Introduction

The Pine Hill West Branch Trail traverses Balsam Mountain, one of the four required winter peaks, with the true summit just off the trail to the east. Access from a number of nearby parking areas makes for many route options and choices.

The Pine Hill West Branch Trail traverses Balsam Mountain, one of the four required winter peaks, with the true summit just off the trail to the east. Access from a number of nearby parking areas makes for many route options and choices.

The center peak in the Blackhead Range, Black Dome is the tallest of the three. The Black Dome Range Trail traverses the peak, running east-west, and features some steep pitches and challenging ledges from both approaches. Fine views to the south are available from a small opening in the balsams at the summit.

One of three mountains in the northeastern Catskills’ Blackhead range, Blackhead Mountain is one of the four required winter peaks. This peak is also the tallest of the peaks on the 24 mile Escarpment trail. The ascent from the east is one of the few places in the Catskills that typically requires crampons during winter conditions, which often continues past official winter dates. Excellent views are available from a number of places along the different trails.

Look down on skiers at Hunter Mountain Ski area from the fire tower at the true summit of Hunter Mountain. Multiple trails provide access to Hunter’s summit. Fire tower, historic tender’s cabin, and privy are located at the summit. The John Robb lean to and the Devil’s Acre lean to are both located approximately one mile from the summit.

Panther Mountain is one of the club’s four required winter peaks, and is traversed by the Giant Ledge – Panther – Fox Hollow Trail. The summit offers excellent views from a small ledge. Additional views abound along the length of the trail from Giant Ledge across the summit and northern false summits of this peak.

One of two high peaks that feature fire towers, Balsam Lake Mountain is accessed from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, a short side trail off the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Trailed approaches from the north, south and west offer plenty of variation for visiting this peak. While no views are possible from the summit without ascending the tower, the dense balsam fir forest is beautiful and serene.

This peak lies just outside the Catskill Park, located in Bearpen State Forest. Trailed by a snowmobile trail, Bearpen is considered by many to be an untrailed peak due to the lack of a foot trail. There is no canister on this mountain. Formerly a ski area, look for old machinery in the woods and fabulous views from the top of the old ski runs.

One of three mountains in the northeastern Catskills’ Blackhead range, Blackhead Mountain is one of the four required winter peaks. This peak is also the tallest of the peaks on the 24 mile Escarpment trail. The ascent from the east is one of the few places in the Catskills that typically requires crampons during winter conditions, which often continues past official winter dates. Excellent views are available from a number of places along the different trails.

The center peak in the Burroughs Range, Cornell’s summit lies just off the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail and one of the other two peaks must be climbed in order to reach Cornell by trail. Bushwack routes are extremely steep. A rock scramble just east of the summit called The Cornell Crack is one of the Catskills more difficult scrambles and can be treacherous in winter conditions. Excellent views are available from the top of this scramble.

The easternmost peak on the Devil’s Path trail, Indian Head was named for its profile as you view from points south. A challenging hike with rock scrambles from both directions, Indian Head offers multiple view points and gorgeous balsam fir dominated summit.

Panther Mountain is one of the club’s four required winter peaks, and is traversed by the Giant Ledge – Panther – Fox Hollow Trail. The summit offers excellent views from a small ledge. Additional views abound along the length of the trail from Giant Ledge across the summit and northern false summits of this peak.