HIKING INDIAN HEAD - SCENIC HIKING in the CATSKILLS - RARE BOREAL FOREST habitat

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Unfortunately, mother nature did not want to cooperate with me on this video as the skies remained overcast through the entire hike till the very, very end. This despite a forcast of "mostly sunny and seasonable". It seemed to me that the mountains were creating there own weather pattern on this day as one cloud bank after another continued to build and roll right overhead, despite blue skies in the distance. Nature is amazing...

[@adamaltman2260]

😅😅

[@debbiehills2928]

Even the skies were amazing!❤😊

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@adamaltman2260 👍

[@heidipapcunik4772]

Thanks!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Oh my gosh Heidi, thanks so much, you have no idea how much I appreciate that, I feel so... thank you ... im just overwhelmed by your kindness, truly blown away...

[@heidipapcunik4772]

@@WALTERZOLNA I appreciate you! 🙂

[@don55s]

Academy award!!! Best motion picture of the year!!! I hope this area stays protected. Magnificent beauty of nature. Yet again you have captured nature at it's best!!! ROCK ON!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you my friend, your very kind. It's a very cool environment up there, I appreciate your support!

[@PATG1]

Beautiful , worth the climb to the top. So peaceful and humbling. 😎😎

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Those 2 miles on top were certainly worth the effort, thanks for watching Timber ghost.

[@debbiehills2928]

Oh wow walter. I didnt want your hike to end!!!❤thanks for all the camera placements you do for us. That hidden falls made my day too!!🎉❤😊 Glad you got down safely. Those spruce trees, the moss, and the vista views were just some of my favorites! Glad you enjoy the outdoors like i do! Take care.❤❤❤😊

[@debbiehills2928]

I can see why it is called devils den!😊❤😊

[@debbiehills2928]

❤2000 people and climbing!!!😊❤

[@WALTERZOLNA]

As I'm sure you know the walk by shot is my standard tool for filming, but when you're struggling up a really steep trail literally climbing in spots, it really takes a lot out of you to set up the camera, walk up the hill then have to walk back down to get the camera, then walk back up to get to where you just were. So those shots weren't easy but it's worth it to create quality content. So I thank you sincerely for being one of those folks who inspire me when I'm out there to keep putting in all the extra work that makes for better videos. Thanks so much...

[@debbiehills2928]

@@WALTERZOLNA very hard shots to get! 😊 thanks.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@debbiehills2928 absolutely!

[@cathyp4342]

Beautiful views and I loved the exposed tree roots- looked pre-historic.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yes, very wild and rugged beauty up there, the forest has an "ancient" type of feel to it!

[@juleneedmond8582]

Amazing, as usual! Thank you!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much!!!

[@mountainsintomemories]

Good to see you back in New York, love seeing this area! What a rugged trail! You captured it really well with some awesome shots!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks it's definitely a great loop hike worthy of documentation. Once you get up in those mountains it's really a different feeling. The spruce forests and views really create a unique feel!

[@rbpat52]

Stunning, simply stunning! Deep deep thanks Walter for taking us here.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

My pleasure @rbpat52 . The Catskills provide an experience that's a bit different than anything I have come across in PA - so far . I like to move around and change things up as much as I can and I will continue to hike and document the trails and mountains in the Catskills.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I just loved this one, such a beautiful area to hike in. Seeing the forest change as you climbed higher was so interesting. Also enjoyed how you pointed out the thick moss and showed us that little falls.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It really is a unique region for hiking and relatively close to the Philadelphia area, I think the ride in was about 3 1/2 hours, I love the trails up there!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

You remain my inspiration when it comes to filming hikes! PA Weather is always moody but you roll with it!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Well you have to roll with the weather. Alot of times how I film and the music I select is dictated almost entirely by the weather because it's really what sets the mood and atmosphere out there. And I'm really humbled and inspired by your kind words Darcy, thank you.

[@anninwhack1998]

Beautiful! You are so talented and create such a wonderful feeling with your videos. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for continuing to watch and support, it really means so much to me, I truly appreciate it...

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

This might be my favorite video yet!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I was definitely going for a super chill ambient vibe with this one...

[@bobairhart8175]

nice find on waterfalls

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm always looking, Bob. It was small but surprisingly photogenic. Hope you are doing better...

[@rcbeast101]

Awesome scenery, very relaxing Thanks for sharing.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks buddy!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks man! 👍

[@kateclark7250]

This is such a beautiful place. I've never hiked in this type of environment. You are quite sure-footed, Gator. Thank you for this.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm just happy you are able to watch Kate!🙂

[@LumberjackPa]

I would say that nature cooperated with you at just the right time by providing the Hidden Falls to energize you to complete your journey. The skies may not have been ideal but, you went with what you were provided and I would say that you succeeded in providing an excellent presentation of this beautiful and diverse forest. Thanks for sharing.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks LumberjackPa ! Yes the waterfall came around at just the right time to boost my sagging spirits and reinvigorate me from a long and challenging hike.

[@dayhikedave]

Holy rootsville. Never saw so many roots. Great find on the off trail falls. Those are always the best. You stand there and think how few people have stood there and expierienced that. Make you feel so alive! Glad you got off the devils 👹path😅

[@sonplusone7059]

Another beautiful trail and video. These places are a must for the soul 🤗

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It seemed obvious to me knowing how steep the terrain was and the amount of water in the stream that there would have to be some falls up there somewhere. It wasn't a world beater but it was a nice spot, and like you said always exciting to feel that you "found" something!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The forest on top is very special,I feel that I should have focused on that aspect little more thanks @sonplusone7059!

[@sonplusone7059]

@@WALTERZOLNA never second guess yourself. No regrets, your work is about as good as any human can get. You focused on just the right things 🤗

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@sonplusone7059 thanks your very kind person 😊

[@scottcoard1486]

A good skill to have... knowing your elevation by the fauna.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I have definitely started getting a better feel for the forests in my walks, I guess you could call it a familiarity, it seems certain regions have fairly reliable and consistent characteristics.

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

You have certainly chosen a winner of a hike. Yes, very challenging. Right from the beginning I just knew you were not doing a mile per hour with the ascent and filming. Fantastic trail. Thanks for all your work to give us this video. BTY. I noticed your subscriptions doubled very guickly. I can see why, but any other advice

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Filming the uphill scenes is definitely a grueling process that probably added hundreds of feet of elevation gain and extra distance to the posted trail stats, but I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction out of putting in the work and trying to produce the best quality of content that I can. Also gotta say, that is a really beautiful place and one should - in my opinion - really take there time to maximize the overall experience.

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

Hiking the LT was certainly a challenge on three different occasions. The climbs were tough but worth it. Hiking the whole Black Forest Trail was fantastic on one occasion in my younger days. The climbs were brutal. Maybe I will make Indian Head my last hooray

[@fivehorizons5295]

Beautiful video! I love the Catskills! That devils path is aptly named for sure…

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Have you done the whole trail, I bet you probably have. I have been section hiking bits and pieces. I have done Twin, Indian Head, and Plateau, and Hunter, it's awesome trail! I agree Jeff, great hiking up there!

[@fivehorizons5295]

Haven’t done the whole trail deliberately, but have been on it while bagging other peaks. If you climb all 35 peaks over 3,500 feet, you can become a member of the Catskill 3500 club! Get a patch. I haven’t been up there in a few years though. John Burroughs writings about the Catskills are enjoyable to read if you like nature writing. 👍

[@jaycreature3893]

That’s a great edit and a lot of effort. The out and backs alone get my vote. There are some fun rock quarries and stone chairs in the area HMU next time and I’ll point you in the direction. Again great editing Jay

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Jay I appreciate that. I really like hiking in the Catskills, it's a bit of a drive for me so I don't get up there that often l, but always have a great time when I do. Are you talking about Dibbles quarry and the elaborate stone structures there?

[@jaycreature3893]

@@WALTERZOLNA yes. There’s also a few others. There’s on right as you made your first turn for Indian head. It’s a baseball throw away from the trail jct :)

[@jaytheurbanviking]

Great trail. Incredible in Fall.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I might try to get up in that area again during the fall season, any recommendations?

[@jaytheurbanviking]

@@WALTERZOLNA Well, you were right near Twin and that IMO is the best view in the Catskills. A VERY close runner up is West Kill Mountain's Buck Ridge lookout. Also part of the Devil's Path but on the western end. The trail up to Buck Ridge is beautiful just like the ascent to Indian Head. And then there is probably the most popular day hike in the Catskills, Wittenberg Mountain also with a spectacular view. Wittenberg is my favorite day hike and I've done it maybe 7 times. If you do Wittenberg you can add Cornell, if you want to get real ambitious add Slide. However the entire Burrough's Range, Wittenberg/Cornell/Slide, in a day high is very grueling and no joke. I did it this summer and took me 9 hours with 4,500ft elevation gain. I have vids of all of these if you'd like to judge for yourself which to hit. Good luck man! Try and get up there again, so awesome in Fall! Cheers!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@jaytheurbanviking appreciate that detailed response thanks alot buddy, I will look into all that, happy hiking!

[@kenstubbs4639]

Should Replace salt Water Tanks In Dr Offices With Your Video's!! Ambiance, Peacefulnes, & Tranquility-Perfect Recipe For Lowering Blood Pressure, Not Too Mention A Much Cheaper Way Too Temporarily Lower BP- Always Remember As Well, Great Challenges, Lead Too Growth Of Character & Wisdom!! Great Work!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much Ken for your words and support, I truly appreciate it buddy!!!

[@runningintohistory]

Great work and nice trail trail! We keep planning to hike the Catskills but always end up in ADK. I definitely need to check out the trails there. This one definitely looks interesting.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that thanks man. I would spend as much time as I possibly could in the Adirondacks, that is the most beautiful place in the eastern united States in my opinion. Catskills are pretty cool in themselves though, very nice hiking there too.

[@scenicsteps75]

bro awesome views of the mountains.. plush green and risky too.. Be safe...

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you @scenicsteps75 yes, always have to be careful and smart especially when hiking alone.

[@mattrizzo7821]

Incredible video thanks for taking us along.. just curious did you see a lot of wildlife?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate your taking the time to watch and leave a comment! Its a great trail there and I am sure wildlife abounds, but I didn't come across much of anything that I can recall on this hike. I have had a couple bear encounters on nearby Plateau MT in the past...

[@Voidclowns]

Those rocks give Pennsylvania trails a run for their money!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yea I agree lol. There actually fun to climb on and around. And the good thing is that there weren't any of those sharp and pointy ankle killers like you often find in the Poconos and northeastern PA!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

I always go for the early morning!! But sometimes you don't get the best weather or views... Damn I love Puffy Clouds!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Mornings will either be completely spectacular or a total bust like was the case here . But in a away it creates it's own ambience. Had to rely almost exclusively on set shots cause the stabilization wasn't working due to the lack of light

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

YOU FOUND A WATERFALL!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

That's what I do, lol 🙂

[@debbiehills2928]

Thanks!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

👀👀👀 W O W!!!!!!!