At the marked junction at 3.8 miles, go right on the blue trail to close the loop at Little Pond. The red trail turns left for Barkaboom Road and Big Pond in 1 mile. Continue the ascent of Touchmenot Mountain on the blue trail. Ledge overlooks allow for a forest appreciation but no outward views. Roll along the summit plateau before sharply descending at 4.3 miles.
Mosses decorate the platy outcrops, ledges, and isolated rocks.
Again use hands to ease descents. Once off the rocks, the trail charges straight downhill amid a rich mixed forest. Escarpment ledges, vistas, a monument and nineteenth-century hotel sites, waterfalls, azalea and mountain laurel blooms, fall foliage. North Lake Area Catskill Trails. Spring through fall.