Although the weather didn't cooperate, it was great hiking in an area I haven't been in quite some time. I regard the hike to Giant Ledge as the Cascade of the Catskills. It has everything the Catskills have to offer in a short amount of time. The trail is very standard for the Catskills (more rocks than dirt and always climbing).
It's about a 2 mile climb to Giant Ledge. Although I remember it being one Giant Ledge, it's more like a few ledges with great views. Normally the views to the North take in the Devil's Path, Hunter and the Valley encompassing Route 28. On this day the clouds were obstructionists. The views to the east usually provide a spectacular close up view of the king of the Catskills, Slide Mt, towering 1,000 ft above Giant Ledge.
Along the way their were a couple of trail runners. I thought this would be a great trail to run on. They would run all the way up to Panther. there were quite a few other hikers out also, braving the weather, which would ultimately be an all out downpour.
The climb up to Panther was a nice little climb. Above 3500 ft. it did start to get a bit chilly. I eventually pulled out my rain jacket to keep warm. Quite a difference with all the heat and humidity we've had. Along the way the VPo man noticed these huge yellow flowers, which we stopped to take some photos. The hike down was mostly in a complete downpour. I stood on one of the ledges and watched and waited for one of the clouds to pass by. As it neared you could feel the breeze pick up and the temperature drop. I continued on checking out the fantastic camping spots along the way. A fall backpack this year is a must. Or possibly a winter backpack would be great also.
Even looking at these views compared to the Dacks makes the Cats seem like petite rolling hills.
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