Blackhead Range & Backcountry Bonfire (1/25)
Required Catskills 3500 Winter Peak. Discover the wild beauty of the northeastern Catskills on this breathtaking winter adventure. For this guided winter day hike, we'll summit Blackhead Mountain, a required winter peak for the Catskills 3500 Club, and we might even venture to Thomas Cole or Black Dome in the same range, weather and conditions permitting. Our adventure on one of the most rugged and wild mountain ranges in the Catskills will be topped off with warm lunch around a roaring campfire in the backcountry before we descend.
Why we love this hike: The Blackhead Range inspired the iconic Hudson River School of Painters and with good reason, boasting stunning peaks, wild forests, and gorgeous vistas. As we hike, we'll be rewarded with expansive views over the Catskills and over the Hudson Valley for a truly unforgettable winter escape.
The Destination Backcountry difference: Winter hiking is magical, but reaches a different level of wonder when combined with a bowl of hot soup and a cozy mountain mocha around a crackling campfire, expertly built by your backcountry guides. It’s the perfect way to recharge and soak in the winter wonderland.
Hike stats
- Distance: 5.5-8 miles (depending on conditions and number of peaks summited)
- Elevation Gain: ~1700 ft
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Difficulty rating: Challenging with steep ascents, a few scrambles, and big elevation gain from the trailhead
Most trips will depart at 6:30am near the Barclays Center and 7:00am near Grand Central. You will be notified in advance if departure times and locations differ for your trip.
Yes! Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead. On winter hikes, we serve a hot gourmet lunch and snacks, plus hot tea, coffee, and hot cocoa in the woods. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
Snowshoes and/or microspikes are included with all winter adventures when required for trail conditions. For deep snow, we'll have snowshoes and for lighter snow and ice we will use microspikes. For some hikes, we'll use both!
Wear comfortable, breathable clothes in layers. Start with a base layer of non-cotton material and follow with 2-3 layers of varying weight. Snow pants or ski pants are good, but not essential. Parka, shells, or other outer layers for your top should be wind resistant (most are). You can read more about clothing for winter day hikes here.
We will provide a detailed packing list based on conditions before your adventure. Below is a sample packing list:
- 2, 1-liter water bottles
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Extra layers of clothes
- Extra socks
- Hat and gloves
- Footwear: insulated hiking boots are ideal, but "around NYC" winter boots will work as well if insulated/waterproof.
Your guides will provide all group gear (water filter, etc.). We do not require any specialized gear for our day hikes, and you most likely have everything you need already. We’re happy to answer questions and offer advice to ensure you have everything you need.
You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a suggested packing list, and more.
Visit our FAQ page here.
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