Indian Head via Overlook Mt

Indian Head from Overlook

With a bunch of trail runs lined up for the spring, I figured to keep the momentum going from my weekend in the Dacks.  Another hiking goal of mine is to hike all the 3500 foot peaks before the leaves return (or at least before the Escarpment Trail run in July).

Since I have only approached Indian Head from Platte Clove, I decided to take it on from the south.  I wanted to include Echo Lake, but my late start ruined those plans.  The trail from the junction to Echo Lake to the junction for Indian Head would be knew for me.  According to the maps there is a view point that looks out over the Hudson.  We shall see, since roughly half the view points on these maps do not exist.

There is a view!  The Hudson River and the Tivoli Bays

It's been a little while since the mountains have received any snow and the highs would be in the low 20s.  I knew there would be plenty of snow, but I left the snow shoes in the car and wore microspikes the entire way.  The trail up Overlook was completely packed down and icy in many spots.  The trail to Echo Lake and beyond had only a few people on it, but I barely post-holed.  The microspikes were a great choice.

I reached the junction to Indian Head in great time.  I met a guy who tried barebooting his way up Indian Head, but turned around.  He decided to head towards the way I came.  I told him it'd only be about a half hour to a decent view point.  He thought that sounded like a pretty good idea.

The hike up Indian Head was a little slow going, but not too icy.  I enjoyed the views along the way.  The steep section to the hanging rock was quite tough, but I made it just fine.  I did decide against going down it though.  This added about an hour and a half to the hike, but a much safer alternative for my back.

Some section along the way with bare rock

Lot of ice on the trees

Some ice found its way down my back

Plattekill and Overlook

No doubt, it's Winter up here!

While hiking this, I realized how long it has been since I've actually been up and over the actual summit.  Typically, I just head up to the view points and head back down.  This was nice.  I also met a few people along the way.

I made it to Overlook just before dark and walked down without a headlamp.  Though not full, I was aided by the 60-70% illuminated moon.  A nice, tough hike and a wonderful day to be out.