Please read the full event description and the Group Rules before you RSVP.

Event Name: Hunter Mountain Loop Overnight

Leader: Drew T

Event Type: Overnight Backpacking

Location: Hunter – West Kill Mountain Wilderness

Maps: NY/NJTC Map #141

Terrain: Moderate

Elevation Gain: Difficult (1600 feet+)

Distance and Rating: 8 miles - DIFFICULT

Lodging: BYOT (bring your own tent... or share)

Pets: Not allowed

Please read the entire description for this trip to make sure you are up for this difficult route.

Basics:

We'll start at the parking area almost at the end of Spruceton Road in Lexington, NY (42 11 3.7 N, 74 16 19.87 W) at 9:30 am. We'll head out when everyone is suited up (I won't wait long, so be on time!).

From there, we'll enter the Hunter – West Kill Mountain Wilderness and head Northeast on the Blue Spruceton Trail. Along this trail, we will cross Hunter Brook as we climb in elevation. After roughly 2.1 miles of uphill, we will come upon a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley and the John Jobb Lean-to which we will continue past. The trail forks and we will continue to the right on the blue trail. From there, we hike southeast roughly 1.3 miles, gaining more elevation, to the Hunter Mountain fire tower. We’ll climb the fire tower and take pictures from the 4,040 feet (1,234 m) peak. Hunter Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Catskill Mountains. After we take in the views, we pick up the yellow trail and head south for 1.35 miles until we get to the Devil’s Acre lean-to. We will set up our tents near the lean-and set up camp.

Distance IN: About 5.05 miles

The elevation gain on this hike is the difficult part. We will hike at a moderate pace and take breaks. After setting up camp (our tents, fire ring, gather fire wood, etc.), we’ll hang around and tell our best stories. At night, we'll sit around the campfire and have a great time. Please bring hot dogs, buns, s'mores, wine (carried in an inconspicuous bottle), cheese and crackers, etc. to share with the group (for snack- you're pretty much on your own for meals). When we're done, we'll hang up ALL food and toiletries in bear bags (please bring with rope) and call it a night.

In the morning, we'll wake up (maybe around 9:00 or 10:00), break down camp, and continue the loop back to the cars. We will head northwest on the Devil’s Path red trail roughly .7 miles past Geiger Point where we will be able to once again see the valley and take pictures. From there, we go west 1.5 miles (much downhill) until reaching Diamond Notch Falls. We will spend some time at the falls and dip our feet, etc. From there, it is a .8 mile hike back to the cars on the Diamond Notch Blue trail.

Distance OUT: About 2.9 miles

From there, we can do lunch in town or jump on the road and head home.
Just a few notes/ things to remember:
- This hike can be found on the NYNJTC map # 141. Feel free to get the map if you'd like (optional)- Get the Map Here
- Please read "Backpacking check list" and "Gear" on the group site ('Pages' tab)- COMING SOON and bring all gear you'll think you'll need while being mindful of the weight you'll have to carry
- I will do this trip in a light rain, but NOT in thunderstorms. If you have any doubt about weather, call me early in the morning and I'll let you know.
- There is not much cell phone service up there, so if you need, call before I (or you) get up there.

RSVP Details: If planning on attending: Please write in comments of
your RSVP if you are driving and from where or needing a
carpool.  Please update your RSVP if you cannot attend at least
a day prior to event, unless an emergency. No-shows will be handled accordingly.

Guidelines if carpooling: Passengers pick up all the gas and
tolls

Let me know if you have any questions.

Drew T