Black Dome

"Christy led four of us on a T-bone hike of the Blackhead Range. We encountered enough ice to warrant putting on the microspikes. We did Blackhead first where I finished the month of a November and received the first single-season Fall triangle patch from Tom. Back to the viewpoint to take in the fine view then continue out to Black Dome then Thomas Cole where we had our lunch catered by Mimi. " — Nimblefoot • Nov 23, 2019

"Excellent day to be out playing in the Cats with the colors still out boldly. Nice sunny sky to start then as the noon hour approached the sun took a nap behind some thick clouds and a breeze kicked up close to the summits. One sad sight in the Lockwood gap area along the Black Dome range trail. Some knucklehead brought up a can of orange spray paint and left marks on the rocks and trees up to the view looking over to Blackhead." — Nimblefoot • Oct 11, 2019

"Did a T-bone hike of the three peaks of the Black Dome range followed by an out and back of Windham High Peak. A beautiful blue sky sunny day allowing for decent views. Just above the Elm Ridge leanto on my way up WHP I ran into two friends talking to a DEC Ranger who was dealing with an illegally pitched tent and large campfire right on the trail. The culprits disappeared before the Ranger arrived unfortunately. The tent appeared to be something purchased at Wally World( Wal-Mart) so I doubt they will return for it." — Nimblefoot • Sep 15, 2019

"Tom and I did a scattershot of WHP and the Black Dome range. First a bushwhack loop of WHP using the new DEP land off Big Hollow road then moved down to the end of the road where we found PA already full of cars do to the holiday week I guess. Did the usual out and back to visit BD and TC from Lockwood gap then as a change of pace we dropped down the Escarpment trail off of BH to return to my car. Just below the summit we ran into a small crew doing some serious rock work, talked with a partner of Ed Walsh’s Tahawus trail work company. Nice start to our summer round of the 35 and the Stinging Nettle triangle patch." — Nimblefoot • Jul 1, 2019

"Tom and I did a “T-bone “ hike of Black Dome, Thomas Cole and Blackhead out of Lockwood Gap. An overcast day with ocassional holes of sunny blue sky and breezy with cooler than normal temps. Fortunately no serious rain fell so we could enjoy our hike without deploying rain gear. In the afternoon Paul joined Tom for whack of Windham HP while I headed over to Rt 42 for a climb of Halcott." — Nimblefoot • Jun 14, 2019

"A glorious day of blue sky and sunshine despite a less favorable forecast. Drove up the Thruway under a grey overcast sky then in the clouds on my way up Platte Clove road with the temp dropping into the forties. Once onto Rt 23A on my way to Big Hollow road I began to see solid blue sky and the temp rise back to the upper 50’s. The forecast called for afternoon rain showers so I moved light and fast so to get the three peaks in before any heavy rain. Since the sky continued to stay blue I backed off the fast part and spent time clearing the trail in numerous spots. Quick stop at Black Dome then out to Thomas Cole before heading back to Lockwood gap for a final ascent to Blackhead." — Nimblefoot • May 29, 2019

"Out and back of the Blackhead Range today. 10 miles and 3500 feet of gain. The day was truly beautiful and clear. I wore trail crampons all the way. This was the toughest I’ve done solo. Officially at 24/39 for my Catskills 3500. " — pandyabear • Mar 9, 2019

"Five of us out on a beautiful sunny day doing a loop of the Black Dome range. We had a nice broken track, from two guys who started from Barnum road today, to follow and let us know where there is ice lurking under the snow." — Nimblefoot • Mar 5, 2019

"Eight of us did an out and back through Lockwood Gap tagging Black Dome, T. Cole and Blackhead. Steady snow flurries with gusty wind dropping an inch or so in the AM. In the afternoon the snow ceased and the clouds cleared allowing views on our way down from BD and over on Blackhead. Windy all day with moderate temps fortunately." — Nimblefoot • Jan 27, 2019

"I summitted the Blackheads from Barnum road on a clear and chilly day. The summits were a winter wonderland and everything was quite peaceful and beautiful. Only passed a few folks, the exception being a slow moving AMC group; which bordered on the maximum group size. As also a great day to be in the woods." — Right-On • Jan 12, 2019

"We did a horseshoe hike of Windham High Peak and the Blackhead range starting at Peck road and finishing at Barnum road. On our way off the summit of Blackhead we could see some dark sky then began to hear the rumblings of a potential thunderstorm off to our left. Minutes later the clouds started to sprinkle on us which was quite refreshing since we were a bit hot and sweaty from the heat and humidity. Then the pouring rain came soaking us to the skin so now we began to feel a bit chilly. Fortunately it quit just as fast as it started making our climb up to Black Dome more comfortable with wet clothes keeping us cool. The storm also broke the humidity for the rest of the day or at least it felt that way. " — Nimblefoot • Jul 3, 2018

"Ed, Steve and I met in the PA at the end of Big Hollow road to tag BD and TC before heading over to Peck road to ascend Windham HP. A month ago we were here in the Blacks freezing with winter temps. and gusty winds and now we are here sweating in summer-like temps. and nary a breeze. Still bringing the micro spikes just in case as foolish it may seem wearing shorts with temps. heading into the 70’s. Fortunately they remained clipped to our packs unharmed. Today we can enjoy the views from the open ledges on BD, the one near the summit is beginning to grow back in but still worth the climb. On to Thomas Cole before returning. " — Nimblefoot • May 3, 2018

"Ed, Steve and I out for a romp on the Blackhead range. Cool and blustery with the wind almost freezing the side of faces as we ascend Black Dome from Lockwood gap. No great views today so we continue cruising towards Tommy Cole once we hit the summit area." — Nimblefoot • Apr 6, 2018

"So today my original plan was to hike Thomas Cole and Black Dome mountains to check off 2 more mountains off my winter Catskill 3500 requirement. I hiked th he first 1.3 miles and things started to get real difficult between Caudal and Camel's hump. That .7 miles was rough, breaking through 2+ feet of snow drifts basically the whole way. My legs were already tired. I kept falling. Before I even made it to Camel's Hump I was thinking about turning back. I made it up a few minutes later and could see Tommy Cole, just under a mile away. It was hard for me to be that close and have to turn around because I couldn't do it. So I shotgunned my beer (in perfect LGH fashion) and I started to head back. Until I realised what I was doing. I was quitting. Something that I have never done before. It didn't feel right. So I stopped and turned back to Tommy Cole and told myself that I at least had to try. Luckily I did. From Camel's Hump on I stayed on top of the snow and the hiking was A LOT better from then on. I pressed on taking my time stopping every once and a while so I didn't burn myself out. I made it to the summit of Tommy Cole and decided to continue on to Black Dome. The hiking was ..." — LGH-Topple • Feb 9, 2018

"Laura, Steve, Tim and I went out and played in the snow. After tagging Blackhead we started breaking trail acrossed the remaining peaks, humps and bumps of the range. Sunday’s snowstorm brought back winter but not enough fluff for the rock scrambles. A bit challenging getting up through there with the big shoes on our feet. We persevered with creative hand and foot work and managed to get to the summit view for lunch. On to an easier sashay over to Tommy Cole." — Nimblefoot • Feb 6, 2018

"Out on a solo hike to tag the three peaks in the Blackhead range. From Lockwood gap I bopped out to Black Dome and Thomas Cole breaking through a few inches of snow since the last hikers. " — Nimblefoot • Dec 16, 2017

"Back to the Blackhead range to hit Thomas Cole and Black Dome finishing up my 15th round in the 3-season. Still late fall conditions on the trail and fairly warm in the bright sunshine." — Nimblefoot • Dec 4, 2017

"After doing my trail maintenance on the Diamond Notch trail I headed over to Elmer Barnum road to visit the summits of Thomas Cole and Black Dome. The parking lot was overflowing on such a nice day. With the bright sun and temperatures in the mid 80's it was a bit toasty hiking in the open stretches of the trail." — Nimblefoot • Jun 11, 2017

"Ed, Heather, Eric, Steve and I enjoyed a wintry stomp across the Blackhead range. Blue sky and bright sun overhead and powdery snow under our feet. Ran into an AMC group doing Black Dome and maybe Thomas Cole. Always surprised how folks will struggle wearing spikes on a snowy trail while carrying snowshoes on their pack." — Nimblefoot • Feb 4, 2017

"A thru-hike from Big Hollow road to Elmer Barnum road. The early spring temps caused some clothing adjustments to shorts. Less ice from the gap to the summit but we still wore the spikes for less slips trying to avoid it. Lunch on the warm rock ledge." — Nimblefoot • Mar 8, 2016