Hiking: Blackheads & Escarpment Horseshoe - 8 peaks, 14.5 miles of the Catskills best!

The Blackheads and Escarpment Trail Horseshoe Hike is a roughly 14.5 mile hike from the trailhead on Elmer Barnum Road, across the Blackhead Range, to the intersection with the Escarpment Trail and then north on the Escarpment Trail over Windham High Peak to the trailhead on Route 23 in Windham.

Along the way you'll climb up and over Cadual, Camel's Hump, Thomas Cole, Black Dome, Blackhead, Acra Point, Burnt Knob, and Windham High Peak. Four of the peaks (Thomas Cole, Black Dome, Blackhead, and Windham High Peak) are part of the Catskill 3500 challenge.

This is a challenging and difficult hike with very rough terrain, high mileage, and very few water sources along the way. You'll hike 14.5 miles and climb more than 4,000 feet along the way.

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

• The Hiker Trash Husband's Catskills Videos
• Catskill 3500 Challenge Videos
• Catskills Fire Tower Challenge Videos
• Best Catskills Loop Hikes Videos

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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
• Catskill Trails Guidebook from ADK
• Hiking the Catskills Guidebook
• Guide to the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge 
• Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve

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!)

Advice and Recommended Gear:

• Our Hiking Gear Guide and Recommendations
• Our day hike backpack recommendations
• Top Ten Day Hiking Essentials
• Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
• Recommended Gear on Amazon
• Shop Hiker Trash Husbands Merch

Gear we used on this hike:

• Goodr Sunglasses
• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Shoes
• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• REI Traverse Trekking Poles
• Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Garmin Instinct Watch
• Garmin inReach Plus GPS

Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube if you enjoyed our video. We appreciate the opportunity to share our adventures with you and highlight members of the LGBTQ+ community enjoying the outdoors. Proud gay hikers here! Find out more about us at The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web - https://www.hikertrashhusbands.com

Important Hiking Considerations:

1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear. 
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans. 
3. Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.

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