Date Hiked: 11/3/2007

Conditions: Weather was good, trails are clear. Bushwhacking became difficult nearing Doubletop summit, as there is a lot of blowdown. Herd paths are no longer easy to follow. Things get really tangled wherever there's a lot of beech trees. Seems they get ripped up worse than most. Water was a bit higher than expected, but stream crossings were not difficult.

Special Required Equipment: Map, compass (GPS optional, extra), lots of patience. Good boots. Gaiters. Tear-resistant clothes, eye protection. Temps were in the upper 30s, so liner gloves, a beanie cap and a fleece jacket sufficed to keep warm.

Comments: Last spring's Tax Day Storm really ripped things up in the area around Big Indian Mt. We were following the property line east from Dbltop to Big Indian, but lost it along the way due to blowdown. So while trails are nice and clear, bushwhacking has become quite a bit more difficult than it used to be in the Catskills. But you knew that already, didn't you?

Submitted by:Ron G