Deep Notch, Halcott: Catskill High Peaks 29/37 12/16/24

[Ripitz]

With the recent thaw and warm temps, I decided it was best to ditch the skis, grab the snowshoes and head up into Deep Notch with Powerman to knock off a few more elusive Catskill High Peaks.

After spending the night in Hunter we got a not so early start for the bushwack to Halcott aka Hawkitt if you’re a local.

The headwaters here have been a sacred site since ancient times.

We ascended the first 1,250ft with spikes.

At around 3,000ft we switched to snowshoes and cruised along the Catskill Divide.

We made fresh tracks in the trench that was easy to follow.

It was a winter wonderland up there.

I spy…

 

[Ripitz]

Part Two

3,524ft

Another one down…

now back down.

We shwacked back down another route creating a loop. This way had a hemlock grove which in my observations always seem to hold less snow. We switched back to the spikes around 2,500ft.

5.6 miles and 1,750ft. Another great day in the mountains with a good friend.

 

[Brownski]

Excellent account. I’ve never really gotten into snowshoeing but I admit I’ve been snowshoe curious from time to time