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Overlooking Kaaterskill Clove, more
than 1200 ft. below and Round Top and High Peak Mountains, more than 1200
ft. above, the outlook currently known as Inspiration Point, is the most spectacular
spot on the north rim of Kaaterskill Clove. Careful inspection of photographs
and other images taken over 140 years leaves little doubt, however, that
this is not the spot known in the 19th century as Inspiration Point. This
is Sunset Rock.
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Inspiration Point appears
on 19th Century maps but rarely in trail descriptions, essays, or photographs.
It was one of the several ledges just east of Sunset Rock with a view
of the clove and most likely the Hudson Valley. Some illustrations of
this view do exist. The photo here is a digital image taken on February
3rd, 2005. The foreground ledge is, or is very near to, Inspiration
Point. The snow covered ledge at the center of the photo is Indian Head,
or Point of Rocks. On a day like this one with a snow cover and no
leaves on the trees, it is possible to see the path of George Harding's road
to the Hotel Kaaterskill as it passes through the hollow known as the Amphitheater.
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