I had grand plans for doing a long walk along the Taconic Range. Instead I got an afternoon start, reaching the top of Platte Clove a little after 2pm. The trailhead parking was completely full. I found this surprising since the main hike from here is Kaaterskill High Peak. I did not realize it was that popular. But then I thought of all of the other hikes that can be taken from here: an easy stroll to Plattekill Falls, Huckleberry Point and Indian Head.
It had been well over ten years since I had been to Huckleberry Point. Consequently, it had been do to a late start on Kaaterskill High Peak that I decided to walk out to Huckleberry. For some reason I thought KHP could be done with an afternoon start. Huckleberry Point makes for a great back up plan or even the main plan.
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| Yellow leads to Huckleberry, Blue leads toward KHP |
According to the map, it's a 2.4 mile walk with about 500 feet elevation gain. Almost all of the elevation is gained on old logging roads and current snowmobile trails. This is an ideal fall foliage hike or an ideal easy stroll through the woods. I made it up and back in just under 2 hours which included a long rest to soak in the views. But almost anybody who can walk will make it up and down in 3 to 4 hours. I passed a group walking in nice jeans and sweaters. It's that kind of walk (though there is a stream crossing and some mildly muddy areas).
Along with the namesake Huckleberries, one will find some outstanding views. The Tivoli Bays and the Hudson River can be made out to the east. To the south are Overlook and Mohonk. Down below is Platte Clove with Indian Head rising above on its south side. From Indian Head one can follow the ridge of Devils Path peaks to Plateau.
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| The path to Huckleberry Point |
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| Mohonk and a tiny bit of the Ashokan |
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| Hudson River and Kingston |
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| The mist moving in on the Devils Path (Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf) |
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