Ticeteneyck

Climbed a small peak in the Southern Catskills with Howie today. We hiked up Ticeteneyck mountain, which does not have any marked trail. Parked in a small pull-off on Peck Road. Started out following the state boundary line and eventually hooked up with a logging road. Left the road at one point and then headed up the southern ridge to the top. There was a ledge to the east of the summit which had a view looking over the Ashokan reservoir. It was a nice place to take a break and have some snacks. Headed back down along the ridge and took a different logging road down to the base. Had a nice sunny, warm day for our short adventure. Only a couple of inches of snow in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Ticeteneyck 2510
Round-trip Distance: 3.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1250 ft

Ticeteneyck

January Thaw

Did a hike in the Catskills this afternoon with Howie. We climbed Halcott mountain from Route 42. This is a trail-less peak, but other hikers had made the journey to the top. So, I just followed their snowshoe track. The fog had cleared, the sun was out and it was quite warm (40s). The snow wasn't deep, but was turning to mush. I didn't wear snowshoes as the snow was too wet and sticky. The route up was direct and was steep and tiring .... like being on a stairmaster for over an hour. We reached the ridge, and then it was another five minutes to the top. Signed in at the canister, had some snacks and then headed back down a slightly different route (a little to the south of the route up). I found some traction aids lying in the snow. I picked them up and then shortly met the hiker who had dropped them who was heading back up to find them. I continued on down the steep slope and eventually reached the highway. It was much easier descending in the slushy snow.

Summit Elevation: Halcott 3520 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1720 ft

Halcott

Bang for the Buck

Did a hike near Lake George with Howie this afternoon. We climbed Buck mountain from the west. Wore snowshoes the whole time, but the trail was pretty well packed down. Had a perfect winter-weather day ... sunny, blue skies, no wind, and not too cold.

Summit Elevation: Buck 2330 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1980 ft