Indian Head Mountain Loop

This day started early for a weekend – SIX AM – I was feeling groggy but coffee and breakfast awaited while dark skies gave way to morning light.  Rich was his usual high energy self.  We set about getting our packs ready and headed out promptly at 7:30am to Rhinebeck Center.  On our way we are treated to a field of white tailed deer grazing in the quiet haze of the morning.  In Rhinebeck center Rich grabs a sandwich and a coffee while we wait for Glen.  Glen hails from Rhinebeck and Brooklyn, NY and spotted this hike on a meetup group.

Off we go!  We are driving to the trailhead in the Indian Wilderness Region of upstate New York.  We arrive at 9:15 where a group of young men huddled together with the local police – turns out one of the gents locked his key in the car – a bit of a slow start for them today.  A half mile up the trail it splits into Red and Blue – we opt for Red, a longer and more meandering hike up to the summit, we’ll come back down the blue.  Turns out – this was probably the best way to go.  The trail is flat, easy and quite picturesque.  The early part of the hike the sun, slowly rising towards the tree line, was a bit blinding casting its rays through the trees – no leaves yet – but spring is on the horizon.  Along the way we meet up with three men who are through hiking.  They seem intent on covering more trail than we will and dash off into the trails distance.  They are camping overnight, sadly, we won’t be joining them.  Soon the trail takes a sharp turn and it’s clear we are about to begin the 1,473 foot ascent to the summit known as Devil’s Path.  It is here we begin to feel the loss of winter and snow and begin to realize the feel of more traditional hiking.  We hike among boulders, roots and plenty of other foot obstacles that can trip you up.  I personally enjoy winter hiking where the surface is flat and micro spikes rule – but today it’s time to shift gears.  This trail is easily characterized by short, yet steep – at times near vertical – climbs.  Nothing crazy, we had four points of contact at all times. 

After much climbing we arrive at the first look out – where we took our group photo – and was mesmerized by the tree tops frozen appearance, yet, experience temps in the mid 40’s to low 50’s – a stunning and brilliant spring day.  You’ll note the beauty of the sky – so crisp, so blue, so beautiful.  At this first ledge view we decided to break for a snack and a chat with four retired marines, three men and one woman.  They are fun and high energy.  Rich and Glen ate their lunch a bit earlier but indulge in a snack, I ate my sandwich.  We traded group photo ops and left our retired, but youthful, military mates behind.  We journeyed on walking along a ridge – the trail and surrounding landscape dense with evergreens – the sweet aroma hanging in the air.  This is one of those hikes where there were multiple lookouts and we know we tagged the summit of Indian Head, just couldn’t tell you which ledge – we should have counted on the map!  We begin our descent and arrive at the junction of the blue trail and the red trail where it carries on to Twin Mountain.  The day is early – 1pm – we decide Twin Mountain must be ascended.  Similar to earlier, the climb is characterized by short, steep and rugged intervals.  Once on the ridge we are treated to another dense forest environment and we flirt with the branches of evergreens through to the summit.  That’s the best flirting I’ve done all winter – LOVE NATURE!!

While making our way we pass a larger contingent of international hikers, many hikers with dogs, it’s a busy day on this trail section.  At the summit we chat up a charming young couple from New Jersey – and hang a bit in the sunlight of the day on the ledge, warming up.  It feels like 60 but really it’s in the mid 40’s.  We retrace our steps and find our way back to the intersection and follow the blue trail down to where we started finishing at approximately 4:45pm.  That’s a solid day of hiking topped off by tackling 9.5 miles of trail – awesome!!

After the hike we make our way to Phoenicia, NY and eat at Brio’s where Glen had pizza, Rich had a steak sandwich and Rob had Chili.  A scenic detour and HOLY COW – we stop at HOLY COW in Red Hook, NY for ice cream.  Actually…. Rob opted out – dinner had him plenty full but Rich and Glen treated themselves.

Thank you Rich for coordinating a brilliant hike on a stunning day.  For me I get out at every opportunity.  I delight in catching up with hiking buds (Good to see you and catch up Rich) and making new friends along the way (Hi Glen, hope to see you again soon!!).  Today’s hike I was well inside my own head… savoring the moments… breathing in the sweet scent of evergreens at every turn of the trail.  Sometimes hanging back from the group or hiking a bit faster at my own pace, but always ensuring we grouped together at various intervals.  Life should be simple and so too should be the ways we enjoy our time together.  I returned home this morning and set about for a solid days work tending the landscape… spring is almost here… time to sprinkle some love on the emerging flora…  a little kindness on the front end will surely result in a season to look forward too on many levels.  Cheers Men, until next time!!

Trip Report & Photos:  Rob L.

Let's GO, all you Hudson Valley Easter Bunnies and join us for a loop hike, climbing 2000 feet to the summit of Indian Head Mountain (3573') in the Catskills.

Indian Head is the easternmost high peak in the Devil's Path Range. Seen from a distance, its summit resembles the rugged head of an Indian lying on his back.  There are many views from the eastern side of the summit, including a dramatic overlook (the Indian's nose?) known as Sherman's Outlook.  From this viewpoint, there are spectacular views into Platte Clove and across the Hudson Valley over the Taconics and Berkshires.  The trail drops almost vertically from this point to the bottom of the ledge.  

This is a strenuous, but rewarding, hike of 7.8 miles and will take approximately 7 hours to complete the circuit.  

Please see the link below for more details:

http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/indian-head-mountain-loop

All participants should come prepared with synthetic or wool base layer, mid layer and wind and rainwear appropriate for the season and changeable mountain weather- no cotton, filled water bottles (2-3 liters), hiking boots (no sneakers), warm hat, gloves, trail lunch and snacks and 10 essentials for hiking.  Please bring microspikes if you have them as trails may still be icy.

After the hike we will have dinner together at Brios in Phoenicia, for those inclined!