FKT: Kelly MacDonald - Blackhead Range (NY) - 2020-07-04

This is a great route linking together several well-known peaks and good views. This is classic rugged Catskills terrain, but the trails are all well-marked and very easy to follow. There are some nice streams about halfway through and plentiful parking along the road before the trailhead. My pace was slow and steady due to the heat, a pack heavy with water, and tired/unfit legs. I hiked the steepest section of the route, the short section of Escarpment Trail, substantially slower than I have in a 54 mile race covering that section! Though humbling, the steady pace did allow time to enjoy the views, take photos, and steer clear of the plentiful newts along the way.