Southwest Hunter Mountain (Leavitt's Peak), Catskills

November 2, 2013

Distance: 7.5 miles
Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Map: Catskill Trails Map Set
Parking: See directions link. Note that the parking lot is on the right side, not quite at the end of the road. We originally parked in the lot on the left side, then realized our mistake, and drove a short distance down the road.

Restrooms: None. 
Notes: Catskill 3500 footer #27
Post hike dinner: Bread Alone, and then Karma Cafe in New Paltz (1 1/4 hours away). 
Directions: Leavitt's Peak

Notes:
This hike has a view at Geiger's Point. Otherwise the views were obstructed.
This hike is considered a bushwhack, but there is a herd path to the summit.
There was plenty of water on this hike. At times the trail was very muddy.
Lots of leaves on loose rocks made for challenging hiking at times.

Year to date miles 347.7

Kiosk and registration box at parking area. From parking area, start walking along the road.

Short walk to the end of the road, where you'll find a gate.

There are many falls in the river to the right of the trail.

Bridge over the falls being rebuilt, luckily we aren't going this way.

Turning left onto the red blazed trail.

Geiger point

Some nice, though obstructed views as we continue up.

A sharp left turn in the trail after Geiger Point.
This is shortly before the start of the herd path.

There was one false trail to the right before the herd path.
The herd path was marked by a cairn.
Trek found it easily.

The herd path is very easy to follow.
Except, at one point you have to turn left to go up.
I think we missed it. Our dog however, came up with what he decided was the correct way to go up.
Passed this interesting tree.

Shortly after our true bushwhack up, we got back on the herd path, and ended up at the summit.
The herd path goes all of the way to the summit.

On the way back, we climbed down to the bottom of the falls, to let the dogs play.