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DISTANCE: 5.8 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 1,840 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 3,940 feet DIFFICULTY: Strenuous HIKING TIME: 4 hours |
Named after the renowned eighteenth-century artist who painted several Catskill landscapes, Thomas Cole Mountain is nestled next to Black Dome Mountain in the Windham Blackhead Wilderness. While not unpopular by any stretch, Thomas Cole is probably the quietest high peak in the range, especially when approaching from the west. The route described here will take you on a lightly travelled footpath that traverses Caudal and Camel’s Hump as well, two of the smaller summits that share residency in the Blackhead Range.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 20 (Saugerties) from the New York State Thruway, then turn left onto NY-212/NY-32. At the traffic light, take a right onto NY-32 North. In 6 miles, continue straight onto NY-32A. In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Route 23A, and drive up the winding mountain road toward Tannersville. After driving through Tannersville, turn right at the traffic light onto Hill Street (County Route 23C). Head north on NY-23C for 6.1 miles. Turn right onto County Route 40, and follow it for 1 mile before turning right onto Hauser Road. Follow Hauser Road until it ends, and turn right again onto Elmer Barnum Road, continuing on about half a mile. The parking area is a wide turnaround at the end of the road.
GPS SHORTCUT
Search Google Maps for “Hauser Road & Barnum Road” and follow your GPS to the intersection. Follow Elmer Barnum Road to where it ends to reach the trailhead.
THE TRAIL
Follow a rocky jeep road from the parking area, heading into the woods on the Black Dome Trail, a red-blazed path that spans nearly the entire Blackhead Range. You will follow the red trail markers for the entirety of the hike. The first portion of the trail crosses private land, so please stay on the designated path and respect the landowner’s wishes. After nearly half a mile you will come to a DEC register and turn left to start climbing uphill. The trail ascends moderately through pleasant open forest along a nicely maintained trail for 0.4 mile before twisting to the right. At this point you will begin climbing much more aggressively by way of a few switchbacks that will lead you through several steep sections that are occasionally scattered with boulders. After switchbacking through these rocky segments, the trail begins ascending more directly. There is a nice viewpoint that faces southeast about halfway up Caudal, the first hill you will climb today.
The crest of Caudal is roughly 0.3 mile from the viewpoint and is a small round area sparsely covered with trees and underbrush. Once you reach the top, the trail will begin descending immediately, dropping about 150 feet before leveling for nearly 0.3 mile. Your next climb will be up Camel’s Hump, which ascends roughly 350 feet in just over a quarter of a mile. The trail here is very direct and very steep, so take your time. Once you reach the top there is another vista to the right, which also faces southeast.
Continue on the Black Dome Trail, descending into the col between Camel’s Hump and Thomas Cole. The trail here is easy and enjoyable, as it follows the ridgeline through scraggly evergreen trees lacing the rocky terrain. You may be able to look out into the valley below, but most of the views are obscured by trees. A little less than half a mile from Camel’s Hump, you will begin to ascend sharply once more as you begin to climb up the shoulder of Thomas Cole. The conifer forest becomes much more dense here, and you will notice a good amount of blowdown off-trail. Continue climbing and reach the summit of Thomas Cole Mountain in about 0.5 mile. The trail will begin to level out as you come to the peak. There are no views from the top due to the abundance of trees here, mostly spruce and fir, but an open area located on the summit offers hikers a nice place to take a quiet break.
When you are ready, return the way you came, retracing your steps along the red trail back to your vehicle.
