North-South Lake loop with the 3rd ledge

[mike]

This Winter has been one of those snow-less Winters. Over the last two weeks we have had to deal with icy trails. It has actually be quite dangerous for the poorly prepared hiker. Last night we got a dusting of snow, and the weather turned colder. The dusting of snow just covered up the treacherous ice. Today we would wear our microspikes the entire day. You couldn't tell where the ground had ice patches. On top of this, it was very windy. So, we decided that North-South lake would be our best bet. We would do the entire 3rd Ledge Trail. When it is windy, this trail protects hikers from the wind.

We arrived late. Somewhere around 10am. We headed up the north side of the lake. We followed the Yellow trail up to the other side of the lake. The lake was completely frozen and one group of people were ice fishing. Didn't feel comfortable walking across the lake with the weather being so warm the previous week.

Once we got to the other side of the lakes, we headed over to the top of the old Cog Rail Road. We then headed up to the old Catskill Mountain House site. We didn't stay long because the wind was blowing. We then headed up the very icy trail towards the 3rd Ledge Trail. We got up the the old water towers without too much difficulty. We then headed up to Puddingstone Hall to reach the top of the 3rd Ledge. When we got to Puddingstone Hall it was full of ice and hanging ice. We probably could have gotten up, but we didn't want to take a chance. So, we walked under the 3rd Ledge over to Druid's Rock. Walking among the rocks there is a great experience. We then found a place to get up on the top of the 3rd Ledge.

Walking down the 3rd Ledge was nice. A few trees were still across the trial from Hurricane Irene. Nothing terrible. The ice flows near the hotel road was flowing real good. We then headed up to the other side of the 3rd Ledge Trail. This trail is not well known, so the trail is harder to follow. We did a pretty good job following the trail. But, right near the end, we somehow ventured off the trail and came out about 250' north of the trail junction.

We then headed back to the car. We had a nice day in the woods. Here are a couple pictures:


South Lake from the Parking Area - It was overcast and windy and cold


Looking backwards from the other end of North Lake


View of Anvil Rock near the old Catskill Mountain House site


Puddingstone Hall and the ice flows - bottom of the 3rd Ledge


Part of the interesting rock fields between Puddingstone Hall and Druid's Rock


Alexis and I on opposite sides of one of the rocks.


The Pile-of-Rocks at the trail junction - The rock standing on end is about 20-25' high


Beautiful Trail thru Pine Orchard


Ice flows near the old Hotel Road


View of South lake near the outflow

[Mitch]

Great pictures Mike!