West Cave and Cave Mountains(Catskills)

After recently completing my Catskill Hundred Highest quest, I, along with several others, were invited to join my buddy Jason Pelton on his CHH finish on the Cave Mountains(otherwise known as Ski Windham).  Coming along today were Jason, my longtime hiking buddy Jim, Alan Via, Margaret, Yanina, and Diane, as well as Jason's 4 year old daughter Luna.  It promised to be a beautiful day under mostly sunny skies, as we started from Goshen Street at DEP land on the south side of West Cave.  Our planned route was going to be up West Cave, then east over to Cave and finally down to a spotted car at the Windham Ski Area base.

After 800 feet of ascent and less than one mile up an access road, we arrived at a enormous clearing with great south facing views.  To the SW, the Lexington Range with Tower Mountain in the foreground.

South views towards the Hunter Ski Area, with East Rusk to the right.

A great crew out enjoying a great day!!  From left to right, Alan, myself, Jim, Jason(Luna in front of him), Diane and Margaret.

A short distance beyond the open meadow is the summit of West Cave, with its exceptional ski slope views.  The north facing views from here are extraordinary.   The lower slopes of Cave in the front, with the long ridge of Nebo, Hayden, Ginseng and Zoar beyond.

The foliage was nothing short of spectacular!  Peak colors!!!!

Between the summits, we found a newly marked hiking trail, which was actually quite beautiful and easy to follow.

We honestly couldn't have enjoyed better conditions. 

Jason arriving at the wooded 3100 foot summit of Cave Mountain.  Celebrating a great moment with his daughter! A heartfelt moment that I was glad to be a part of!

The views from Cave Mountain's ski slopes are just as good if not better than West Cave. The lower slopes of West Cave, bathed in foliage with the long ridge of the Morseville's stretching over to Utsayantha to the NW.

We followed an access road down off the mountain, soaking in the breathtaking views along the way.  One of my favorite shots of the day was this framed view of Windham High Peak.

As we continued the drop, the slopes of West Cave continued to rise up above us.

Peak foliage on West Cave's ski slopes.

Yellow beech and golden fern glades are a sure sign of the changing seasons.

Really enjoyed the view of this small cabin tucked into the steep slopes of West Cave, surrounded by foliage.

From below, looking up at the ski lifts.

Even from the lower slopes, the north facing view is jaw dropping. (L-R)Huntersfield Mountain, Ashland Pinnacle, Richmond Mountain and Mount Pisgah.

Fire red!  A spectacular display of beauty.

Simply couldn't get enough of the ski slopes ablaze!!

Nearby farmland to the north sitting high on a hillside, with Ashland Pinnacle towering above in the distance.

A great group nearing the end of the day. 

Down at the base of the Windham Ski Area, we bid a last farewell to a terrific day on the Caves.

Congrats to Jason on his CHH finish!  An amazing accomplishment!  About 5 miles RT with 1300 feet of ascent.