Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
An easy-to-navigate — but tough-to-hike — out-and-back route.
Trailhead info at bottom of this post.
Hiking Trail Description
Blackhead via Arizona is a long, quiet, stunning route that most people don’t know about. That should change.
This route provides unique perspective on the Catskills, showcasing dense forests, scenic views, a few fun scrambles, a portal, and the opportunity to experience solitude away from the more frequented paths.
Ideal for seasoned hikers in need of a fresh trail to Blackhead Mountain, this route promises not just a hike but an exploration of the quiet majesty of the Catskills.
Prepare for a physically engaging hike, with steep sections and varied terrain that demand good hiking legs and a readiness for adventure.
BTW, you might also enjoy…
- UPDATED › Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent for Hikers
- CATSKILLS › Peakbagging The Catskills High Peaks (Ultimate Guide)
- STAY › Find Your Perfect Catskills Stay
- ADIRONDACKS › Wright, Algonquin & Iroquois Peaks
- LEARN › Teach Yourself How to Use a Compass
- ENTERTAINMENT › Best & Worst Hiking Movies
- Follow › My Instagram @TotalCatskills
- Follow › My Substack @TotalCatskills
- Follow › My writing for Times Union
Blackhead via Arizona from Stork’s Nest Road Hiking Trail
This challenging route includes…
- Stunning forests
- A fun rock portal
- A wonderful flat ridge walk
- Rock scrambles
- Some of the best Catskills views
- Cow parsnip — warning / see trail notes
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below — with 25 photos.
Blackhead via Arizona from Stork’s Nest Road Hike Time
Allow 5-7 hours for this hike.
Blackhead via Arizona from Stork’s Nest Road Elevation Gain
The elevation gain for this hike is 3028 feet (apx 920 meters).
Blackhead via Arizona from Stork’s Nest Road Trail Notes & Gallery
Begin at the Stork’s Nest Road trailhead. Follow the signage uphill. You’ll walk past a house, which always feel a little weird, and then enter the main trail. Sign the register and carry on up the mountain until you get to the first junction, in Dutcher Notch…
On the way up, if the leaves are off the trees, you’ll get some tantalizing views of the summit of Blackhead.
You’ve got the basic details, but there’s so much more…
Unlock this site now to get complete intel on every route, including my full photo galleries, personal insights and tips. Elevate your next hike with deep trail beta. Experience hundreds of amazing routes at their absolute finest. With Mountain-Hiking.com, you’re not just skimming the surface.
Sean
Similar Hikes
This is a great route for its mix of solitude and scenery.
Read More
Get full access…
Get instant access to the full version of this site and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.
Hot on the website right now…
Follow for more…
Follow my @TotalCatskills content on Instagram for regular hiking inspo and safe, inclusive community.
Blackhead via Arizona from Storks Nest Trailhead
Small quiet lot. Walk past the house.
Google Maps Location: 42.252739, -74.053450
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Patchy throughout. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
The parent mountain for this hike is Blackhead.