Ashokan High Point

Sundown Wild Forest is in the southeast section of Catskill State Park. This adventure takes the Kanape Brook Trail (red markers) to the summit of High Point Mountain. New York/New Jersey Trail Conference maps have this trail marked as Ashokan High Point Trail but the poark service identifies it as Kanape Brook Trail, so don't be confused.From the parking area along Peekamoose Road, cross the road and hike down to Kanape Brook. The trail crosses the brook on a well built bridge. Follow the forest road along the brook as it gently rises above the brook. After about 2 miles the forest road narrows to a single track path and crosses the brook several times. In another .7 miles there is a trail split. To the right is a direct approach to Ashokan Mountain (1.1 miles), to the left is a longer more gradual ascent (2.5 miles).Continue straight for the shorter ascent. It is rocky and steep with some views along the way and several false summits. Eventually you reach the top of Ashoken with a great view to the east from a rock outcropping. You can return the way you came or continue on for the gradually descent and a loop back to the trail at the split mentioned earlier. This loop adds 1.4 miles onto the trip. Once back to the trail split, turn right and return to the parking area.