Summit Blackhead Mountain in the Catskills!
Journey to the northeastern Catskills on this challenging and gorgeous hike. Our trail wanders past the magical Batavia Kill brook before ascending to fun scrambles and sweeping views over the Catskills and Hudson Valley, with a profusion of spring wildflowers along the way. We'll summit between 1-3 Catskill 3500' peaks among Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole and make a stop at a backcountry spring for a taste of the purest mountain water.
Hike stats
🥾 5 mile loop from Big Hollow Road to Blackhead summit; we will have the option to hike an additional 1-3 miles to the summit of Black Dome and/or Thomas Cole
⛰️ About 1700ft elevation gain with some steep/scrambly sections
🧭 Difficulty: Hard. This is a challenging hike with some steep sections.
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
A FULL day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🌼 Fields of wildflowers! Including spring beauties, trillium, dutchman's breeches and more
🥾 Perfect pacing: your lead and apprentice guide will offer multiple paces so everyone can hike at a pace they feel comfortable with, plus, they'll offer tips and guidance along the route.
🌲 Incredible observations about the forest and wildlife we may encounter.
What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide
Schedule
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~9:45 Arrival at Trailhead
~12:30 Lunch at Summit + Potential option to summit additional peaks
~1:00 Hike out
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off
*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat
FAQs
What happens after I book my adventure? 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 final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.
