The Santanoni Range

Santanoni Peak, Panther Peak and Couchsachraga Peak

 
 

Topographic map courtesy of National Geographic

July 2011

This range consists of 3 mountains located in the southwest corner of the high peaks region: Couchsachraga, (46th highest at 3820 ft.), Panther Peak, (18th highest at 4442 ft.) and Santanoni Peak (14th highest at 4607 ft.). Technically, Couchie, as it’s called, is not one of the 46 highest peaks in NY, because it is well under the 4000 foot requirement, due to an early measuring mistake. It is still required to do though, because of sheer tradition.


We were very nervous about this hike. This is widely regarded as one of the most unpleasant ranges in all the Adirondacks, due to the knee-deep pudding-like mud that is forever present along the trails leading to the range, and the infamous bog that sits in the col between Panther and Couchie. The trails are very sloppy and it is highly recommended that you hike in knee-high gaiters, not only for all the mud you’ll encounter, but for all the brush that will scratch your shins and calves raw.


The trailhead is accessed by driving to the Tahawus area, East of Newcomb, NY. Take 28N to County Highway 25, then look for the left turn to Tahawus, (there’ll be the typical brown signs with yellow type).

Courtesy of Google Earth

TRAILHEAD

BRADLEY POND CAMPSITES

SANTANONI PEAK

PANTHER PEAK

COUCHSACHRAGA PEAK

COUCHSACHRAGA PEAK

PANTHER PEAK

SANTANONI PEAK

TIMES SQUARE

TIMES SQUARE

BRADLEY POND

Seward Range

The Santanoni Range as seen from Donaldson Mountain (in the Seward Range to the north).

Panther

Santanoni

Couchsachraga

(Part of my Original 46er quest)