Andy Arthur.
Indian Head Mountain.
An easy hike up with so-so views, and a very steep and long decent with amazing views.
October 5, 2009.
Related Fodder: Overlook Mountain, Plateau Mountain, Twin Mountain.
Related Maps: Arteries, Devils Path, South-Western Catskills.
Related Photos: Indian Head, Overlook Mountain, Plateau Mountain.
I hiked across Indian Head, going west-to-east, which in most of the Catskills is the recommended way as it tends to be easier hikes up and with much steeper hikes down.
Click on this map to print or download it.
While at lower elevations that colors where largely green, by the time you reach around 3,000 feet everything started to get colorful.
TriMount from Jimmy Dolan Notch.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Reaching another 3,500 feet marker. That said, you climb another 100 feet or so in elevation, and there is a newer 3,500 marker on Indian Head. Go figure.
At 3500 Feet.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/200 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, Focal Length: 139mm.
The top of Indian Head is viewless, as you walk through a very dense Boreal forest.
Top of Indian Head. The top of Indian Head is viewless, until you start to descend, and come upon an area that has been cut out for views.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/80 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
There is one section cleared out that gives you a stunning view of the Overlook Mountain and firetower, with the Hudson River in the distance.
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/3.6, ISO 80, Focal Length: 367mm.
Here is the Ashokan Reservior, with Ashokan High Peak behind it, and in the distance the shawangunks.
Shawangunks.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/4.5, ISO 80, Focal Length: 159mm.
The trail descends steeply with several partial, then one wonderful view of the valley below. Unfortunately, this section is a very narrow trail on a steep ledge, so I couldn't get a good picture there. In the foreground of this shot you see Plattekill Mountain.
River Looking North-East.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1600 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Looking south off a rock jetting out of the mountain's face.
South.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1250 sec, Aperature: f/6.3, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 59mm.
Overhang.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/4.0, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
A very steep descent. You are looking up it, all 30 feet climbing using roots and minimal stepholds. At least I was heading down it and not up.
Second Steep Descent.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Eventually you reach a lower portion of Indian Head with some really exciting clearings to the west.
Looking West.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Ashokan High Point and Cornell Mountain.
Ashokan.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1600 sec, Aperature: f/6.3, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 82mm.
The muted colors on the side of Indian Head, with Plateau Mountain in the background.
Side of Indian Head.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/6.3, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 139mm.
The Palenville Clove in the distance near Tanersville. The Plattekill Clove is not seen in the foreground of this shot.
Palenville Clove.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 43mm.
From here, you descend another 45 minutes, in many sections a lot steeper then you might think. Eventually you reach the junction of the Blue Trail (Overlook Mountain/Escarptment Trail), and from there it is a short hike to the Devil's Clove Leanto.
Devil's Clove Outhouse.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/80 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, Focal Length: 75mm.
From here it is about a mile of a little up and down, over a rocky trail, where you cross this amazing little stone bridge, and eventually make it back to your car.
Little Stone Bridge. The forest ranger or person who created this little stone bridge did a real nice job. While not seen in the picture, the creek is carefully channeled to try to avoid spring floods from washing out the bridge.
Indian Head on October 5, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
“The policy of the state shall be to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty and encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural lands for the production of food and other agricultural products.”
— Article 14, Section 4 NY State Constitution