Silver Hollow Mountain(Catskills)

Had some free time this afternoon so wanted to get out for a nice, short hike. Being a nice summer weekend, I figured all the trails would be pretty packed and I wanted to avoid any crowds. This lead me to 3000 foot Silver Hollow Mountain, a Catskill Hundred Highest peak, in a very lightly traveled area of the Catskills.  I drove down Route 214 south to Notch Inn Road in Edgewood and parked along the east side of the road beside a bridge crossing.  From there it is a road walk uphill to the last house, where an unmarked turn leads left into the woods.  Soon after entering the woods, it is apparent that you are following a very old and badly eroded road with yellow blazes.

 The old road travels up to a trail junction into the notch at just over 2300 feet elevation.  A left heads up over Daley Ridge to Plateau Mountain but a right goes up to Silver Hollow Mountain.  This was where I turned right.

Once leaving the notch, the trail becomes a true foot path and the ascent begins.

 The trail heads southwest, climbing steadily but not overly steep.

After a couple of steep pitches, the trail emerges at a ledge with a screened view towards the east.  This is definitely one of those places that would be much more appreciated with the leaves off the trees.

 Daley Ridge across the notch through the trees to the north.

 The south ridge of Daley Ridge with Olderbark's long ridge line beyond.

Continuing beyond the ledge views, the trail passes through a small meadow.

 A fun little squeeze drops down off the meadow area.

 

 Ascending towards Silver Hollow's long summit ridge.

 As mentioned Silver Hollow's summit ridge is long with several small ups and downs and no pronounced summit.  I continued all the way south to the point where the trail begins its descent just to be sure I had hit the summit.  

 Retraced my steps back off the summit enjoying the peaceful quiet of the Catskill woods.

 Headed back down Notch Inn road to the car for a round trip total of a 3.7 miles with about 1150 feet elevation gain.  That makes it 68/102 in my quest for the Catskill Hundred Highest.
 Back at the car, I could hear the sounds of rushing water downhill through the woods.  A short walk lead me down to a tributary of Stony Clove Creek.