01-08-2019 - CR-20 (3)

This past Tuesday, I walked the first of three segments of Greene County's CR-20, specifically the east-west portion that ascends the slopes of Mount Pisgah and the western Catskill Escarpment. Weather was very warm, in the lower 40s, and there wasn't much wind, although clouds were a little troublesome. Due to a lack of parking in town, I parked at the outlet of Prink Hill Road (see this earlier post), at the high end of the day's walk. The field here offered a wonderful view of the mountains.

From left to right: Acra Point, Windham High Peak, Mount Zoar, Mount Ginseng.

From left to right: Mount Zoar, Mount Ginseng, Mount Hayden, Mount Nebo.

The road declined steeply as it headed into downtown Durham, located just near the county line.

View down CR-20 approaching Durham.

Just outside of town, a view to the northwest in early evening.

Although the more populous hamlet of East Durham, located farther east along NY-145, has long been the economic and cultural center of the tiny town since at least the 1950s, Durham itself is a very historical area. Many of the buildings along Route 20 date back to the early 1800s.

Historical marker for the Susquehanna Turnpike, which ran much of CR-20's current route in the 19th century.

 

This old house had a county historical marker on it, although research failed to reveal anything about its history.

 

The center of Durham, technically near the end of CR-22.

 

Partway through town CR-22 turns into CR-20. This is the marker at the former's western terminus.

As I headed back up the road towards the car, it began to rain, intensifying the whole way, and the air became somewhat hazy with mist, especially along open areas. Thankfully I managed to make it back to the car without getting too wet.

View of Hayden, Nebo, and Pisgah over a field.

 

Windham High Peak through some trees, just as the rain started.

 

There's a certain beauty to the whole environment at elevations above the valley, including this relatively modern house.

 

The Catskill Escarpment enveloped by clouds and rain.