This is an 8-mile strenuous loop hike, hiking Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole Mountains. At the 0.6-mile Black Dome Range junction, we’ll head left on the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail, then right on the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail for a steep ascent to Blackhead (3,940 ft.). We’ll continue straight after the summit, descending steeply down to Lockwood Gap. We’ll ascend steeply via the red-blazed Black Dome Range Trail, hiking the ridgeline with viewpoints over to the summit of Black Dome (3,980 ft.) and then on to the wooded summit of Thomas Cole (3,950 ft.). After a pause at Thomas Cole, we’ll retrace our steps and break at the viewpoint looking south from Black Dome. From here, we’ll head down the trail to Lockwood Gap junction, then left back to our cars.

This hike is rated as difficult though it is not a bushwack. We’ll cover the miles in an estimated six hours. Participants need to bring lunch, at least 2 liters of water, snacks, maybe sunscreen, insect repellent, and, most importantly, sturdy hiking boots. Pre-registration is required by 6PM on Friday, 9/22. To register contact Siu S. Yuen by email at ssyuen@msn.com The hike is limited to 10 people so register early. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. The rain date is Sunday, 9/24.

From Exit 20 (Saugerties) NYS Thruway, take NY 32 north for six miles and keep straight onto NY-32A. Take NY-32A for 0.6 miles, bear left onto NY-23A. Take Route 23A for 5.5 miles, turn right onto County Hwy 25. Take County Hwy-25 for 2.7 miles, bear right onto County Route 23C and stay on it for four miles. Turn right onto Maplecrest Rd. (County Hwy 40), go 1.9 miles, then turn right onto County Hwy 56. Take County Hwy 56 (Big Hollow Road) for 4.3 miles until the end. Park in lot at the end of the road. Meeting location GPS coordinates: N42.2886 W74.1143.

From NY-23 in Windham, take 23 east to NY-296; turn right on 296 and take 1.5 miles and stay straight (296 goes left) onto Co. Hwy 40 (Maplecrest Rd.) and continue two miles to Maplecrest and turn left onto Co. Hwy 56 (Big Hollow Road) for 4.3 miles until the end. Park in lot at the end of the road. Meeting location GPS coordinates: N42.2886 W74.1143.

From NY-23 in East Windham, take 23 west to Co. Hwy 65 and turn left onto 65A. Take 65A, this merges with Co. Hwy. 40, and continue three miles to Maplecrest. turn left onto Co. Hwy 56 (Big Hollow Road) for 4.3 miles until the end. Park in lot at the end of the road. Meeting location GPS coordinates: N42.2886 W74.1143.