Wayne County Highpoint Trip Report
Mount Ararat
Date: November 16, 2007
Author: Dan Saxton
Having been 3 1/2 years since Bob Schwab's report on Ararat, I was wondering if
things had changed since then. The truth is his directions are still accurate.
There is still a red gate and there are no postings on it. The gravel road is
excellently built, as he said, and it takes about 20-30 min to get up to the summit.
There was overall less snow than on Elk Hill but all the trees were
still covered in a nice coating. The top, being clear cut, was extremely
exposed to the blustery winds that roared all day. There is now a radio tower
just north of the summit with guy wires to hold it in place. On nearly the
highest point stands a new-looking shed that has bunks and a stove -
basic amenities, etc....
Whoever owns this is very privileged to have such a grand view.
Today, there were clear views to the west and south, but snow squalls obscured
the view north and east to the Catskills. I only stayed on top for a little while,
in the lee of the shed, due to the strong 30-40mph winds roaring across the top.
What a difference a mountaintop has from a valley, indeed!
This mountain seems like a very nice little walk with interesting views,
although those views were largely gained by the clear cut on top. Needless to say,
I did not investigate the smaller spot elevations to the north, being content with the
main summit and compelled by the wind to descend quickly. It was still a great
day to see the contrast between mountain and valley snow-wise, even though I did
not get the long-range views I desired.