Plateau: Head and Shoulders | Saturday, October 10, 9 AM **2015**

Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series:  This hike covers portions of the Devil’s Path and Warner Creek Trail.

Join co-leaders Tom Martone and Laura Sanford for a thru hike which will explore the shoulders and peak of Plateau Mountain (3,840’). Starting from the parking area at the Devil’s Tombstone Campground, we will ascend through a challenging section of the Devil’s Path to the awesome lookout called Orchard Point. Having done most of the climbing early on, we’ll be hiking in the conifer forest above 3,500′ for several miles. We’ll reach the summit and continue on to a ledge viewpoint which overlooks Sugarloaf Mountain and have our lunch. Turning around we will hike back to the Warner Creek Trail junction and follow it to the parking area at Notch Inn Road. As we descend, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch nice views at the many viewpoints along the trail.

Level of Difficulty:  The hike is moderate to difficult due to its length (8 miles) and several steep areas with scrambles on the Devil’s Path and Warner Creek Trail. We’ll be on marked trails all day hiking at a moderate pace, staying together as a group and making sure all hikers are comfortable.

The weather in October in the Catskills can vary widely. Dress for comfort in moisture wicking clothing and layers.

Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water (at least two liters).

As with almost any hike in the Catskills, good hiking boots are a must and hiking poles can be helpful.

Dogs allowed: Well behaved dogs with hiking experience are welcome. Please notify the leader in advance.

Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Pre-register by completing the form below by Thursday, October 8, 2015. Include the number of seats in your vehicle and where you are traveling from so we can work out the best way to shuttle vehicles between the two trailheads.

Group size is limited so register early.

Fee:  No

Questions about this event can be directed to:  tom.martone.cmc@gmail.com

Driving Directions:

From South: NYS Thruway (I-87), Exit 19 at Kingston. Follow Route 28 West to Phoenicia. At Phoenicia, follow signs for Route 214. Devil’s Tombstone Campground parking area is located on Route 214, approximately 9 miles on left.

From North: NYS Thruway (I-87), Exit 21 at Catskill. Left on Route 23 East to Route 9W South. Follow Route 9W through Catskill to Route 23A west through Tannersville. Make left on Route 214, 2 miles past Tannersville. Devil’s Tombstone Campground parking area is located on Route 214, approximately 3 miles on right.

 
GPS coordinates of meeting location:

42.15979, -74.20340