First (of many) WCA Scramblers Hike:
Date: Saturday, October 13. Giant Ledge From the West Side.
Time: Meet at 8:15 AM in the parking area off of the bridge connecting WV Rd to East Rd (after Herdman). We will leave promptly at 8:30 AM to car pool to the trailhead off of RT 47. The hike will take about four hours with 1/2 hour travel to and from the hike. If you drive directly to the trailhead on Rt 47 make sure that you meet us at the hairpin turn parking area (not the Slide Mountain parking lot). We will start the hike promptly at 9 AM from the trailhead.
Hike Leaders: Richard and Tammy Feuer. Rich is an experienced hiker (http://woodlandvalleyview.blogspot.com/2011/08/richard-feuer-reaches-new-heights.html), having summited the highest point of the 48 contiguous states).
Who Should Hike: This is a beginner hike, but it is uphill. You should have the ability to walk at least 3 1/2 miles to participate. The pace of the hike will accommodate the slowest hiker. We will have multiple cars so hikers who feel that they cannot complete the hike can return with Tammy before completing the hike. Don’t be afraid to join. We want everyone to experience the joy of hiking in the Catskills.
What to Bring: Bring a sandwich and snack (e.g., energy bar), water or energy drink, a warm jacket for the summit and a rain shell. Pack these items in a light backpack or fanny pack. If you don’t have a pack, please contact Rich via email. He will be able to carry a limited number of items in his pack for hikers who do not own packs. You will need to bring a canteen. Rich will bring first aid supplies.
What to Expect: The hike is up a mountain (less than 2 miles one way). The hike is steep in some places and requires some rock scrambling. The pace of the hike will be a C pace for those who have been on group hikes.
After the Hike - Hikers are welcome to relax at Tammy and Rich’s cabin after the hike.
Giant Ledge is on Panther Mountain where you can see beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains, unsurpassed in the fall. Woodland Valley is in the Panther Mountain watershed. You can hike to Giant Ledge from the parking lot at the end of Woodland Valley Road across from the campground. This is the more strenuous route to go to Giant Ledge. You can also hike to Giant Ledge from the trailhead and parking for the Phoenicia-East Branch trail which you travel on for less than a mile before it intersects the Giant Ledge-Panther- Fox Hollow trail. It is located on CR-47 about 7 miles south of NY 28 (Map 43 of the NY-NJ Trail Conference Southern Catskill Trails series). This is about a 20 minute drive from Phoenicia.
Giant Ledge from this trail is a short hike that has big rewards as far as views go. There are numerous viewpoints slightly off the trail. The finest one is probably the first one you'll encounter. Wittenberg, Cornell, and a portion of Slide are boldly in front of you. In the distance you get to see a great view of the Indian Head Wilderness and the peaks along the famed Devils Path.
The hike to Giant Ledge is very popular. It is under 2 miles one way, and is not that difficult. People of all ages and ability are able to do this hike.
The hike to Giant Ledge is very popular. It is under 2 miles one way, and is not that difficult. People of all ages and ability are able to do this hike.
 |
| Wittenberg and Cornell mountains from Giant Ledge in the fall. |
 |
| Viewed from Giant Ledge. Here starting from the left is the long ridge of Plateau followed by Sugarloaf, Twin and Indian Head. I believe that is Plattekill Mountain on the far right. |
