March 14 – 17, 2025 – Willowemoc Wild Forest Winter Backpack, SW Catskills
Leaders: Russ Faller & Gregg Homeyer
The trip was planned to be a beginner winter sled/backpacking trip, but as Mother Nature was frugal on where she let it snow this winter, the trip became a backpack. Friday we hiked in and set up camp at the DEC primitive campsite on the Western edge of Frick Pond, off the Loggers Loop Trail. We enjoyed a nice fire along with dinner and good conversation was had by all. Saturday’s plan was to hike up to Beech Mountain. From camp we hiked along the Loggers Loop trail and bushwhacked, following a stream up a gully, to Hodge Pond. One of our participants shared fond memories with us when the area was once known as the “Beech Mountain Scout Camp”. We then continued up Beech Mountain Road to the top looking for the old spring and the best view we could find. However nice views were not to be had as the weather started closing in on top. Surprisingly there was over six inches of snow on the north side of Beech Mountain which is the highest point in Sullivan County with an elevation of 3,126 feet. As Mother Nature would have it, rain came Saturday night and was forecasted to be heavy Sunday afternoon so the group decided it would be best to hike out in the morning. Participants were ADK members Jim C. and leaders Russ Faller, Gregg Homeyer. Guests included AMC Leader Gwen H, Lou N, and Dale S.