Ry and I finally got out and did what we’ve been gearing up (a long time) for… a long backpacking trip. We
decided on The Escarpment Trail in the Catskills- it’s a trail that runs from Schutt Road (just outside the gate for North/South Lake State Park) all the way to NY Route 23. In total, it’s 23.9 miles one way. It’s about an hour from our house, so we took two cars to alleviate any headaches (like trying to hitchhike back to our original site.
As I complete this log, I’ll try to give you mile markers and elevations so you can see where we were hiking. If you’d like to see it via google maps- click here. This is just the link for the North/South Lake site, and the trail isn’t set on the map- but just look at where the cliff is south of Schutt Road, and follow it southwest to the 2000′ elevation mark, then around the cliff edge… amazing!
Day 1, Friday:
The initial hike (first 4.75 miles) took us around the south side of the North/South Lake area. Our parking 
area was at approximately 2200′ above sea level. What a beautiful place! We started along a cliff trail that rose about 500 feet from the parking lot, then dipped and 
followed the edge of a huge ravine for a few miles. There were many beautiful views along this. As we hiked further in, there were also many more people than we expected. We assumed it was because the trail was near the campsite and a pretty easy climb. We were wearing full packs (even Mocha), so although it was a gentle grade, we definitely took our time and enjoyed all the view spots. The weather was nice and sunny, but not too hot & humid… perfect for hiking.
Our first point was Sunset Rock at mile 1.75 (2000′) leading us to Inspiration Point ( @ mile 1.9). These were beautiful spots to stop and take in the views- but it was very steep and a bit scary right near the edge! A little ways up, (mile 2.7) the trail came off the cliff edge and joined up with a horse trail and the Long Path- it was wide and very 
nice hiking. We were able to walk side by side and enjoy the striped maples that surrounded us. Again, not too much elevation gain in here, but we did ascend South Mountain (2460′) on our way back down to the southeastern edge of the cliff. This is where we came upon Split Rock (mile 4) and Boulder Rock. They were HUGE pieces of rock that had fallen away from the cliff (and yet dangled perfectly next to the trail). I tried to get Ryan to climb on them, but he wasn’t having it (he’s a smart boy!). We finally climbed up to the old Catskill Mountain House site (4.5 miles) It was pretty amazing, even though the building was gone. If you don’t know about it- click on the link I’ve posted and check out some of the pictures in the slide show. Yes- the cliff is that spectacular!
North Lake
Our first break came at North Lake (4.75 miles- 2100′). We took our packs off, pumped some water, and let Mocha take a much deserved swim. The area was very beautiful, but there were a lot of people in the campsite & around the general area. After we ate some lite snacks, we decided to head off into the woods- away from civilization!
(On the next google map (HERE), if you follow the ridge line from North Lake to Artists Rock, to North Mountain, to Stoppel Point, you can follow our journey onward).
Artist Rock
Our journey left North Lake and began the ascent to North Mountain. On the way,
No blisters!!
we hit Artists Rock (mile 5.25) and Lookout Rock & Sunset Rock (mile 5.75). One of my favorite views from the whole trip was from Sunset Rock. We were able to see the lakes, as well as the Hudson River and all the Catskills. Not to mention, at this point in the trip I had yet to get any blisters, so I was VERY happy (if you’ve ever hiked with me, you know it’s a DEFINITE that I will get at least one). But, my new boots kick BUTT! So, even at this point I was blister free! Yay!
North Point (3000′ at 7.55 miles) was another beautiful place to stop and take a rest. We took our packs off and ate a nice
late lunch. This isn’t the top of North Mountain, but it was a nice view of the lakes & into the Hudson Valley once again. Here is where we decided that we would continue over Stoppel Point and into the Dutchman’s Notch to find a campsite for the evening (which was a big decision because that would mean our first day was about 12 miles!).
We continued on past the peak of North Mountain (3180′ @ 8.1 miles) and Stoppel Point (3420′ @ 9.3 miles). After we crested Stoppel, we came upon a pretty surreal sight- a plane that crashed into the mountain in 1983 was still resting in the same place. Apparently the pilot, John Grace, perished there when he crashed. It was definitely creepy seeing it there. Also pretty creepy that it was right next to the trail! Apparently there’s been a couple crashes up there. I found a website detailing them here.
At this point, we were pretty tired and it was getting late (about 5pm?), so we decided to camp at the next available location. We came across a few people heading back towards North/South Lake that told us there was a nice area to camp in Dutchman’s Notch which we were descending into. We sucked it up and hiked into the notch for the evening. The trip was pretty uneventful during this point- we were both pretty tired (Mocha too!) so getting to the camp was our highest priority. When we did arrive (2500′ @ 11.6 miles) we found a nice site off the trail a ways with a fire ring and a nice spot for our tent. We set up camp and enjoyed our dinner of hotdogs & rice w/cheese sauce (to our dismay our camp stove decided not to work so we had to head water on the fire!! We really had to earn it!).
Day 2 Saturday: (not complete!)
Hope everyone had a blast!! (Even if you did spend it in the woods… in a yurt… or something weird like that!!)
