In February 2021, I lead a small group up into the Catskill’s Blackhead Range. The purpose of our trip was to test some winter backpacking skills and equipment and to bag a few peaks. The first day, we hiked up to Lockwood Gap and set up camp before ascending Blackhead Mountain. The next morning hiked Blackdome and Thomas Cole mountains before returning to camp, packing up, and walking out to the car. It was a successful trip and we learned a lot.
Stealth Camping in the Catskills is a nice solution for camping further from roads and other people than designated sites allow. Designated sites in the Catskills tend to be near roads or trailheads and fill up early in the day. You’re allowed to camp outside of designated sites if you follow a few rules. Keep reading to learn more about stealth camping in the Catskills.
Over the weekend of June 19th through 21st, Porcupine and I completed completed another section hike along the Finger Lakes Trail. This time, we were joined by our friend Splash. To avoid car shuttling, we made up a loop route that would incorporate several other Catskill’s trail with a section of the Finger Lakes Trail in the Big Indian Wilderness.
Over the weekend of May 22rd through 25th, 2020, Porcupine and I and I hiked a 30 mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail from Alder Lake to Downsville. The Finger Lakes Trail is a 580 mile long distance trail stretching from Slide Mountain in the Catskills to Allegheny State Park on the NY/PA Border. I’ve been wanting to start section hiking this trail since about 2013 and my dream is finally taking shape.
April 29, 2017 – East Jewet, NY
On a cool spring morning, 7 members of Rochelle Park Troop 114 traveled to the Catskills for a weekend of adventure. After scoping out camp, 4 boys and 2 adults immediately went on a 6 mile hike along the Blackhead Range. The troop went up Black Dome Trail into the col between Blackhead and Black Dome mountains, then turned west and went over Blackdome, Thomas Cole, and Camel’s Hump mountains to be picked up by a waiting assistant scoutmaster. Along the way the scouts learned skills that will count towards advancement and merit badges. Continue reading Rochelle Park Troop 114 Goes to the Catskills