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DISTANCE: 5 miles TYPE: Loop TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 1,790 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 3,940 feet DIFFICULTY: Strenuous HIKING TIME: 4 hours |
The namesake for this grand northeastern range, Blackhead Mountain, at 3,940 feet sits well above the 3,500-foot Catskill high peak demarcation, and is tied with its westward brother Thomas Cole Mountain for fourth tallest summit in the Catskill Park. And while 40 feet shorter than Black Dome, Blackhead wins the prize for steepest climb out of the other two peaks in the range, climbing more than 1,000 feet in less than a mile. That being said, Blackhead offers spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness and is a real treat for hikers looking to push their limits. Because of the steep grade of the climb, hikers looking to tackle this peak in the winter months should check the weather and snowfall estimates, as well as come prepared with good traction devices. The trail near the summit can be very icy.
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 until you come to the small town of Maplecrest, in about 2 miles. Veer right onto Big Hollow Road and drive for 4 miles. The parking area is at the very end of the road. Be aware that the last mile or so of this road is considered seasonal and is not maintained during winter months. During times of heavy snowfall, you may need to park on the side of the road, as the parking area is rarely plowed.
GPS SHORTCUT
Type “Blackhead Mountain, Jewett, NY” into Google Maps and your GPS will navigate you to the appropriate trailhead.
THE TRAIL
The trailhead is at the end of the road, which enters the woods on the red-blazed Black Dome Trail. The trail follows the dirt road you drove in on for a short distance, briefly crossing private land before transitioning into an easily recognizable rocky trail that follows the twists and turns of the scenic Batavia Kill. You’ll cross the stream at a few points, climbing gently as you do. There are no footbridges in place, but there are plenty of rocks to aid you. During periods of high runoff it may be impossible to cross without getting a little wet.
Continue to follow the Black Dome Trail for 0.6 miles until you reach the start of the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail, which turns off to the left. Take this trail, continuing the gradual climb beside the stream. In about 0.6 mile, you will come to the Batavia Kill Shelter, located off the trail to the left in an area that is often wet. Stop and take a break if you wish, and then continue to follow the yellow blazes. The trail will briefly level off a short distance past the shelter before turning sharply to the left. Be attentive to the trail markers, as it can be easy to miss this turn if you are absorbed in the beautiful scenery. After making the turn, the trail will begin to climb much more arduously than it has up until now. The trail will lead you uphill for about one-tenth of a mile before gaining the ridge and ending at the intersection of the Escarpment Trail.
At this point you have climbed roughly 700 feet in 1.5 miles. The summit is only 0.9 miles away, but you’ll need to climb 1,090 feet to reach it! Turn right, following the blue blazes of the Escarpment Trail as it climbs uphill, getting steadily steeper as you continue. Use caution while you ascend, as the trail may be wet and rocky, or sometimes snowy and icy even in the spring and fall. Additionally, the drop-off can be very steep and sheer at certain points. Looking out to the left as you ascend will give you occasional spotty views of the Escarpment ridge as it progresses south.
The last tenth of a mile to the top is especially steep and will require you to use your hands to continue climbing. Take your time and use common sense. At the summit you will reach the junction of the yellow-blazed Blackhead Mountain Trail, which cuts to the right. Ignore this trail for now and continue down the Escarpment Trail for a few hundred feet without losing too much elevation and come to an excellent viewpoint, which faces east. On a clear day you may be able to see the Hudson River from here. When you are ready to resume hiking, return to the Blackhead Mountain Trail and follow it along the crest of the mountain. Begin descending along the same trail shortly. There is a nice vista on a sloping stone face, which you’ll soon come to after beginning your descent, boasting superb views of neighboring Black Dome Mountain.
Continue descending to the col between Blackhead and Black Dome, meeting with the Black Dome Trail when you arrive. Turn right and follow the red blazes downhill as the trail switchbacks through a few steep sections before becoming less abrupt and begins following a tributary of the Batavia Kill. You will travel the Black Dome Trail for 1.4 miles before reaching the junction of the Batavia Kill Trail. At this point, turn left, continuing to follow the red blazes back to your vehicle, reminiscing as you walk beside the stream.
VIEW OF BLACKHEAD MOUNTAIN FROM BURNT KNOB
