Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

I'm thinking of doing Balsam and Eagle from Rider Hollow (I'm too lazy for McKenley!) tomorrow, unless someone wants to go hiking with me and has a better suggestion. I'll most likely get to the trailhead around 10 or 10:30 if someone wants to join me at the last minute. I had something else planned, but my partner cancelled on me. If someone wants to try to grab a bushwhack, I'd be game. (I'm even cool with leading one, but solo bushwhacking is getting a little beyond my risk tolerance.)

I'll check the board tonight and in the morning before I leave, but if you really are interested, it would be better to shoot me an email: kevin.b.kenny@gmail.com.

Sorry Kevin. I have to go to Kingston tomorrow. Eagle is pretty boring, but Balsam is quite nice. Nice view point. I like Rider Hollow too.

I've done Balsam before, so I know it's nice. I need a second climb of Balsam for the 35, and I haven't done Eagle. The last time I tried it (2 years ago), I turned back because the ice was all slushy and my spikes wouldn't grip it. The going was just too sketchy. You're right, Rider Hollow has those magnificent stands of old-growth hemlocks that are just awe-inspiring.