Rocky XXXV

Howie and I did a big hike in the Catskills today. We climbed Lone and Rocky mountains - the last two peaks I need for the Catskill 3500. Got to the trailhead near Denning at 9 AM and it was a balmy 27 degrees out. Started out on the trail/old road and there was a dusting of snow. At the trail junction, I turned onto the trail headed for Table mountain. Crossed the first new bridge which was a little disconcerting being so high up on a two log bridge with no railing. So, on the second bridge which was similar, I just rock hopped and bypassed it. Passed a few hikers and backpackers/campers on the way up to the Table. Stopped at the ledge for a quick break just below the summit. It had a nice view to the south (toward VanWyck mountain). I eventually reached the summit of the Table and then went to its east end to start the bushwack for Lone mountain. After getting off the summit of Table, the woods were pretty open. I veered a little too far east and lost more elevation than I should have. With the leaves off the trees, I could navigate visually though (i.e. I could see the mountains through the trees). I corrected course and picked up a dog track which eventually led to human tracks. I stayed with the previous hikers' track for most of the ridge walk. The advantages being that (1) they had already knocked the snow off most of the limbs and (2) I didn't have to think about navigating so much. Snow depths varied from 4-6 inches along the ridge. There was one nice view point at around 3600 with a view toward Ashokan High Point/Mombaccus and also back to Peekamoose and Table. There were some cliffs to skirt around, but for the most part it was easy going. I got to the summit of Lone, but didn't linger too long, as it was already noon and the days are short this time of year. So, I continued on the ridge over to Rocky mountain still following the previous hikers tracks. They dropped down the north side of the ridge below the col and then back up to Rocky. The woods were not too terrible until near the top where there was a band of thick spruce guarding the summit. At around 1:10 pm, I made it to the summit clearing and then signed the cannister. This was my last Catskill high peak. (Insert Rocky Theme music here). Again, I didn't stick around too long. Scarfed down a sandwich, signed the log, took some pictures and then headed out. I dropped down off the summit and into the north drainage which led me back to the east branch of the Neversink River. I picked up the hunters path that I followed back to the main trail. Met two bow hunters on the way out. Eventually made it back to the car by 4 pm ... very tired but satisfied with my little accomplishment.


Summit Elevation: Table 3847, Lone 3721 ft, Rocky 3508 ft
Round-trip Distance: 13.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2440 ft

Lone and Rocky