Pecoy Notch Ledges(Indian Head Wildneress-Catskills)

"What beautiful spring weather we're having this winter".  This was an exact quote from the only hiker I saw on the Pecoy Notch Trail this morning and it pretty much summed up the pleasant mid January conditions I experienced on my hike.  I wanted to do a little exploring around Pecoy Notch(the deep notch between Twin and Sugarloaf Mountains), so I parked at the trailhead along Roaring Kill Road(Elevation 1980 feet) and headed south, setting a good pace on the marked trail.

Made a brief pit stop at Dibble's Quarry, which I was surprised to have to myself.

Checking out the great views towards Roundtop and KHP from the Quarry.

Continuing past the Quarry, it is a gradual climb up towards the Notch, and the sizable beaver pond just below it.  Here's a view towards Twin Mountain, which was under a snow squall, from the mostly dried up beaver pond.

After nearly 2 miles, I arrived at Pecoy Notch, which sits at just a bit over 2800 feet. The area surrounding the notch itself is the only area I saw snow all day-and even there it was spotty at best.

I turned east from the Notch and began to climb up the Devils Path towards Twin Mountain for a couple minutes before diving off into the woods, circling over to a series of open ledges on the southwest slopes of Twin.  My first good view was a direct look across the Notch towards Sugarloaf Mountain, with the snow capped trees below. Notice that the higher slopes of Sugarloaf are completely devoid of snow.

Looking north beyond the Notch towards Sugarloaf's north ridge and the distant Blackhead range.

Icy views towards Sugarloaf's south ridge and a shoulder of Olderbark Mountain just beyond.

The ledges came fast and furious and the going was tough, as I made my ascent. 

The views only got better from each successive ledge, with the best being towards the SW.

While climbing up through one particular rock overhang, I was startled to find this old, rusted out bed frame and neat stone work.

 

The next three photos may look similar but are from three separate vantage point, each one higher than the last. 

Paused at this particular ledge to grab a quick snack, soaking in the sunshine and views and in disbelief at the incredible weather.

The cliff bands were tough to negotiate but all worth it for the views.

After enjoying the views, it was a careful bushwhack back to the trail, which I descended back to the Notch and then onto the beaver pond below.  I explored the woods just above the pond and did manage to find one unique view towards Roundtop and KHP.

Back on the trail, enjoying the great view of Sugarloaf towering above the beaver pond/ meadow.

I continued my descent north, heading off trail one more time to check out a couple of pretty waterfalls on the brook that drains the Notch and empties into the Roaring Kill.

Partially frozen waterfalls further down the stream.

Back on trail, I made one last stop at Dibbles Quarry to check out Twin Mountain and the steep slopes I explored to the right.

A final, easy hike out brought me down to my car.  There were five cars there when I left, but as I mentioned, I only saw one other hiker.  Trails were in great condition, with only very sporadic ice here and there that could be easily avoided.  Hiked about 4.5 miles total(trail/ bushwhack combined), with 1300 feet of total ascent.