Exploring Roundtop Mountain's North Slopes(DEP/ Kaaterskill Wild Forest-Catskills)

Decided to do a little exploring in the seldom visited north/ northwest woods on 3440 foot Roundtop Mountain in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest on an overcast but comfortable early spring afternoon.  Having already bagged the summit in a previous visit, today would really just be an opportunity to see what was out there and maybe get a bonus view.  I parked in the first DEP parking lot on Gillepsie Road(Elevation 2250 feet) and then walked the road for a short distance to where DEP property comes in from the north to begin my bushwhack.

 

There was just some scattered snow on the ground in the south facing open hardwoods, but the recent cold spell has really built up some impressive ice.

Just past the point where DEP land becomes DEC land, around 2520 feet, there is a very large band of cliffs to negotiate.  Not anywhere near the toughest cliffs I've had to climb, however, as I easily found a way up.  Once atop the cliff bands, I was able to garner some pretty decent views towards the Devils Path peaks to the south. 

I continued a slow and easy ascent NE from there, crossing over the Kaaterskill Snowmobile Trail before hitting a deep, dark conifer forest near 2700 feet.  Once I hit the conifers, the woods became much more wintry, with an inch or two of snow on the ground and any running water frozen solid.

 

Continuing on, I kind of aimed NE, dropping slightly to a large, meadow like area near 2650 feet.  Was kind of surprised to not see any rock cairns or fire pits in this unique little spot. 

 

After poking around a bit further NE, I finally decided to turn around and head back west along the steep north facing slopes.  Although the terrain is quite steep in spots, it also very rugged and icy, making it tough to explore.  I was hopeful for some views and was able to get some screened shots towards the Blackheads(seen below) and even the ski slopes on Hunter Mountain from a different angle. The views were actually a little better than these photos would indicate. 

After following the north ledges for quite a ways, I finally headed back south towards the car, completing a short but sweet little exploration on Roundtop Mountain's north slopes.  Hiked a little over 3.5 miles RT, with 800 feet of total ascent.