Overlook Mountain (Catskill Park)
Distance: 4.91 miles
Elevation: 1401 feet
Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Catskill Firetowers; 52 Hike Challenge
The Hike
Time for another fire tower! I went back and forth on my plans for today since there was a chance of thunderstorms at SOME point of the day - the forecast kept changing - but I eventually decided I'd just drive up to Overlook Mountain, and it was a good choice! I got up at 4:30am and was out the door soon after, listened to "Come From Away" (again), and then I arrived at the McDonalds in Saugerties to get some breakfast. I was surprised the drive to the trailhead was halfway up the mountain, but I was not complaining one bit. The main parking lot only had one other car, and there appeared to be a secondary parking lot 0.5 miles away for overflow. I finished my breakfast while the other car finished getting ready for their hike (#antisocial), used the fairly decent porta potty, and got my day started!
I was a good hiker and signed the register box just past the gate to the trail (the trail is just a gravel access road, and there were many signs clearly stating to not block the gate), and from there the hike was more or less of the same thing the whole time - wide gravel road with a few ruts. The real stand out on this hike were the flies! I've never been around so many flies in my life. There were three separate piles of dog poop that the flies were feasting on, so those sections had a higher population, but they were pretty consistent for the whole trail up to the mountain house ruins. I tried to stop to catch my breath once but it sounded like an incoming plague or what I imagine "lord of the flies" sounds like, even though I never read the book.
While dodging the flies I did run into the other hiker with her dog - she was super friendly. and I learned later that she was a local, first hiked Overlook a few days ago, and loved it so much that she's been back every day since! After seeing the views, I understood. There were a few side herd paths to who knows where, and one prominent road that had power lines off of the main trail, but I did not investigate further as I was 1) sweaty, 2) stressed because of flies, and 3) the road was grassy and I have a tick phobia (thank you YMCA Camp 2001). The grassy road is on the NYNJTC map and AllTrails, but not on the DEC map. Maybe someday I'll find out, or I'll completely forget about it. Somewhere around there was a sharpie'd "1/2 way point" sign on a telephone pole. Like Mt. Kearsarge South, I both appreciated and hated it.
The endless gravel road-slog finally comes to an end at the incredible ruins of the Overlook Mountain House. I attached some information at the bottom here - it was so cool! I guess this structure was never totally finished. Really neat piece of history right on the trail! It also provided a nice "catch-ya-breath" break. The only spot I didn't go was down the steps to what appeared to be the basement floor because I'm a weenie. I also read on catskillmountaineer that Rattlesnakes are known to inhabit the stone here, so I didn't want to mess around too much.
After the ruins there is a trail junction towards Echo Lake, a thousand signs warning of Rattlesnakes, and a bunch of herd paths on the right. I took one that looked more worn than the others and I got a partial view of the valley below, but I also scraped up my legs. After going to the top, I'd say it's only worth it when the plants are dead and humans are wearing long pants.
Just before the true summit, the trail opens to a cabin with a privy behind (the cabin was closed today, not sure about the privy), and then you can choose to go right to the view from the ledge or left to the firetower. There was a party of who I believe to be trail runners at the cabin, so I chose to hit the fire tower first in hopes that they wouldn't climb it while I was up. They apparently already had their fun, and left before I started climbing. The view from the firetower is my favorite so far (at least between Red Hill, Mt. Tremper, and Overlook - I need to dig up the photos from Hunter) and it just took my breath away. In one direction is the Hudson River and valley, and the other is the mountains. Just beautiful. The way the sun was shining through the clouds painted just a beautiful picture. There was even the slightest breeze (and no flies)!
After carefully descending, I wringed out my shirt (classic) and headed towards the view from the ledges - wow! The trail was covered in gnats, but it quickly opens up to an incredible view of the Hudson Valley and some neighboring mountains. There were some flies being annoying, but the view was worth it. There was some very old graffiti as well - the oldest I remember seeing was from the early 1900's - reminded me of the graffiti on Mt. Monadnock. So cool!
On my return trip I passed my friend with her dog who recommended a place to get Avocado Toast, and then I started my trip down! The flies remained in full force, and my shins/quads were feeling the burn on the descent. I passed a bunny at the mountain house ruins (no rattlesnakes), and a few groups heading up the mountain. I didn't realize how truly soaked I was until I made it back to the car, and I was nervous since it was a busy parking lot so I couldn't (shouldn't) do my usual quick-change. Thankfully there was a large porta potty where I could put on my dry clothes. I did a quick journal, and then started my trek home.
All that is left is Balsam Lake for the fire towers, which I might do on my way up to the Adirondacks, or I might not since it's absurdly tucked into the Catskills and would add 2.5 hours to the drive... We'll see!
- Start hike on red-blazed Overlook Mountain Trail.
- Near the top, enjoy the ruins of an abandoned hotel.
- After the hotel, stay on red-blazed trail at junction with blue-blazed trail.
- Enjoy the fire tower and side trail to another view.
- Retrace steps back to car.
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