I made a trip down to the Catskills this past weekend and activated W2/GC-112 - Overlook Mountain.
Overlook is one of the more popular hikes in the Catskills and it also boasts the most SOTA activations. Which completely makes senes since its a very easy hike with a great view. Also there is a special treat near the summit.
Its a 4.8 mile hike with 1400ft of elevation, on what is essentially just a gravel road. I picked this summit since my friend wanted to join me, but he hasn’t been hiking all year like I have and I didn’t want to over do it for him. Crimson however was ready to rock as always.
One of the really unique parts about this hike are the ruins of the Overlook Mtn House. Originally constructed in 1833, this is the closest we’ll ever get to ruins in New York State. Unlike our friends on the other side of the pond with all their cool ruins.
Not as cool as a castle, but still pretty neat.
The summit of Overlook still has one of 6 remaining historic Catskill fire towers on the summit. You’re still allowed to climb up the tower itself but the booth on top was closed and locked up for the season
For the first part of my activation, I set up my 40m EFHW using the tower as my mast. After wrapping up my CW QSO’s I climbed up the tower to try and make some 2m contacts on my HT.
I made 26 QSOs total
- 22 - CW QSOs on 40m, 20m, 15m and 12m w/ 1 S2S QSO
- 4 - FM QSOs on 2m
The view from the fire tower was amazing.
On the left side of the photo below you can see part of the Ashokan Reservoir and further to the left out of frame you are able to see the Hudson River. Its pretty obvious why this hike is so popular.. Easy to get to and epic views.
On the way back down we found a small trail where someone had gone in an cleared out the view near the top of this cliff. What a treat!
I’ll be heading back down to the catskill the first two weekend of December and I’m excited to earn some winter bonus points.
The summit has nice views and looks like a good place to set up a wire antenna.