Plattekill Mountain(Indian Head Wilderness-Catskills)

Headed down to the Catskills today to revisit 3100 foot Plattekill Mountain, one of my favorite Catskill Hundred Highest peaks that I had climbed previously.  I parked along Platte Clove Road at the Catskill Center trailhead(Elevation 1872 feet) and set out south, first briefly stopping to check out Old Mills Falls just off trail.

Took the trail south for a bit, before picking up an unmarked but obvious foot path east to a terrific view directly over Platte Clove. 

 Some stone furniture near a quarry along the edge of the steep escarpment ledges, a short distance from the viewpoint. 

 

Back on the trail, and I will admit that I haven't hiked many Catskill trails lately, and my feet forgot just how rocky some of them are.  This trail actually follows the Old Overlook Road which provided access to multiple quarries near the escarpment.

 Approaching the Devils Kitchen Lean To.

The Devils Kitchen Lean To, which was unoccupied. 

Beyond the Lean To, the trail climbs steadily for the next 7/10 of a mile to a trail junction.  From there, a short yellow marked spur trail heads over to Codfish Point, which is an old quarry with great Hudson Valley views to the east reaching far and wide. 

Back on the main trail, a small, almost unnoticeable herd path soon heads off to the right(west) and begins to climb up Plattekill's NE ridge.  Once on the herd path, it's very easy to follow, ascending steadily.

From yet another old bluestone quarry, stone furniture make for a nice resting spot and a view north towards Roundtop and Kaaterskill High Peak.

A short distance past the quarry views, around 2850 feet, the herd path ends and the true bushwhack begins.  This time of year that means fern glade whacking.

A short bushwhack of about 1/4 mile brings you to the summit ridge, which gets a bit thick with conifers, but a decent herd path now makes it easy traveling.  The wooded, nondescript 3100 foot summit is just as I remember. 

From the summit, I headed basically due south through the open woods and then contoured along a steep set of ledges around 2925 feet, hitting the wide open ledge I was shooting for.  This open perch offers a spectacular view out over Echo Lake and towards neighboring Overlook Mountain.

From another nearby viewpoint, a great view takes in a multitude of Catskill peaks to the SW, with Cooper Lake in the center.  The Burroughs Range is on the distant horizon.

Pretty in pink..these wild azalea were POPPING!

After enjoying the views, an easy bushwhack over the summit ridge brought me back to the herd path and then down to the marked trail.  Clouds continued to thicken but the rain held off as I made my way north to the car.  This tree was all tied up as I passed by!

Hiked a very pleasant 6 miles RT, with 1500 feet of combined ascent for the day.  Saw several other folks out enjoying the trail, but none on Plattekill Mountain.