Slide Mountain/Christmas Backpacking/ Balsam & Blackhead & Panther & Giant Ledge

🎉🎉Celebrate the Christmas on the summit🎉🎉
Join us for a winter backpacking trip through the beautiful Catskill 35 highest peaks. This winter backpacking includes Balsam Mountain, Blackhead Mountain, Panther Mountain, and Giant Ledge, and will complete 3 of the 35 winter required peaks.

Balsam Mountain and Blackhead Mountain are two challenging peaks in the Catskill Mountains, navigate through various terrains, including dense woodlands, rocky paths, and open ridges, providing a varied and engaging hiking experience.
Panther Mountain and Giant Ledge are two of the most scenic spots in the Catskills, offering hikers breathtaking views and a rewarding experience.
This trip is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a strenuous adventure.

• Balsam Mountain: 3610 Ft. Known for its expansive views and lush forested trails, Balsam Mountain provides a rewarding ascent with panoramic vistas from its summit.
• Blackhead Mountain: 3940 Ft. Renowned for its rugged terrain and striking viewpoints, Blackhead Mountain offers a challenging hike and stunning scenery.
• Panther Mountain: 3,847 Ft. The trail to Panther features a mix of rugged terrain and serene forests, culminating in a summit that boasts expansive views of the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and beyond.
• Giant Ledge: 3215 Ft. Offers a breathtaking vantage point with a series of rock outcrops that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

December 21: completed Blackhead and Balsam Mountains peaks
We will meet on December 21 and hike Blackhead Mountain, completing our first summit. Afterward, we’ll drive about 1 hour to Balsam Mountain. Upon arrival, we’ll set up our tents and gear at the trail campsite, and get comfortable. The water source is around the campsite. We will continue to our second summit. After completing the second summit, we’ll return to the campsite to rest for the night.

• Blackhead Mountain / Distance: 5 miles. Ascent: 1,800'
• Balsam Mountain / Distance: 6 miles. Ascent: 1,800'

December 22: completed Panther Mountain and Giant Ledge peak
On December 22, we’ll pack up all our gear, leave the trail campsite, and drive 30 minutes to the Panther Mountain trailhead and Giant Ledge. We’ll finish our third peak and celebrate Christmas on the summit.

• Panther Mountain & Giant Ledge / 7 miles. Ascent: 2,000'

The location is TBD. Spots are limited.
Experienced winter backpackers are required.
Heavy rain or storms will cancel. The steady pace is 1-1.5 mph.

Please bring a tent, sleeping pad R>5, sleeping bag 20 degrees, cooking gear, food, Snacks, Water filter, Poles, Headlamp, rain gear, and hat.

Please check your availability before signing up for this trip. If you cannot fully commit, kindly do not take a spot to allow others to participate. Thank you!

** You are invited to become a part of the Catskill 35ers. Becoming a Catskill 35er is more than just checking off a list; it's a rewarding experience that combines physical and mental challenges, a deep connection with nature, and a sense of community, all while contributing to the preservation of the Catskills for future generations. We welcome you to join us on this journey!

Disclaimer: By participating in this hiking event, you acknowledge that hiking involves inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and difficult terrain. You understand that these risks can result in serious injury or even death. By attending this event, you agree to release and hold harmless the organizer(s), the group, and any affiliated parties from any and all liabilities, claims, and demands of whatever kind, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from your participation in the event. Participants are responsible for assessing their own fitness and skill levels, bringing appropriate gear, and staying aware of their surroundings. You acknowledge that you are voluntarily participating in this hiking event with full knowledge of the risks involved and agree to accept any and all risks. By attending this event, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to this disclaimer in its entirety.