Near Escarpment Trail
Onward to Black Dome
Near Escarpment Trail
As the view east from Blackhead Mountain shows, New York gets flat fast east of the Catskills!
Near Escarpment Trail
Starting to snow a bit
Near Escarpment Trail
Katterskill falls
Near Escarpment Trail
Kaaterskill Waterfall takes on an entirely new character in wintertime.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
View Map
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Escarpment Trail

4.6 (9 Ratings)
A long trail that summits Windham High Peak, follows the ridge to Blackhead Mountain and then descends to the notch.
21.3
mi
Distance
5,211
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
21.35mi
Distance
5,211ft
Elevation Gain
5,522ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
3,937ft
High Point
1,762ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This section of the Long Path ascends Windham High Peak (3,524 ft) from a parking area on Route 23. You'll then get to follow the ridge line up and down a number of smaller peaks before making a steep ascent up Blackhead Mountain (3,940 ft), the 4th highest peak in the Catskills. Parts of the stretch up Blackhead are very steep, but don't require much scrambling past balance. There is a good viewpoint near the summit of Blackhead. The trail then descends to Dutcher Notch, a shoulder between Blackhead and Stoppel Point. You could continue along the Long Path or descend further on the Colgate Lake Trail to the west of Dutcher Notch Trail to the east. This trail would require one to have parking at both ends or be ready for a long return hike.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Easy Escarpment Trail Loop

Hike Route

Easy Escarpment Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
3.74 mi
+611 ft
North Point

Hike Route

North Point

Views
easy
2.16 mi
+783 ft
North Point Mountain via Escarpment + Marys Glen Trails

Hike Route

North Point Mountain via Escarpment + Marys Glen Trails

Lake
moderate
4.88 mi
+977 ft
Kaaterskill High Peak

Hike Route

Kaaterskill High Peak

Birding
strenuous
12.86 mi
+3,690 ft
Rip's Rock Loop

Hike Route

Rip's Rock Loop

moderate
5.06 mi
+1,011 ft
Huckleberry Point

Hike Route

Huckleberry Point

Birding
moderate
4.66 mi
+1,234 ft
Contributors
Karl W