Hiking the lost logging railroad of the Catskills - Southwest Hunter via the Fenwick Railroad Grade

Southwest Hunter, often referred to as Leavitt Peak, is one of the Catskill 3500 peaks and stands at 3,740 feet. Unlike nearby Hunter Mountain, Southwest Hunter is much less frequently visited. The peak is densely forested, offering no views compared to Hunter Mountain next door with its many views and Fire Tower. Reaching Southwest Hunter requires a bit of navigation, as there is no official trail to the summit. The typical route is via the Devil’s Path and then an unmarked but well-known and easy to follow herd path to the top.
For our trip we began in Lanesville and climbed up Myrtle Creek to the ruins of the old Fenwick Lumber Company mill. From there we followed the railroad grade from the mill, to the notch where the Devil's Acre Lean-to now sits and where the old Fenwick Lumber Camp used to be. From the lean-to we followed the Devil's Path to the herd path to the summit of Southwest Hunter. On the return we hiked down the Devil's Path to Stony Clove Notch and then down Route 214.
The Fenwick Lumber Railroad was a short-lived logging railroad that operated on Hunter and Southwest Mountains in the early 20th century. It was built by the Fenwick Lumber Company to harvest timber on the two mountain tops. The railroad was used to lower logs from the logging camp down to the mill in Lanesville, where the lumber was then loaded on the Ulster and Delaware Railroad that passed through Lanesville and Stony Clove and took the wood south to markets.
Important Hiking Considerations:
1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
3. Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
For more information this hike:
Catskill Trails Map Set - amzn.to/3E0VlaH
Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park amzn.to/3sfsYxW
Catskill Trails Guidebook - alnk.to/aALNHoj
Hiking the Catskills Guidebook - alnk.to/fazHLWF
The Fenwick Lumber Company - amzn.to/4efGppd
Catskill Railroad Books - amzn.to/3XxygH0
Learn more about the Catskill Park at the Catskills Visitor Center - catskillsvisit...
Hiker Trash Husbands Newsletter - www.hikertrash...
Hiker Trash Husbands Merchandise!
www.hikertrash...
We offer Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Services through our guiding company, Hike On Guides, and can guide you on this hike - hikeonguides.com
Advice and Gear Recommendations
10 Essentials for Hiking - www.hikertrash...
Favorite Gear Under $30 - www.hikertrash...
Gear Guide - www.hikertrash...
Pack Recommendations - www.hikertrash...
Recommended Gear - www.amazon.com...
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
Goodr Sunglasses - amzn.to/3Y7LOJQ
Osprey Talon 22 Pack - alnk.to/e70DIUl
REI Flash Air 50 Pack - alnk.to/bEhPl5Y
Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets - alnk.to/dAmK0nx
Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes - alnk.to/44PrOq5
Deliberate Life Designs Sandals - www.deliberate...
Darn Tough Mid-weight Hiking Socks - alnk.to/2jG24Jf
Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles - alnk.to/6mJl3D5
Energizer LED Headlamp - amzn.to/3cmGkSX
Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt - amzn.to/3KMXSZU
EMS Techwick Essentials Sleeveless Tee - alnk.to/h6C7rei
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts - alnk.to/clT0k0f
Hiker Trash Husbands Trucker Hat - bit.ly/HikerTr...
Garmin Instinct Watches - alnk.to/aAIaA1K
Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS - alnk.to/c02eqB5
We use AllTrails to track the vast majority of our hikes and are part of the AllTrails ambassador network. If you're interested in a paid subscription to unlock all features, get 30% off through this link - alltrails.pxf....
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