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.

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.

You can find more information about this hike with:

• The New York New Jersey Trail Conference's Catskill Trails Map Set

• National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park

• The Catskill Trails Guidebook

For additional information about the Catskill Park and outdoor recreation in the Park, visit the Catskills Visitor Center.

Don’t know where to start with hiking, backpacking, and camping? We can help you! Visit our professional Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services Company at Hike On Guides.

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 Midweight Hiking Socks

• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles

• Nalgene Insulated Bottle Carrier

• Energizer LED Headlamp

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad

• Marmot Reactor Fleece Jacket

• Eddie Bauer High Route Grid Fleece 1/2-Zip Hoodie

• Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Hooded Jacket

• Eddie Bauer High Route Grid Air 1/4-Zip

• Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket

• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket

• Microspikes

• Garmin Instinct Watches

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

Hydration and nutrition for this hike:

• The Complete Cookie

• Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews

• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink

• Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans

• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix

• NUUN Sport + Hydration Tablets

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