Judges Hill Trail 1.2 Miles

If only there were a view. Once there was, beyond the Taconic Range to the Catskill skyline. Then the clearing went untended, the forest grew, and the Catskills withdrew. At 2,297 feet, Judges Hill claims the high ground of Notchview, higher than the summit of Pittsfield's Bousquet's ski area, which could also be seen--looked down on--if not for the trees. But never mind the lack of outlook. Judges Hill is Notchview's most exciting skiing, though recent trail additions to the north and south faces take some of the sting out of the original straight-up-and-straight-down routing. Before the options of Judges Loop North and Judges Loop South, the approved approach (strictly a personal choice) was from the north, where Judges Hill Trails ends (or begins) at Bates Road. A strong herringbone is a must, especially in deep new snow. As you pause for breath atop each of several risers, look back and imagine skiing the trail downhill. It's too straight for anything but schussing headlong or snowplowing, and snowplowing mucks up the trail. At least the way down on the southern face throws in three or four modest turns, at worst forcing a slowing snowplow turn or at best a telemark. But thanks to the efforts of the Appalachian Mountain Club, which proposed, routed, and cut them, there are now alternatives for crossing over Judges Hill. On the Bates Road side, Judges Loop North offers an easier climb (albeit a longer one) or a less perilous descent. The trail scribes two long sidehill traverses joined by a single switchback. Judges Loop South, a little brushy in places, angles across Judges Hill Trail in several switchbacks. Imagine a dollar sign with an extra tail to the S. Now it doesn't matter much from which direction you tackle Judges Hill. Timing may be more important. Know that Judges Hill Trail and its Loops are rarely groomed. New snow overnight, six inches is about right, is your chance to experience some major downhill touring in fresh powder. But hurry, for others will surely have the same idea. About that ruin on the top of the hill . . . Judges Hill was a turn-of-the- century playground for the Windsor Club, headquartered at a brick farmhouse at the base of Judges Hill on Shaw Road. The cellar foundation of the clubhouse remains evident today. Prominent local citizens used the Windsor Club as a hunting and fishing retreat, and among them were several judges. To accommodate summer picnics, a stone "fort" was built on the top of the hill. In a 1904 issue, Berkshire Resort Topics magazine described the structure as "a sort of pavilion, an observatory point commanding the finest view, with tables of stone and fireplaces and seats and other matters of use and luxury." What's left, most notably a massive fireplace and a stone table, provides a pleasant spot to recuperate from the climb and to work up courage for the descent.

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