Greene County Highpoint Trip Report

Hunter Mtn (4,040 ft)

Date: May 22, 2005
Author: Richard Garland

After two great hiking days, this Sunday started out with clouds and a low ceiling and soon turned into a drizzly, chilly day. However, I decided to climb Hunter anyway since, although a bit dreary, the weather was by no means threatening from a safety stand point. I drove down to Tannersville, and turned south on Route 214 to the Becker Hollow trailhead.

I was on the trail by about 8:45 AM. The trail climbed up to the ridge line and became steeper. Although this trail was probably the least well built of the trails I had hiked during the weekend, it was still in good shape and was generally easy going all the way to the top. By about 3000 feet of elevation, I entered the cloud ceiling and things were just wet. It wasn't exactly raining as much as it was dripping.

I reached the summit ridge and followed a wide, nearly-level path that was graded for horses. Just before 10:30, I reached the summit area with its lookout tower and ranger cabin. It was chilly and there were absolutely no views. I stayed only about 7 minutes at the top, had a bite to eat, and started down.

I took a shortcut from the tower down off the ridge on the yellow blazed bypass trail and then descended the Becker Hollow trail. By the time I reached the bottom, the drizzle had become constant.

Hike statistics: 4.5 miles, 2,270 feet total elevation gain, 3 hours duration.

Map: NYNJTC map #41 - "Northeastern Catskill Trails"

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