Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

I would like to thank this website for the detailed trail description for going up Kaaterskill High Peak from the South Access. I have hiked this peak numerous times from the south, but only on the private south trail by invitation. I throughly enjoyed the hike from the DEC Trail head at the end of Platte Clove Rd. up past the trail junction to Huckleberry point and up to the rock cairn on the left side of the trail for the short cut up to the snowmobile trail. I must say though, that this was probably the part that was the "sketchiest" in terms of staying on the trail - perhaps that should be noted for people who don't have much navigation skill? We made it to the second cairn, but after going off in several directions, just decided to get out the map and compass and go our own way. I believe someone could easily get lost right there. Once on the snowmobile trail, it was muddy and very over grown with needles. We continued up and over High Peak, through the 3 ravines, poets ledge, and finished at the bottom of route 23A. One of the best hikes I've done up here. One question though - what are the arrows on the benchmarks pointing towards? I thought at first number 2 was pointing to number one and visa versa, but that's not the case, and they weren't pointing north either....

The short trail that connects the Long Path to the Snowmobile trail is a very old trail. It was used by the Mohawk Indians many years ago. The path continued to be popular during the 1800's and early 1900's. After the Snowmobile trail was built the trail fell out of favor. Today, the path has regenerated out of popularity. It is very evident from the Long Path to the Indian Camp. But, from the second Cairn to the snowmobile trail is basically a bushwhack. People move to the left for the south access, or move right for the north access. I am sure the trail will regenerate over time. We probably should make a note on our page about this.

The route you took is a real nice route. I really like the path along the 3 water falls. It is such a nice walk. Poet's Ledge is fantastic in the morning on a clear day. Glad you liked the hike.

The waypoints are on the map because the GPS unit puts them there. We put the waypoints there for people who are using GPS unit. The waypoints will register the exact point. I hope that explains it.

Great route if you can spot a car. I really like the walk across the rim where the waterfalls are. Haven't been up to hawkeye.