Catskills All Trails (CATs) Series: This hike covers portions of the Devil’s Path and Spruceton Trail, and the entire Hunter Mountain and Becker Hollow Trails.
Join co-leaders Tom Martone and Jim Gebhard for a thru hike which will include two Catskill 3500 Peaks: Hunter Mountain (4,040’) and Southwest Hunter Mountain (3,740’). Starting from the parking area at the Devil’s Tombstone Campground, we will ascend through a challenging section of the Devil’s Path called the Devil’s Portal. Later we will leave the trail for a short bushwhack to the peak of Southwest Hunter where we will sign in at the Catskill 3500 canister. Retracing our steps a bit, we’ll have our lunch at the Devil’s Acre lean-to. Then it’s on to the second tallest peak in the Catskill Park, Hunter Mountain. We will take in the awesome views from the fire tower on top and then hike the entire length of the Becker Hollow Trail to the cars waiting at the finishing trailhead.
Level of Difficulty: The hike is moderate to difficult due to its length (8 miles on trails plus a 1.5 mile bushwhack) and several steep areas with scrambles on the Devil’s Path and Becker Hollow Trail. We’ll be on marked trails for most of the day, leaving the trail for a short bushwhack on the herd path to the Southwest Hunter canister. We will hike 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. A wind-resistant, water-resistant shell with hood can come in handy especially when climbing the fire tower where it can be very windy.
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 Sunday, October 4, 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