Lean-to Magic
4.4.16
by Moe Lemire There is something to be said to falling asleep in a Lean-to in the woods. Be it listening to the rustle of the trees in the wind or the bubbling sound of a nearby creek the Lean-to's in the Catskills offer a unique experience. I have recently been lucky to have some time off recently and have had the privilege to hike to 30 of the 34 different Lean-to's in the Catskill Park. |
Moe Lemire is the NY-NJ Trail Conference Lean-to Chair. He has recently relocated to the Catskills from Massachusetts and is currently thru hiking the Appalachian Trail with his good friend Sharon. Follow along with his adventure on at "Moe Hikes The Appalachian Trail" on Facebook or his trail journal. |
A Lean-to is a three sided structure with an open front that allows protection from the elements without being completely enclosed. These structures are scattered throughout the Catskill Park and are used by hikers, hunters and sometimes partiers. The best part is no reservation is needed as they are occupied on a first come first served basis.
What I find amazing is that not only is each Lean-to in a dramatically different setting but each structure itself is so different from the other. Each Lean-to and the location it resides in has a magic feel to it that compares to not much else in the world. To be nestled with nature is a joy not many people get to experience. Be it burrowed in next to a bubbling creek in a thick forest setting, sitting next to a bluff overlooking to the valley below, or perched lakeside by the mirror like appearance of Echo Lake, the Lean-to's offer you an experience that, to me, cannot be matched. And the best part of the this unmatchable experience is- it's free. You could visit all 34+ lean-to's and have 34 magically different experiences. Let's break it down to my top picks of Lean-to's to stay in or just visit and quietly eat your lunch.
What I find amazing is that not only is each Lean-to in a dramatically different setting but each structure itself is so different from the other. Each Lean-to and the location it resides in has a magic feel to it that compares to not much else in the world. To be nestled with nature is a joy not many people get to experience. Be it burrowed in next to a bubbling creek in a thick forest setting, sitting next to a bluff overlooking to the valley below, or perched lakeside by the mirror like appearance of Echo Lake, the Lean-to's offer you an experience that, to me, cannot be matched. And the best part of the this unmatchable experience is- it's free. You could visit all 34+ lean-to's and have 34 magically different experiences. Let's break it down to my top picks of Lean-to's to stay in or just visit and quietly eat your lunch.
Hunter Mountain
John Robb: This lean-to resides on Hunter Mountain just off the Spruceton Trail. It is the newest lean-to in the park being built in 2009. This lean-to replaces an old one that was burned down by a campfire gone wrong. The new lean-to is situated in a fantastic setting with a short but really interesting flume-like walk down to it between some rocks. The lean-to sits just behind a ledge which offers views of West Kill Mountain and the Spruceton Valley below. The overflow campsites nearby also offer excellent views through the surrounding spruce trees that the sites are nestled in. The only downside to this location is if there is a chance of stormy weather rain may blow in during times of high wind. Due to its location facing west and proximity to the open ledge users have cut many of the surrounding tree branches that once blocked the weather from blowing in. The small trees now only have branches towards the tops which create a wide open expanse to the ledge thus not blocking the wet weather during storms and wind. the lean-to has an excellent spring at it for water just follow the signage and trail to the spring location.
Millbrook Ridge
Kelly Hollow: Access to this lean-to is from the Mill Brook Road with the trail leaving from the parking area. This lean-to is on a fantastic loop trail with only a very short road walk at the end of the trail. I would recommend walking up the eastern side or the trail which is less steep and follows a creek for most of the way to the Lean-to. Old Norway Spruce Plantations line this walk and is a spectacular scenery to look at with a dark forest of Norway Spruce all lined up in a row. It gives the hiker a feeling that cannot be described into words unless you a there. The lean-to resides in a section of Norway Spruce not as tightly packed as the forest you walked through further down the trail. The sound of the wind rushing through the tops of the Spruce can lull any sleepless hiker to bed. To the west of the lean-to is an old beaver dam and small pond which sits in a large clearing overlooking a bowl like appearance of the mountains to your south and west. A favorite spot of mine here in the Catskill Park. The trail then loops back around at the beaver pond and head back down rejoining the parking area with a very brief road walk. This location is a great place to do an overnight with family with small children as the east side walk is very easy grades.
Roscoe
Trout Pond: These lean-to's can be accessed from the parking area off of Russell Brook Road. This location has 2 lean-to's on the shore of trout pond. The first lean-to is situated a few hundred yards from the shore of the pond and looks out through the trees across the pond looking south. The setting is very picturesque and peaceful. This lean-to is also handicap accessible with the possibility of driving a truck right up to the lean-to with DEC permission. The second lean-to is up on a small hill overlooking the pond. Due to the hillside location this lean-to does not have a lot of usable room around the lean-to due to slope conditions but offers a fantastic view of the pond and surrounding areas. The areas around the pond offer several approved primitive campsites if both lean-to's are taken. The walk to trout pond from the parking area is an easy 1.4 miles with easy grades. This location is very popular on weekends and is most likely one of the more heavily used lean-to's in the park. Its important to note especially here and with any lean-to or camping location to carry out what you carry in. This location can have a tendency to have trash left behind due to over use and I would ask if you do visit this location to carry out even if you didn't carry in.
Sugarloaf and Plateau Mountains
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Mink Hollow: This lean-to is situated just off the popular Devil's path. The lean-to is situated in the hollow between Sugarloaf Mountain and Plateau Mountain and is quite spectacular after the fall leaves drop or early spring. This lean-to is almost always occupied during weekends and would be a spectacular place to stay if you can do a weekday visit. There are two overflow sites across the way from the lean-to offering great scenery. This lean-to can be accessed by the end of mink hollow road and following the bike trail a short .50 mile but steep walk. The lean-to has been recently refurbished with a new roof and stain and is in excellent condition. A spring is located .25 miles from the lean-to down the yellow trail. This also happens to be the same trail the bike corridor lies on so if you happen to be walking up the bike corridor stop and grab your water on the way to the lean-to.
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Mount Tremper
Baldwin Memorial: This lean-to is 1 of 2 lean-to's on Tremper Mountain. This lean-to is the first you come to on the path up Mt Tremper to the fire tower on its summit. This lean-to is situated in a nice wooded setting on a bluff looking out to the forest to the south. There is a spring a bit further north on the trail about .25 miles up from the lean-to. The walk up to this lean-to is a steep climb on an old road. I would not recommend it for families with small children who have not hiked often. This lean-to is not in the best of conditions as porcupines have snacked on the structure itself. However the maintainer for this location has built a stone hearth between the fire pit and the lean-to and it gives the lean-to a very added bonus and creates a nice setting in my opinion.
Platte Clove
Echo Lake: This lean-to is accessed from the parking area off of Platte Clove road or near the end of route 16 before heading down into the clove or you can park and access this lean-to from the parking area in Meads and climbing Overlook Mt. This lean-to is in a fantastic remote setting right on the shores of echo lake. It sits in a grassy area which has recently been stripped of small trees from some busy beavers. The 4 mile hike to get to this lean-to is not for a brand new hiker as the first 2 miles are at a steady incline before you reach a ridge line and follow flat for about 1.4 miles. This would be coming from the Platte Clove side and the easiest of the two ways to reach the lean-to. The last .60 miles is a steep downward walk to the shores of echo lake. In turn the next morning one would have to turn around and make the climb back out of the bowl the lake resides in to get back to one's car. This lean-to is heavily used on weekends even with its distance from a road. There are several approved primitive campsites around the lake. Similar to Trout Pond this area can be heavily used so it's asked that you take care of the area and carry out what you carry in. The distance this lean-to and surrounding areas are to a road makes it more likely people will leave behind things they do not want to carry back out. Help keep this area looking pristine by carrying out what you didn't bring in.
The prior lean-to's are the locations I find to be the most spectacular. Though each and every Lean-to in the park has its own magic these are the ones that have the most meaning to me. You will find a certain location and lean-to that calls just to you. The key is discovering which ones that will be for you. The following lists the remaining lean-to's that reside in the Catskill Park. Which ones will you fall in love with?
> > Batavia Kill: This lean to is accessed from the parking area at the end of Maplecrest road. This lean-to is in rough shape and is in the works of being rebuilt this summer with a new structure up on a bluff near the present location. The existing structure is showing its age and wear and tear. It is located off the Escarpment trail and currently has no outhouse. It would not be my first pick to spend the night but it will most certainly do the job if one needs a place to spend the night. Look soon to a new structure and privy near to where the existing one stands now.
> > Beaver Meadow: This lean-to is in a sunny location which is accessed from Cross Mountain road. It is nestled against the south side of Mill Brook Ridge. The trail to the lean-to is an easy 2.2 mile walk.
> > Belleayre Mt: This lean to sits on the PIne HIll West Branch Trail and is in a deep wooded setting. The lean-to is an older structure needing a face lift and lies at about an elevation of 3000 feet. It is about 1/2 mile south of the summit of Belleayre Mt and can be accessed from the parking area on Lost Clove road. The trail follows an old road steeply for 1.3 miles before accessing the Pine Hill West trail.
> > Biscuit Brook: This lean-to resides in a dark wooded setting on the edge of a ravine. Biscuit brook lies at the bottom of this ravine and offers some tranquil sounds. The wooded setting is very secluded and the lean-to is showing its age still offers good protection from the elements.
> Bouton Memorial: This lean-to is one of 3 that were donated, built and maintained by the 3500 club. It is located on the north side of table mountain. Whichever side you walk from the lean-to is a good several mile walk. The other 2 lean-to's that were donated by the 3500 club are John Robb and Balsam Lake Mt.
> Campbell Mt: This lean-to is unique in its the only lean-to in the park with a window. It is situated 2 miles from the parking area in a secluded wooded area. This lean-to gives you the sense of remoteness. It's not a popular location and is used often by hunters in the fall.
> Devil's Acre: This lean-to is located about a mile south of the summit of Hunter Mt. It's situated at the junction of two trails and is situated in an almost field like and small shrub setting. This lean-to is getting new cedar shingles the first weekend in April. It's a popular location to stay and is almost always occupied weekends in the summer.
> Devil's Kitchen: This lean-to is a mile from Platte Clove road making it a popular destination for overnights. It's in a nice open setting on top of a bluff with a creek below. The sounds of rushing water during recent rain events will lull you sleep.
> Diamond Notch: This lean-to is situated about a mile from the end of Spruceton Valley road. The lean-to is in a nice wooded area with a creek several feet below. After the creek there is a slope rising up with interesting rock outcrops. The lean-to is very well maintained.
> Dry Brook Ridge: This lean-to is oddly situated almost directly next to private property. It's in a wooded maple grove and has no water accessible at it. The lean-to is not widely used so it would be enjoyable stay for those looking to be away from others for a quiet night.
> Elm Ridge: This lean-to is up on a hill just a short jaunt from the main trail. It is located in an open wooded spruce area. The sound of the wind rushing through the tall spruce trees is fantastic. This lean-to is close to the parking area so may be full most weekends. This lean-to serves those hiking to Windham High Peak. > Fall Brook: This lean-to is located on a lightly used trail. It's in a hardwood forest next to an old wood road. This lean-to is primarily used by hunters due to its proximity to several hunting camps.
> Fox Hollow: This lean-to is located .40 miles up the trail going up Panther Mt. Even though it is a short distance to the lean-to it is steep. Even with the steepness of the trail due to the closeness to the road this lean is heavily used and has shown its age. It's in dire need of rehabbing and is not my first pick of places to stay.
> Halcott: This lean-to is located in the Halcott wild forest. The problem lies that this lean-to is not on or near any official trail. It is located very close to and old unmaintained wooded road which is easily followed. If you park in the forest preserve parking area to the east of the lean-to you need to follow the wooded road for about 2.5 miles which goes up to the ridge and then back down the other side to the lean-to. Where this is an unmarked trail there is no signage for the lean-to and can be hard to locate your first time there. However the lean-to is in a fantastic area. It's situated in a bowl with interesting rock formations to the north. The area immediately around the lean-to is wooded. The old road comes right up to the lean-to providing and almost field like appearance. If you can locate this lean-to it would make a fantastic overnight as you would get a real remote like feeling.
> Hirshland: This lean-to is in an interesting location just off a ski trail on Belleayre ski area. The lean-to is located at the top of the Cathedral Glen Trail which is a steep 1.7 mile. The lean-to offers fantastic views down the ski trail and to the valley below. No water and no privy make this a true roughing it overnight.
> Long Pond: The lean-to is situated on top of a hill overlooking the pond. It's fairly new being built about 15 years ago replacing a severely deteriorated lean-to. This lean-to is off the beaten path so it's a great location if isolation is what is needed.
> McKinley/Mckenley: This lean-to is located just a mile from the parking area. What's interesting about this lean-to is how it's spelled. There has been much debate so you will see two road signs posted spelled both ways for the road named for this lean-to. The lean to is located next to a creek which passes on 2 sides of the lean-to. The area is very picturesque and provides for a great overnight.
> Mill Brook: This lean to is heavily used due to its proximity to the road and ease of access. The trail is relatively flat. However it would be a great destination for fist timers, families with small children or non hikers who want an outdoor experience.
> PelnorHollow: This lean-to is hardly ever used. It is located 3.5 miles in from the parking area. If you're able to be dropped off from the other end its a short 1 mile walk. However due to its location and no interconnecting trails it does not serve many hikers well. This would be a great location to overnight well away from others.
> Quick Lake: This lean-to is definitely for the avid hiker. With its 7.2 mile one way hike would be great for two overnights. If a feeling of isolation is wanted this is your lean-to. It's located on a pond and offers great scenery.
> Rider Hollow: This is a great lean-to for families with kids. With its short relative easy .40 mile walk this lean to is in very nice creek side location. This lean-to is directly on the trail so it would not be optimal for those that are not interested in having people walk by.
> Shandaken Brook: This is the last of the old lean-to's built in the park. Built most likely in the 1930's this lean-to has a partially enclosed front. It's visually very interesting and has a setting literally on top of the creek. You can practically reach out and touch it. It definitely shows its age. Do not attempt to stay at this lean-to during times of high water or possibility of high water. With over a dozen or more creek crossings along the trail to get to this location it would be dangerous in the possibility of high water. However the creek crossings are fantastic and make for a fun walk to the lean-to.
> Terrace Mt. This lean-to is located about a 1/2 mile off the trail going up Wittenberg-slide trail. The location of the lean-to is in a sunny grassy location with clearing in the distance looking south-east to the valley below.
> Tremper Mt. This is the only lean-to in the park within steps of a fire tower. The lean-to definitely shows its age but with the proximity to the fire tower offers an interesting setting for an overnight.
The many lean-to's in the park offer a unique experience. No two overnights would be the same. The magic they provide offer those who stay in them a love for the outdoors. These structures are maintained through volunteers of the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. If interested in "adopting" a lean-to email the trail conference at NYNJTC.org. Remember to always carry out what you carried in and even carry out what you didn't. These magical locations will only stay that way with help from you.
> > Batavia Kill: This lean to is accessed from the parking area at the end of Maplecrest road. This lean-to is in rough shape and is in the works of being rebuilt this summer with a new structure up on a bluff near the present location. The existing structure is showing its age and wear and tear. It is located off the Escarpment trail and currently has no outhouse. It would not be my first pick to spend the night but it will most certainly do the job if one needs a place to spend the night. Look soon to a new structure and privy near to where the existing one stands now.
> > Beaver Meadow: This lean-to is in a sunny location which is accessed from Cross Mountain road. It is nestled against the south side of Mill Brook Ridge. The trail to the lean-to is an easy 2.2 mile walk.
> > Belleayre Mt: This lean to sits on the PIne HIll West Branch Trail and is in a deep wooded setting. The lean-to is an older structure needing a face lift and lies at about an elevation of 3000 feet. It is about 1/2 mile south of the summit of Belleayre Mt and can be accessed from the parking area on Lost Clove road. The trail follows an old road steeply for 1.3 miles before accessing the Pine Hill West trail.
> > Biscuit Brook: This lean-to resides in a dark wooded setting on the edge of a ravine. Biscuit brook lies at the bottom of this ravine and offers some tranquil sounds. The wooded setting is very secluded and the lean-to is showing its age still offers good protection from the elements.
> Bouton Memorial: This lean-to is one of 3 that were donated, built and maintained by the 3500 club. It is located on the north side of table mountain. Whichever side you walk from the lean-to is a good several mile walk. The other 2 lean-to's that were donated by the 3500 club are John Robb and Balsam Lake Mt.
> Campbell Mt: This lean-to is unique in its the only lean-to in the park with a window. It is situated 2 miles from the parking area in a secluded wooded area. This lean-to gives you the sense of remoteness. It's not a popular location and is used often by hunters in the fall.
> Devil's Acre: This lean-to is located about a mile south of the summit of Hunter Mt. It's situated at the junction of two trails and is situated in an almost field like and small shrub setting. This lean-to is getting new cedar shingles the first weekend in April. It's a popular location to stay and is almost always occupied weekends in the summer.
> Devil's Kitchen: This lean-to is a mile from Platte Clove road making it a popular destination for overnights. It's in a nice open setting on top of a bluff with a creek below. The sounds of rushing water during recent rain events will lull you sleep.
> Diamond Notch: This lean-to is situated about a mile from the end of Spruceton Valley road. The lean-to is in a nice wooded area with a creek several feet below. After the creek there is a slope rising up with interesting rock outcrops. The lean-to is very well maintained.
> Dry Brook Ridge: This lean-to is oddly situated almost directly next to private property. It's in a wooded maple grove and has no water accessible at it. The lean-to is not widely used so it would be enjoyable stay for those looking to be away from others for a quiet night.
> Elm Ridge: This lean-to is up on a hill just a short jaunt from the main trail. It is located in an open wooded spruce area. The sound of the wind rushing through the tall spruce trees is fantastic. This lean-to is close to the parking area so may be full most weekends. This lean-to serves those hiking to Windham High Peak. > Fall Brook: This lean-to is located on a lightly used trail. It's in a hardwood forest next to an old wood road. This lean-to is primarily used by hunters due to its proximity to several hunting camps.
> Fox Hollow: This lean-to is located .40 miles up the trail going up Panther Mt. Even though it is a short distance to the lean-to it is steep. Even with the steepness of the trail due to the closeness to the road this lean is heavily used and has shown its age. It's in dire need of rehabbing and is not my first pick of places to stay.
> Halcott: This lean-to is located in the Halcott wild forest. The problem lies that this lean-to is not on or near any official trail. It is located very close to and old unmaintained wooded road which is easily followed. If you park in the forest preserve parking area to the east of the lean-to you need to follow the wooded road for about 2.5 miles which goes up to the ridge and then back down the other side to the lean-to. Where this is an unmarked trail there is no signage for the lean-to and can be hard to locate your first time there. However the lean-to is in a fantastic area. It's situated in a bowl with interesting rock formations to the north. The area immediately around the lean-to is wooded. The old road comes right up to the lean-to providing and almost field like appearance. If you can locate this lean-to it would make a fantastic overnight as you would get a real remote like feeling.
> Hirshland: This lean-to is in an interesting location just off a ski trail on Belleayre ski area. The lean-to is located at the top of the Cathedral Glen Trail which is a steep 1.7 mile. The lean-to offers fantastic views down the ski trail and to the valley below. No water and no privy make this a true roughing it overnight.
> Long Pond: The lean-to is situated on top of a hill overlooking the pond. It's fairly new being built about 15 years ago replacing a severely deteriorated lean-to. This lean-to is off the beaten path so it's a great location if isolation is what is needed.
> McKinley/Mckenley: This lean-to is located just a mile from the parking area. What's interesting about this lean-to is how it's spelled. There has been much debate so you will see two road signs posted spelled both ways for the road named for this lean-to. The lean to is located next to a creek which passes on 2 sides of the lean-to. The area is very picturesque and provides for a great overnight.
> Mill Brook: This lean to is heavily used due to its proximity to the road and ease of access. The trail is relatively flat. However it would be a great destination for fist timers, families with small children or non hikers who want an outdoor experience.
> PelnorHollow: This lean-to is hardly ever used. It is located 3.5 miles in from the parking area. If you're able to be dropped off from the other end its a short 1 mile walk. However due to its location and no interconnecting trails it does not serve many hikers well. This would be a great location to overnight well away from others.
> Quick Lake: This lean-to is definitely for the avid hiker. With its 7.2 mile one way hike would be great for two overnights. If a feeling of isolation is wanted this is your lean-to. It's located on a pond and offers great scenery.
> Rider Hollow: This is a great lean-to for families with kids. With its short relative easy .40 mile walk this lean to is in very nice creek side location. This lean-to is directly on the trail so it would not be optimal for those that are not interested in having people walk by.
> Shandaken Brook: This is the last of the old lean-to's built in the park. Built most likely in the 1930's this lean-to has a partially enclosed front. It's visually very interesting and has a setting literally on top of the creek. You can practically reach out and touch it. It definitely shows its age. Do not attempt to stay at this lean-to during times of high water or possibility of high water. With over a dozen or more creek crossings along the trail to get to this location it would be dangerous in the possibility of high water. However the creek crossings are fantastic and make for a fun walk to the lean-to.
> Terrace Mt. This lean-to is located about a 1/2 mile off the trail going up Wittenberg-slide trail. The location of the lean-to is in a sunny grassy location with clearing in the distance looking south-east to the valley below.
> Tremper Mt. This is the only lean-to in the park within steps of a fire tower. The lean-to definitely shows its age but with the proximity to the fire tower offers an interesting setting for an overnight.
The many lean-to's in the park offer a unique experience. No two overnights would be the same. The magic they provide offer those who stay in them a love for the outdoors. These structures are maintained through volunteers of the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. If interested in "adopting" a lean-to email the trail conference at NYNJTC.org. Remember to always carry out what you carried in and even carry out what you didn't. These magical locations will only stay that way with help from you.
