Big Indian Traverse
The Big Indian Wilderness is in the western part of the Catskill Mountains. This route follows the natural ridgeline of this Wilderness area, tagging four of the 33 Catskill 3500’ summits. From north to south they are Balsam, Eagle, Big Indian, and Fir. This route uses mostly the Pine Hill – West Branch trail (which could perhaps be a variation), deviating only to tag Eagle, Big Indian, & Fir. Eagle and Big Indian are a few hundred feet off of the trail, requiring short bushwhacks. Fir is the most challenging, requiring a 3 mile bushwhack. You can take any route you’d like to get between Big Indian and Fir but the ridge south of Fir should be utilized to get to the southern terminus. There are many social trails and animal paths going to Fir, but it is easy to get off course if you haven’t been here before or aren’t paying attention. Balsam is marked with a rock cairn, the other three summits have orange canisters on trees with a register inside.
This route stays mostly on the ridge so there is generally no water available. The northern terminus is at a gate with a metal box (see photo). The official trail is on private property for a few hundred yards here so please stay on trail. The southern terminus is at West Branch Road. This route is rocky and stinging nettles can be irritating in the bushwhack section.
Pine Hill – West Branch trail
Big Indian Wilderness
https://www.catskill3500club.org/peaks
