From the parking area, go around a yellow gate and past the trail register (please sign), and proceed ahead (northeast) on the yellow-blazed Phoenicia-East Branch Trail, which follows a wide woods road. In about a mile, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over a stream and, a short distance beyond, it reaches a junction with the blue-blazed Peekamoose-Table Trail. (The junction is also marked by...
Hike Description:
From the parking area, go around a yellow gate and past the trail register (please sign), and proceed ahead (northeast) on the yellow-blazed Phoenicia-East Branch Trail, which follows a wide woods road. In about a mile, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over a stream and, a short distance beyond, it reaches a junction with the blue-blazed Peekamoose-Table Trail. (The junction is also marked by a sign indicating that it is the eastern terminus of the Finger Lakes Trail.)
Leave the woods road and turn right onto the Peekamoose-Table Trail, which descends to cross two streams – Deer Shanty Brook and the East Branch of the Neversink River. These crossings were often quite difficult until, about 2010, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation built sturdy bridges over these streams. The bridge over Deer Shanty Brook is supported by steel beams, while the bridge over the East Branch of the Neversink is built of logs. There are several designated primitive campsites near these stream crossings.
Beyond the second stream crossing, the trail begins a rocky and rather steep climb. After reaching a high point, it descends a little. At the base of the descent, the trail passes several cube-shaped huge boulders. It now resumes its climb, with steeper ascents alternating with nearly level sections. In about three-quarters of a mile, the trail passes near the edge of a cliff. A short, unmarked path to the right leads to a panoramic south-facing viewpoint, with Van Wyck Mountain in the foreground on the right.
After taking in the view, return to the trail, turn right, and resume the climb. The trail descends slightly for a short distance, but soon continues its ascent. About three-quarters of a mile from the viewpoint, a sign on the left points to a piped spring. A short distance beyond, a side trail on the right leads 200 feet to the Bouton Memorial Lean-to – a good place to take a break.
Just above the side trail to the lean-to, you’ll pass the 3500-foot elevation sign. The climb now steepens, but you’re nearly there! Soon, you’ll notice a side trail on the right. Follow this trail, which leads to a broad southwest-facing viewpoint from a rock ledge.
Return to the trail and turn right. In less than five minutes, you’ll reach the summit ridge, marked by a small cairn and three brackets attached to a tree on the left. This is the summit of Table Mountain (elevation 3,825 feet). The brackets are all that remains of a canister (removed in 1990) that once was attached to the tree. You’ve reached the first peak of the hike, but your final destination is a second peak, a little further on.
Continue along the flat summit ridge (the flatness of the ridge is the source of the name “Table”). In a third of a mile, the trail begins to descend. You’ll descend about 200 vertical feet to a col, then regain nearly all the lost elevation to arrive at the summit of Peekamoose Mountain (elevation 3,819 feet), marked by a large slanted boulder on the right. Just beyond, a short unmarked trail on the left leads to a spectacular viewpoint – probably the best view on the hike. Ashokan High Point may be seen ahead, with the Ashokan Reservoir beyond.
After resting from the hike and enjoying the view, retrace your steps to the start of the hike.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 06/02/2020This out-and-back hike climbs to the summits of Table and Peekamoose Mountains, with several outstanding viewpoints along the way.