Devil’s Path

The Devil’s Path is the name of a mountain range and hiking trail in the Greene County portion of New York’s Catskill Mountains. The mountains commonly considered to be part of the Devil’s Path are, from west to east, West Kill, Hunter, Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin, and Indian Head.

The name comes from early settlers of the region, who believed the range’s craggy cliffs were specially built by the devil so that he alone could climb them and occasionally retreat from the world of men. Today, they are famous for the deep gaps between them, which get lower in elevation as the mountains between them get higher when proceeding westward on the hiking trail.

The mountains and the land around them were acquired by the state as Forest Preserve and made part of the Catskill Park in the 1920s and ’30s. Today the area is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as the Indian Head Wilderness Area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil’s_Path_(hiking_trail)

45-Degrees Off Plateau

This another southernly view from Plateau Mountain. I enjoy pictures taken at 45-degrees, because it captures more of the landscape and sky colors, and is different from conventional photographs.

Taken on Sunday April 12, 2009 at Plateau Mountain.

Devil’s Path

The Devil's Path is a challenging hiking trail located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State, renowned for its rugged terrain and demanding ascents and descents. Spanning approximately 25 miles in length, the Devil's Path traverses six major peaks within the Catskills, including Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, West Kill, and Hunter Mountains. This trail is notorious among hikers for its steep and rocky sections, as well as its significant elevation gains and losses. The Devil's Path offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

The trail is divided into two main sections: the eastern and western halves, with each presenting its own set of challenges and scenic vistas. Hiking the entire Devil's Path is considered a formidable accomplishment and is often completed over the course of two or three days by experienced backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Steep Climb

When you reach the final ascent on Plateau Mountain, it's about 8 feet of climbing two 4 foot steps. You'll toss your pack up, then climb up.

Taken on Sunday April 12, 2009 at Plateau Mountain.

Stoppel Point

This is Stoppel Point, taken from Plateau Mountain. Stoppel Point is a nice hike from North-South Lake, with great views of the Hudson Valley.

Taken on Sunday April 12, 2009 at Plateau Mountain.