New Year's Eve Hike to Pitchoff

A partially frozen Cascade Lake with Pitchoff to the right

Situated right across from Cascade along Route 73, Pitchoff has been on my radar for quite a long time.  The trail starts across the street from Cascade.  There is an excellent 5 mile point to point trail that leads over Pitchoff's many rocky peaks.  With only one car, I would walk the 2.8 miles back to the car in a stiff, cold wind.

Cascade is one of the Adirondacks more popular destinations.  It's by far the most accessible 46er.  This made parking a bit of a challenge since the lots were full.  I found a spot after some difficulty.  Stepping out of the car woke me up quick.  I was met with one of the coldest winds ever.  I decided to change into my boots in my cramped car.

After some hesitation, I left the car quite reluctantly.  This feeling would change once on the trail.  If winter won't come to the Hudson Valley, I will just have to go to where winter is.  It has arrived in the Adirondacks.  The trail was covered in snow, but not so much where snowshoes are necessary.  I love winter in the beginning.  The snow covered trees are so beautiful.  The crisp, cold air feels so much fresher.

I met a couple women who were coming down.  Their friendly dogs were happy to see me.  I could not pet them enough.  They would be the only ones I'd meet.  In fact after the first view point, I would follow on pair of boot tracks.  In only a few spots I wished I had snow shoes.

The view of Cascade (or lack of)

Don't eat the yellow snow

Pitchoff

Pitchoff rises a little over 1,500 feet from Cascade Lake.  There are numerous rocky peaks along a mile of trail that crosses its ridge.  On a clear day, this must be a really top notch spot, even for the Adirondacks.  Periodically, I could see down to the lakes, but mostly I saw clouds and fog.

This did not take away from the enjoyment.  The snow and the rocky peaks made the scenery interesting.  It was also just so nice to be in my favorite place in the world.
  

Owl's Head.  I want to go there.  

Pitchooff's rocky ridge from Route 73