50 Hikes in the Catskills (First Edition) (Explorer's 50 Hikes) by Derek Dellinger & Matthew Cathcart

Author:Derek Dellinger & Matthew Cathcart [Dellinger, Derek]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2017-06-13T04:00:00+00:00

PROFILE OF SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN

The trail will begin to climb with a moderate grade. Very shortly, you’ll spot the remnants of an old bluestone quarry by the trail. Soon, you will see stone chairs along the trail, constructed out of stones from the old quarry. The trail descends slightly to a north-facing viewpoint over Round Top Mountain and Kaaterskill High Peak. At about 0.9 mile, you will arrive at an area where many of these elaborate stone chairs, along with other assorted furniture, have been fashioned by entrepreneurial hikers. This area makes for an excellent rest stop.

At the 1-mile mark, the trail crosses a stream and then begins to climb uphill parallel to the stream. Just under half a mile beyond, you will come to a large beaver pond. Twin Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain are both visible, looming over the pond.

At mile 1.75, you will arrive at Pecoy Notch, at a junction with the red-blazed Devil’s Path trail. Turn right onto the Devil’s Path. The trail will almost immediately begin a steep ascent of Sugarloaf Mountain. The Devil’s Path is known for its difficulty, and the next half-mile of trail is a good demonstration of why. Extra caution is advised for this stretch.

Shortly after the 2-mile mark, you will spot a side trail leading to a viewpoint. After the challenging ascent up the Devil’s Path, this is an excellent opportunity to take a breather. The trail from this point is much easier. After you pass the sign indicating you have reached 3,500 feet in elevation, the trail will alternate between level sections and moderate climbs.

The summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is flat and, unfortunately, offers no views. However, only a few hundred feet beyond, a yellow-blazed trail on the left will lead you to a ledge looking out to the south. Here, you can see as far as the Ashokan Reservoir in the distance.

Continue down the Devil’s Path trail as the descent becomes gradually steeper. While not as severe as the steep ascent up the mountain, the trail here can be difficult, as it is frequently wet and slick. Navigate this section—about a mile long, descending 1,000 feet—with caution. Despite its challenges, the rock formations here also offer dramatic visuals, with large cliff-like overhangs and stacked ledges forming natural stone tunnels.

After about a mile, you will come to a trail junction with the blue-blazed Mink Hollow Trail. Turn right onto the Mink Hollow Trail to complete the loop and return to your car. The trail will remain relatively level as it follows, then crosses, streams for the next half-mile.

A short while later, the trail will briefly climb once again before reaching a ledge with a view out to Mink Hollow and Plateau Mountain beyond. From here, continue on a woods road, past a second, less memorable quarry. After the quarry, the grade will be relatively level. Soon you will arrive at the junction where you began the loop. Turn left to follow the yellow blazes of the Roaring Kill Trail back to the parking area.

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