Hike to these Catskill high peaks (elevations 3898', 3605', 3558') along a one-way route. To begin, we will hike over West Kill Mountain and St. Anne's Peak on the Devil's Path, then leave the trail to begin the bushwhack over North Dome and Mount Sherrill. The hike will end at Shaft Rd. There is a water crossing at the end of the hike, not far from the parking area on Shaft Rd. The trail between North Dome and Sherrill is often wet and muddy. This12-mile hike is rated as difficult, with an overall elevation gain of 3853' and a duration of eight-to-nine hours.
We will meet at the Shaft Road Parking Area in Lexington. This is where our hike will end. Hikers should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the meet up time. We will then shuttle to the Spruceton Trail Parking Area at the end of Spruceton Rd.
Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ beverages, insect repellent, sturdy hiking shoes, proper clothing; leader will send a detailed email to anyone who has registered for this hike. This hike is limited to 12 hikers. Participants must register by June 10, 2024. To register, contact Anne Rubin at annaswartz@netscape.net Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader.
Directions to reach the Shaft Rd parking area off Route 42 in Lexington.
From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) merge onto NY 28 west for 27.6 miles. Then take State Route 42 north for 3.75 miles and Shaft Road is on the right; take the gravel road through the hedgerow and the parking lot is on the right.
From State Route 23A at Lexington, take State Route 42 south for 7.7 miles and turn left onto Shaft Road. Take the gravel road through the hedgerow and the parking lot is on the right.
GPS Coordinates to Shaft Road Parking Area: 42.16509, -74.40876
Shaft Road Parking Area https://maps.app.goo.gl/mgPRgL5iNN3q5huL6
Spruceton Parking Area Map (aka Rusk Mt. Trailhead) : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChEoz4mf8vHr9nP2A
Mountain Forecast Link for West Kill Mountain
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/West-Kill-Mountain/forecasts/1186