What to do in upstate NY this weekend?

Does anyone know if the slab in the Dacks are climable or if they are caked in snow or ice? Do any come to mind that may be in better shape than others?

I can't climb since I messed up my elbow. I don't want to pay for a hotel. I'd prefer something where I can set up camp in the back country, a long approach is okay as it will help me train with carrying a heavy pack. Some nice scrambles perhaps? Which are the more difficult hikes in upstate NY?

I've done Marcy already in the winter, so maybe something different.

Cheerio.

Christine

Everything is going to be wet and greasy, covered in leaves and the forecast is for rain/snow all weekend. The Elk lake trail head is closed otherwise you could hike into Panther gorge and do Marcy or Haystack from that side. Its an ~8 mile approach and then straight up out of Panther Gorge to the col between Haystack and Marcy.

Thank you Nathan.

I checked my topo. Panther Gorge looks like fun? I guess maybe some other time.

The weather in the Catskill doesn't seem to be too bad. Anything treacherous or fun in that neck of the woods? Any slabs there?

Christine

Kristoria wrote:Thank you Nathan. I checked my topo. Panther Gorge looks like fun? I guess maybe some other time. The weather in the Catskill doesn't seem to be too bad. Anything treacherous or fun in that neck of the woods? Any slabs there? Christine

I've never hiked in the Catskills actually. You might check out the forums at ADK high peaks ( adkhighpeaks.com/forums/). There is a Catskill section

I know a lot of climbers dont hike unless its short and leads to a cool wall. BUT, if you wanna get a killer day in and you want to push yourself go to the Catskills and try doing "Devils Path" in a day. It is a 26 mile hike that covers 7 mountains and 18,000ft of elevation gain and loss. Yes 18,000ft! Great views and the Catskills have a kinda crazy feel to em, Cant explain it. I think its all the rich history from way back in the day. PM me if you want more beta. Ive done it as a 3 day backpacking trip but its often done as a day hike and I plan on doing it next time im up that way.

And just when I thought I'd have to resort to backpacking through something geriatric like Algonquin Park.

Yeah, I want a killer work out and I'm going nuts cuz I can't climb. This sounds great! Thanks, PM sent.

I've done Devil's Path both in a day and overnight. Logistically it's a bit hard as you have to shuttle cars, and the roads to the trailheads go over these narrow country (sometimes unpaved) roads that you can't drive over 20mph, so you'll need a lot of time to shuttle your cars. Also, the Western part of Devil's Path is mostly viewless slog in the trees.

If you're heading down to Catskills, a way better longish trail is Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide-Giant-Panther starting from Woodland Valley trailhead. It's challenging (has few all-four scramble parts), has great views and is a loop. Plus you can start or end at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia (best pancakes! other things are good too). Let me know if you need any info.

Hi Dolgio,

This is a good idea as well. Thank you. You're right. The logistics are a pain. I've just finished making my pack and I'm not sure I want to do the trail with an overnight pack, but I hesitate at doing it as a daytrip after driving 7 hours there.. or is it 8? Same difference. Point is that I very much appreciate the plan B. We'll see how I feel after the drive down.

Tell me something: Are there gear shops in Phonecia? Where can I get a map of the Catskills from? Where are the REIs or the EMSs or the ma and pa gear shops?

Good to know about the pancake place. Do they have good coffee there too?

Cheers!

Christine

Christine,

Phoenicia is a really small town with one main street. You may be able to find trail maps at the general store, but I wouldn't risk it. I checked and EMS has bunch of stores on the way for you (Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany and Schenectady). I would call the one you plan on stopping at and make sure they have the maps and ask them to hold them for you. If you need a real good gear shop, the closest to Catskills great gear shop is Rock & Snow in New Paltz.

I don't remember much about coffee at Sweet Sue's, so I guess it's average. For good coffee you can try Bread Alone in Woodstock, they have decent croissants too. BTW, not sure if you are backpacking or dayhiking, but Eastern Part of Devil's Path is a good 2 day backpack. You can start either start in Woodstock or Lake Hill and get either taxi or hitch a ride back to your car. Woodstock taxi is the closest and only service in Catskill area, the next closest one is way in Kingston, so they will charge you up for all the driving... You can google up for phone numbers. I usually pre-arrange the shuttle by reserving a taxi in advance.

Have a great time! Leaves were at peak last weekend, there should be some left.

dolgio wrote:If you're heading down to Catskills, a way better longish trail is Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide-Giant-Panther starting from Woodland Valley trailhead. It's challenging (has few all-four scramble parts), has great views and is a loop. Plus you can start or end at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia (best pancakes! other things are good too). Let me know if you need any info.

Ditto!!! This trail is one of the best scenic trails in Catskill, and you can do it two days. You can also just do Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide and hike back to Woodland valley in lazy two days. If you are coming from Toronto, there is a EMS in Syracuse, call them and see if they carry the maps for you.

BTW, another good hiking trail for training is the Becker Hollow trail in the Catskills (back of Hunter Mtn).

What about slabs? Anything I can friction climb?

Kristoria wrote:What about slabs? Anything I can friction climb?

Not in the Catskills.