The Catskill 9

Table & Peekamoose

The initial route to Table is long but steady and easy to follow. The views below the summit are worth checking out. Enjoy the lovely walk across the Table’s flat ridge.

Continue on to Peekamoose. The col between the two is one of my favorites.

Return to Table, but not to the summit. At the east side of the ridge, look for an unmarked herd path on your right that leads into the pine forest. It’s flat at first but quickly dips into the col between Table and Lone. Follow the herd path to Lone.

This is a great place to know how to use a compass.

Lone & Rocky

Climb this small cliff on the west side of Lone, then make your way east to the summit. You’ll pass some wonderfully gnarly birch trees.

Near the canister, there’s a lookout down a short spur off to the right/southeast. Return to the canister and begin to make your northeast to Rocky.

Navigationally, this is the toughest part of the hike. There’s good potential for wrestling pine trees the whole way. Follow the herd path as best you can. Keep to the north side of the col as much as possible. You will lose elevation but, trust me, it’s absolutely for the best.

Make your way to Rocky’s canister. Close by, again to the east, you can visit the top of a sheer cliff with a great view of the back of Balsam Cap and Ashokan High Point.

Make your way east-northeast to Balsam Cap.

No guarantees, but you’ll probably pass through this fern glade…

I love the back side of Balsam Cap around 3,500’ where there are some fine boulder ledges. Make your way to the third of four canisters you’ll find today.

Balsam Cap, Friday, and Dink

Balsam Cap and Friday both have small clearings at the summit. How you get to Friday from Balsam Cap is a matter of preference. The more adventurous can stay off the main herd path and try a more direct but more challenging route. First-timers should stick to the well-worn herd path which will lead you down to the pregnant tree. From there, head up The Ramp, then turn right to make your way to the summit.

Next is Dink, the modest, mossy hump between Friday and Cornell. Navigation can be tricky here, too. Stick as close to the edge of the col as you can and you’ll eventually pop out onto the trail the leads up to Cornell’s summit.

From that point on, the remainder of this route is trailed.

Cornell & Wittenberg

Hike to the summit of Cornell, which is up a short spur trail on your right. Easy to miss, so keep an eye out.

On your way up, just above a small lemon squeeze rock formation that might force you to remove your pack to climb, look for a large, obvious boulder on your left. Climb on top for an excellent view of Slide Mountain, and Giant Ledge/Panther.

Make your way over to Wittenberg’s fantastic ledge view. You’ll have to descend Cornell Crack.

At Wittenberg, rest your legs and fuel-up for the final leg of the route.

If you’ve packed painkillers, this is a good spot to pop those bad boys in your gullet, ahead of the final miles which are quite rugged. Your feet and knees will thank you.

Head back to Cornell Crack and hike over Cornell’s summit.

Continue on the trail all the way to Slide. The trail section between Cornell and Slide is one of the most beautiful and remote in the entire Catskill Park.

Slide Mountain

The back side of Slide is steep and rugged but near the wooden ladders and spring it offers excellent views to lift your spirits.

Finish on the tallest peak in the Catskills.

From the summit of Slide, it’s a straightforward but very-long-feeling 2.7 mile descent to your car.