High Knob

High Knob (2/19)

Been trying to hit some smaller peaks and explore new zones in the Catskills. I pulled into what I’m assuming is the parking area, but I didn’t see a sign.

I stepped out of the car and much like a bad lover, the hike seemed over instantly. As is also with the experience of a bad lover, I was left feeling stunned, confused, and disappointed. The hike is pretty, don’t get me wrong, but I hadn’t anticipated it would be so fast and easy. I left the car at 7:30 and was back by 7:45.

The trail is pretty dry and firm. It’s very easy to follow as well. There is one part that cuts across a tiny field and might be hard to follow, but if you keep going straight you’ll pick up the path again. There are many leaves of three, and as much as I wanted to follow the sage advice of letting them be, you never know if you accidentally touched one. I get kind of paranoid about these things.

The path soooo mellow it’s like a nature walk. It is also cut maybe a couple hundred feet below the summit, so you have to bushwhack to it. It’s super easy, though, as the trees are very spread apart.

I look at everything through the lens of what’s skiable in the winter. The bushwhack to the summit is very skiable and would probably be the most fun part of the trip. The trail leading to right below the summit is so mellow that it might be better suited for cross country skiing than downhill.

I’m also concerned about the road being plowed. As the name suggests, Shale Pit Road is not paved. It also has many deep pits so drive slowly. I don’t want to risk getting my car stuck in snow. Depends on how much precipitation we got.

There is a more challenging route on East Conesville road that I should explore which might be better for skiing. Worth giving it a shot.