Windham High Peak is one of the 35 peaks in the Catskill Mountains that is over 3,500 feet in elevation. Windham High Peak is the most northern of the Catskill high peaks. It towers over other peaks and valleys from various points even though being one of the lowest of the 3500. It is one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the Catskills due to its outstanding views, relative ease, and proximity to a major Catskill tourist town.

The climb involves an ascent of about 1,500 feet in elevation over 3.2 miles. Trail conditions in the Catskills constantly change, so make sure to check the weather report and the condition of the trails before you embark on the hike.

From the parking area, proceed north on the Elm Ridge Trail (yellow-blazed), an old woods road that is often quite wet  (short bypass trails have been built around some of the wettest sections). In 0.6 mile, you'll pass a spring (note the pipe on the left side of the trail), after which the trail starts to climb. Soon, you'll pass interesting cliffs to the right and reach a junction with the Escarpment Trail (blue-blazed) at the crest of the rise. Turn right onto the Escarpment Trail. In a short distance, you'll notice the Elm Ridge Lean-to on the right - a good place to take a break.

Proceed ahead on the Escarpment Trail, which begins to climb the mountain more steeply. Soon, you'll enter a dark, dense Norway spruce forest, with the tree roots spreading over the trail. After passing through an open area, you'll come to a second dense stand of spruce.

After a bit more climbing, the trail levels off for a short stretch. It soon resumes a gradual ascent, with views to the right through the trees over the Blackhead Range. About 2.5 miles into the hike, the trail bears left and begins to climb steeply. This section is the steepest of the entire climb. After gaining about 200 feet in elevation, the grade moderates.

As you approach the summit, a side trail to the right leads to a panoramic viewpoint over the Blackhead Range from a rock ledge. You'll want to pause here to rest from the climb and admire the view. Just beyond, on the left side of the trail, there is a panoramic viewpoint to the northwest.

Continue ahead on the Escarpment Trail, which climbs a little to the actual summit. At 3,524 feet, Windham High Peak is the second lowest of the Catskill peaks over 3,500 feet in elevation, but it offers a view that is among the very best of all of the peaks. Proceed ahead a short distance beyond the summit, descending a little, and you'll soon notice an open rock ledge on the left. Since Windham High Peak is the most northerly of all the Catskill 3500 peaks, on a clear day you can see across the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys to Albany, with the southern Adirondacks visible beyond.

After taking in the view, retrace your steps on the Escarpment Trail down to the junction with the Elm Ridge Trail, turn left onto the Elm Ridge Trail, and follow it back to the parking area where the hike began.

Specifics

• Date: September 11, 2021
• Pre-hike Scout: N/A
• Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Pre-hike Meetup: Promptly at Windham Diner, 5339 NY-23, Windham, NY. Tel. 518.734.4831
• Length: 6.2 miles
• Configuration: Out-and-back
• Total Ascent: 1,815' from parking area (1,710' to 3,525')
• Highest Point: 3,525'
• Challenge: Easy to Moderate
• Approx Round-up Time: 5 hours
• GPS Nav/Location: Enter “Rt 23/Cross Road, Windham, NY” in Google Maps or in your GPS.
• Event Leader & RSVP: William Vadney (text 518.810-2700)
• More Information: All Trails, Catskill Mountaineer, 50 Hikes in the Catskills (Dellinger, Derek, and Matthew Cathcart. 50 Hikes in the Catskills. , 2017. Print.) Price: about US$ 20 at Barnes & Noble

Note: We will not be meeting at the trailhead at 10 a.m. but at the Windham Diner, 5339 NY-23, Windham, NY. Tel. 518.734.4831. After introduction, briefing,  refreshment, light breakfast, if you'd like, we'll proceed to the trailhead from the diner.

The Trailhead: From the NYS Thruway Exit 21 (Catskill) take a left at the light at the end the NYS Thruway access road. In about ½ mile take the right onto the ramp to NY 23 West. Travel about 20.2 miles on Route 23. Take a right onto Cross Road; the DEC parking area is on the corner, and can be seen from NY 23.