12
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.
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.
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Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing your experience. Very enjoyable.
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Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12
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.
Kaaterskill Falls is a relatively short hike, but the views are nice. Parking is a pain, though.
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Re: Windham High Peak 1-31-12
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?