Bushwhacking North Dome through Mink Hollow - Catskill 3500 Trailless Peak

There are few, if any easy routes up North Dome, one of the Catskill trailless 3500 peaks. Most of the routes of ascent from the Mink Hollow area run into bands of cliffs and we were looking to see if there was an easier route possible by going through the notch and over to the southern ridge that flanks the notch that Moe could use with his Hike On Guides clients.

It turns out that the answer is really no. We had thought we could go through the notch and instead of descending the valley on the other side, slab around on the same elevation until we ran into the herd path that ascends the southern ridge.

We were able to slab around but the terrain gets very steep and with lots of rocks and just slightly covered boulder fields. It was no easier than going up the more traditional routes from Mink Hollow to the summit of North Dome.

It was however a challenging, fun, and interesting way to climb North Dome and gave us a chance to check out areas that not many folks explore.

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Watch all of our videos about hikes in the Catskills on YouTube

• The Hiker Trash Husband's Catskills Videos

You can find more information about this hike on:

• The NYNJ Trail Conference's Catskill Trails Map Set
• National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park

Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center

• https://catskillsvisitorcenter.org​.

Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:

• Hike On Guides (hike with us!)

Gear we used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
• Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots
• Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles 
• Darn Tough Socks
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp 
• Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
• Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie
• Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews
• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink
• Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans
• Garmin Instinct Watches
• Garmin inReach Plus GPS

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There are few easy ways up North Dome, one of the Catskill trailless 3500 peaks. Most of the routes of ascent from the Mink Hollow area run into bands of cliffs and we were looking to see if there was an easier route possible by going through the notch and over to the southern ridge that flanks the notch that Moe could use with his Hike On Guides clients.