Bushwhacking Southwest Hunter via Fenwick Railroad Grade
Southwest Hunter, often referred to as Leavitt Peak, is one of the Catskill 3500 peaks. It stands at an elevation of 3,740 feet. Unlike nearby Hunter Mountain, which is the second-highest in the Catskills, Southwest Hunter is much less frequently visited. The peak is densely forested, offering no views compared to Hunter Mountain next door with its many views and Fire Tower.
The Fenwick Lumber Railroad was a short-lived logging railroad that operated on Hunter Mountain and Southwest Hunter in the early 20th century. It was built to support the Fenwick Lumber Company, which harvested timber in the dense forests of the two mountain tops. The railroad up the Myrtle Brook drainage was used to lower logs from the logging camp in the Devil's Acre area - which was a collection point of small narrow gauge railroads that harvested timber across the two mountains. After being brought down to the mill in Lanesville, the lumber was then loaded on the Ulster and Delaware Railroad that passed through Lanesville and Stony Clove and took the wood south to markets.
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Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Important Hiking Considerations:
For our trip we began in Lanesville, on the southern side of Stony Clove Notch and climbed up Myrtle Creek to the ruins of the old Fenwick Lumber Company mill. From there we followed the former cable railroad grade from the mill, to the notch between Southwest Hunter and Hunter Mountain, where the Devil's Acre Lean-to now sits and where the old Fenwick Lumber Camp used to be. From Devil's Acre Lean-to we followed the Devil's Path to the herd path to the summit of Southwest Hunter. On the return we hiked down the Devil's Path to Stony Clove Notch and then down Route 214 to our vehicles at Notch Inn Road.
The Fenwick Lumber Railroad was a short-lived logging railroad that operated on Hunter Mountain and Southwest Hunter in the early 20th century. It was built to support the Fenwick Lumber Company, which harvested timber in the dense forests of the two mountain tops. The railroad up the Myrtle Brook drainage was used to lower logs from the logging camp in the Devil's Acre area - which was a collection point of small narrow gauge railroads that harvested timber across the two mountains. After being brought down to the mill in Lanesville, the lumber was then loaded on the Ulster and Delaware Railroad that passed through Lanesville and Stony Clove and took the wood south to markets.
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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
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
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
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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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