03-20-2019: Mackey Road

Having completed the steep mountain roads south of NY-145, starting in late March I turned my attention to the last unconquered section of Durham: the northeast. Flatter land along the Catskill Creek lines the borders with Greenville to the east and Rensselaerville and Westerlo to the north. After a few cold and windy days, the weather improved sufficiently for me to hike a loop along NY-81, McCafferty Road, and Mackey Road, parking at CR-27 to the south.

Looking upstream (northwest) on the Catskill Creek, from the bridge on CR-27.

A view through some thin forest along NY-81 reveals a slow spot in the Catskill.

Views of the mountains, such as this scene centering on Windham High Peak and Kate Hill, are common along Route 81.

Oblique shadows along NY-81, looking west.

These electrical cables are a visible landmark from several towns around the area.

View of the northeast Catskill Escarpment from McCafferty Road. Cairo Round Top pokes out at the far left.

The lesser Escarpment, towards the west. An almost fractal pattern of mountain ridges devolves into rolling hills to the far west.

The Escarpment, flanked by trees and power lines. Blackhead, Black Dome, Thomas Cole, and Windham are all quite prominent from this part of town.

I found this weird shed thing under the power lines, although I don't know if its related to them in any way. It's far longer than it is wide.

Another prominent shot of the power lines, looking almost dystopian. Imagine the view from their top!

Windham and the Escarpment from Mackey Road. Mackey is one of the only roads in Durham from which both the Escarpment and Blackhead Range can be seen.

This shot of field and forest is quite typical of the terrain in Durham's northeast.

Looking to the northwest from Mackey Road. This shot provides a unique angle on Edwards Hill (at the right).

From farther along Mackey Road, Windham is the only mountain visible over the forest.

This field is the closest to 'flat' I've yet seen in Durham.

A pool of melting icy refracts light to an olive-green color. Spring is on its way.

This structure, well camouflaged against the winter forest, marks the start of Mackey Road's steep descent. 

Descending back into the valley, Windham remains prominent while his brothers disappear.

Baptist Falls, a feature near a once-popular swimming hole (now closed) where the Eden Creek flows into the Catskill.

Looking downstream (southeast) on the Catskill, again from the bridge on CR-27.