Let's GO, all you Hudson Valley Easter Bunnies and join us for a loop hike, climbing 2000 feet to the summit of Indian Head Mountain (3573') in the Catskills.

Indian Head is the easternmost high peak in the Devil's Path Range. Seen from a distance, its summit resembles the rugged head of an Indian lying on his back.  There are many views from the eastern side of the summit, including a dramatic overlook (the Indian's nose?) known as Sherman's Outlook.  From this viewpoint, there are spectacular views into Platte Clove and across the Hudson Valley over the Taconics and Berkshires.  The trail drops almost vertically from this point to the bottom of the ledge.  

This is a strenuous, but rewarding, hike of 7.8 miles and will take approximately 7 hours to complete the circuit.  

Please see the link below for more details:

http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/indian-head-mountain-loop

All participants should come prepared with synthetic or wool base layer, mid layer and wind and rainwear appropriate for the season and changeable mountain weather- no cotton, filled water bottles (2-3 liters), hiking boots (no sneakers), warm hat, gloves, trail lunch and snacks and 10 essentials for hiking.  Please bring microspikes if you have them as trails may still be icy.

After the hike we will have dinner together at Brios in Phoenicia, for those inclined!

We will meet in the Farmer's market parking lot in Rhinebeck at 8 AM sharp to consolidate cars or at the Platte Cove Road parking lot in Tannersville at 9:30 AM sharp.  

Following are winter schedule directions to the parkiing lot in Tannersville:

The section of Platte Clove Road that climbs steeply from West Saugerties is closed in the winter (from November 1st to April 15th). During this period, the trailhead should be accessed via N.Y. 23A. Take Thruway Exit 20 and turn left after the toll booths onto N.Y. 212/N.Y. 32, but after crossing over the Thruway, turn right onto N.Y. 32. In 6.0 miles, where N.Y. 32 bears right, continue straight ahead onto N.Y. 32A. In 1.9 miles, when N.Y. 32A ends, turn left onto N.Y. 23A and follow it up Kaaterskill Clove and through the village of Haines Falls. At the traffic light in the next village, Tannersville, turn left onto Depot Road and continue ahead on Spruce Street (County Route 16). When Spruce Street ends at a T-intersection, turn left onto Platte Clove Road and continue for 4.9 miles to the trailhead parking area, on the left side of the road.