Eagle and Balsam Oct. 15
Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2015 10:54 am
Hike date: Oct. 8
Most reports on these mountains describe then as boring with nothing to look at so I figured to hike during peak foliage season to avoid green tunnel syndrome. To make things more interesting I bushwhacked up the east side of Eagle from the McKinley Hollow PA for a partial loop hike. I initially followed some old log roads to the broad east arm of Eagle. From there it was easy going up to about 2850’ where the first of a series of classic Catskill ledge steps appeared. All of the ledges were easy to get around and as I ascended, traces of logging disappeared and the forest transitioned to fine first growth. Higher up, I ranged to the left side of the ridge where there were occasional glimpses of the Burroughs Range along the ledge escarpments. After 1.5 hours, I came out on the PH-WB trail at 3530’. From there, it was a quick walk to Eagle’s wooded but pleasant summit. After ranging around the SW summit area for views- no luck- I headed north across Haynes to Balsam, completely immersed in fall colors. I finally reached Balsam lookout in 4:25 hours. The descent down McKenley Hollow through the first growth forest was quite scenic. Whoever built the new switchbacks and stone steps did a great job. The lean-to at the base of the hollow is a nice spot. I reached the PA after 6.5 hours. This was a great hike.
Most reports on these mountains describe then as boring with nothing to look at so I figured to hike during peak foliage season to avoid green tunnel syndrome. To make things more interesting I bushwhacked up the east side of Eagle from the McKinley Hollow PA for a partial loop hike. I initially followed some old log roads to the broad east arm of Eagle. From there it was easy going up to about 2850’ where the first of a series of classic Catskill ledge steps appeared. All of the ledges were easy to get around and as I ascended, traces of logging disappeared and the forest transitioned to fine first growth. Higher up, I ranged to the left side of the ridge where there were occasional glimpses of the Burroughs Range along the ledge escarpments. After 1.5 hours, I came out on the PH-WB trail at 3530’. From there, it was a quick walk to Eagle’s wooded but pleasant summit. After ranging around the SW summit area for views- no luck- I headed north across Haynes to Balsam, completely immersed in fall colors. I finally reached Balsam lookout in 4:25 hours. The descent down McKenley Hollow through the first growth forest was quite scenic. Whoever built the new switchbacks and stone steps did a great job. The lean-to at the base of the hollow is a nice spot. I reached the PA after 6.5 hours. This was a great hike.