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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.




Old logging road near Stoppel Point


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


View from the campsite. You can see the fire ring


North Point DEC trail sign

I have never been to North Mountain. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a great day. Regards

The two view spots (North Point) have excellent views over the valley. Well worth the hike

Another magical section of the Escarpment Trail. The trail from North Point down to North Lake is so nice.

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.

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.