Hike The Blackhead Range (Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole Peaks)
Maplecrest, New York
Details
Distance
6.92 miles
Elevation Gain
2720 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Adam Ingoglia
Tackle 3 of the Catskill 3500s in one scenic hike. Makes for a good workout over 7 miles, and is not an over-crowded trail.
The Catskill 3500s are home to some of the most spectacular views in all of New York. In this hike, you will have views from 3 separate peaks, 3500+ feet above sea level. Since most of it is uphill, it is a nice workout. The Blackhead Region is approximately a 6.92 mile hike that gains 1795 feet in elevation, but the views are well worth it.
Follow the red blazed trail along the stream for the first part of this hike. This is a nice hike that gives you a good feel of the Catskills, and eventually follows a rock face uphill to some switchbacks. After about 2 miles, you will come to a fork. Follow the red blazes to the left towards Blackhead. This short (.65 mile), steep climb leads you to a beautiful view of Black Dome Mountain where you will be shortly.
When you're done here, retrace your steps back downhill to the fork. From the fork, instead of going back down the mountain the way you came, follow the yellow blazed trail uphill. This leads you to Black Dome and Thomas Cole. While heading up this steep trail that incorporates some rock scrambling, have a look behind you to see Blackhead where you just came from. The view from Black Dome is great, and it provides a nice spot to sit and relax for a bit.
When you've gotten your fill, hike another 0.8 miles of flat, tree-covered trail to the peak of Thomas Cole. Though there are no real views from this peak as the trees are a bit overgrown, it's worth checking out. From here, simply retrace your steps back down to the fork, and then back down the red blazed trail to the parking lot. You can now say you've hiked 3 of the Catskill 3500s!
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Hike The Blackhead Range (Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole Peaks) Reviews
The actual elevation gain for this hike is 1,795. I apologize about the typo!
5.0
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