Hiking News & Culture
Solo Hiking Advice for Women: Persist
Solo women hikers often face pushback from friends and family who’s anxiety is triggered by the suggestion that a woman might be heading into the wilderness alone. It’s time to call that what it is.
Arnold Guyot’s 1879 Catskills Map
Do you know where Bee Line Mountain is in The Catskills? You’re about to find out…
Patreon vs Amazon
I currently use Amazon affiliate links on this site, in my email newsletter, and sometimes on my @TotalCatskills story feed on Instagram. Patreon may offer a way out of that compromise.
How Indian is Indian Head?
Native American communities were forced out of The Catskills by the Indian Removal Act, signed into law in 1830 by President Andrew Jackson.
Shop @TotalCatskills Prints
Many of my best photos are now for sale, framed, via an exclusive deal with KeepsakeFrames that entitles you to 15% off 5 frames!
Mountain Hiking Trails
The Best Hikes
These are the best mountain hikes in the Catskills, Taconics and Adirondacks.
Hadley Mountain Fire Tower
Delightful hike, sometimes steep, but a very rewarding payoff from Hadley Mountain Fire Tower.
Twin Mountain via Jimmy Dolan Notch
This quick ascent to a gorgeous two-peaked Catskill ridge includes a fun, tricky rock scramble — and one of the truly great views in the Catskill Park.
Hike Cascade & Porter
This entry-level Adirondack High Peak hike is a great introduction to the rigors of mountain hiking: rough trails, rocky scrambles and incredible views make this short day-hike super rewarding.
Hike Sugarloaf & Twin from Roaring Kill
Any hike that includes Twin Mountain is a great hike. From either side, Twin offers some the funnest ascents in the Catskill Park. But the western side of Twin, with its steep talus field and a section of technical open rock face, is perhaps the toughest 0.7 mile you’ll hike on any Catskill trail.
Storm King Mountain
Storm King Mountain from Cornwall-on-Hudson has better parking and quieter trails — and you still get all the same incredible views.
Ashokan High Point (with Plane Wreck)
This loop hike features easy riparian trail, then a steep climb to views of Mohonk and the Shawangunk Ridge, as well as stunning blueberry meadows and a plane wreck just feet from the trail’s edge.
Best Anti-Tick Treatment
Easy Mountain Hikes
Be aware that “easy mountain hikes” does not mean “easy hikes” — before you go, learn how to stay safe on a mountain.
Red Hill Fire Tower Classic Hiking Trail
This short, easy hike up beautifully-maintained trail in bucolic New York leads to dramatic views of the Southern and Western Catskills.
Windham High Peak in 3 Minutes (Walk-Thru Video)
This is one of my favorite hikes to do in The Catskills. This video walks you through the trails and junctions from trailhead to summit, giving you a clear sense of just how lovely this hike is.
Hike Rochester Hollow
An easy hike through beautiful woods leads to a series of magnificent stone fences, ruins, and a memorial to John Burroughs. This is an underutilized and under-appreciated trail. Especially suited to skiers, trail-runners and animal track lovers.
6 Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Catskills
These easy kid-friendly Catskills hikes have so much to offer your family.
Onteora Lake
Half way between Kingston and Woodstock, Onteora Lake is perfect for casual hikers, trail runners, and snowshoers. Three loops of increasing ruggedness allow you to choose your own adventure.
Moderate Hikes
North Point & North Mountain from Scutt Road
The fastest route to North Point’s famous view is one of North Mountain’s prettiest trails.
Windham High Peak via Burnt Knob
Hike through rich riparian terrain, crossing a handful of streams, up to a ridge-line that’s peppered with excellent escarpment views — plus a ledge with a breathtaking view of the entire Blackhead range
Ginseng & Hayden: Quiet Northern Catskills
A very quiet and peaceful section of the Northern Catskill Escarpment / Long Path, free of Classic Catskills crowds.
Hike Cross Mountain from Woodland Valley
This moderate hike along quiet trail packs a punch: stunning forest, dramatic rock formations, and a spectacular panoramic scenic lookout.
Pakatakan Lookout & Shelter
A short steep hike past dramatic rock formations leads to a sweet view over the Pepacton Reservoir.
Hike Doubletop from Seager
My favorite part of this hike was actually the first mile of trailed section along Dry Brook, heading southeast from the parking area. By mid-June the banks on both sides of the brook are lush. All along the stream feels wild and natural, and the crossings are a lot of fun.
Difficult Hikes
Belleayre via Lost Clove
This challenging out and back begins with one of the steepest trails in the Catskills, passes over two sub-peaks and visits two lean-tos on the way to a ski resort with a scenic view.
Eagle Mountain from Seager
Not many people hike this way to Eagle but it’s the most beautiful route. The Seager Big Indian trail which passes along Dry Brook is uniquely challenging and magical.
Schunemunk Mountain Loop
The terrain is the star on this mostly moderate hike over Schunemunk’s two ridges. This long, challenging route includes the base of Moodna Viaduct, The Megaliths, and excellent views.
Tanbark Trail: a Short, Difficult, Beautiful Loop Hike
A short, steep, rocky intense hike right in the heart of Phoenicia. Lots of dramatic Catskills geology. Two excellent views.
Hike Blackhead & Black Dome from Big Hollow via Lockwood Gap
An outstanding double-bill that combines an epic view of Black Dome from Blackhead with an epic view of Blackhead from Black Dome. This is one of my favorite hikes in the Catskills.
Ticetonyk Mountain Trail to West View
I figured Ticetonyk was beautifully positioned to have great views — but I had no idea. Ticetonyk’s lookouts are now among my favorites in The Catskills.
Recommended Reads
Basic Mountain Hiking Gear
While hiking gear can change from trail to trail, and from season to season, the following items will serve you well on every hike. They are a fleshing out of The Ten Essentials (the absolute bare minimum you should pack for every hike). This hiking gear list focuses on day-hiking.
Catskills Hemlocks Under Threat
Spend any time in the Catskills and you’ll see how special our hemlock groves are, and how unique their micro-environment is. Learn about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and how you can help.
The 3 Best Ways to Not Die on a Hike
Every month, people get into trouble in the Catskills, almost always because they are under-prepared. Here are the 3 best things you can do to stay safe on your hike, while making sure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency.
Solo Hiking Advice for Women: Persist
Solo women hikers often face pushback from friends and family who’s anxiety is triggered by the suggestion that a woman might be heading into the wilderness alone. It’s time to call that what it is.
Storage Bins for Hiking Gear
I sorted my growing jumble of hiking gear as a fun weekend project. With all my regular hike gear in a single box, I don’t have to worry I’m overlooking or forgetting anything. I spend less time preparing — which means more time doing.
35 Best Tips for a Safe Winter Hike
These 35 tips for winter hiking will help keep you safe in the harshest conditions
Wilderness Safety Basics
Mountain Hiking, Planning Tips, Gear Lists, Emergency Numbers
Start mountain hiking safely, hike well, finish in one piece. Here’s everything you’ll need: your clothing, your gear, how to plan a safe hike in every season, the best apps, what to eat, what to bring. It’s all the advice, all in one place.
The Best Mountain Hikes
The Very Best Hikes You Can Do in the Catskills, Gunks, Adirondacks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics…
This mountain hiking list is a personally-curated selection of the most rewarding hikes you can do in the Catskills, Taconics and Adirondacks. Use this list to hike an awesome hike every week!
The Catskills High Peaks
The Traditional List of Catskills Peaks Above 3500’
Most people begin mountain hiking in the Catskills by climbing a few High Peaks: Indian Head, Slide Mountain & Balsam Lake are popular starting points. Here are the summits you’ll need to bag if you want to join the Catskill 3500 Club.
Or Start Mountain Hiking Here…
With hundreds of miles of mountain hiking trails and countless bushwhack routes, there are so many ways to hike the mountains. I can’t make new peaks, but I do add new hikes regularly…
Apart from the Classic Catskills High Peaks and the Best Catskill Hikes, you can also view lists of Popular Catskills Hikes and Scenic Catskills Hikes.
If you’re just starting out, check out the Easy Hikes list.
If you have kids in tow, these Kid-Friendly Hikes will give you plenty of great options.
For anyone new to hiking, Nature Walks are a great way to get a deep dose of forest magic without much uphill effort.
Finally, you can view a simple but complete list of all the Catskills peaks I’ve hiked, with all their associated hikes. (The Taconics and Adirondacks lists are small right now, but growing.)
Best Hikes in the Catskills, Hudson Highlands, Adirondacks, Taconics, and more…
This website’s 12 most recent posts in reverse-chronological order
Dix Range from Elk Lake
Demanding and spectacular, the Dix Range is one of the most rugged and scenic Adirondack mountain ranges.
This is How You Make Chaga Tea
Chaga is delicious and offers many health benefits. This is how you make chaga tea.
Shop Labeled Photos
These unique labeled views make the perfect gift for the mountain-lover in your life.
Camping in the Catskills: a Beginner’s Guide to Backcountry Campouts
Camping in the Catskills? This comprehensive list of resources, regulations and gear tips will help get you ready for your first Catskills campout.
Black Fly Bites
When to watch for black flies, how best to avoid them, how to repel them, and how to treat their super-itchy bites.
Devil’s Path Trail Guide
Everything you need to know about the Devil’s Path — one of the most difficult hiking trails in New York State.
Gertrude’s Nose Loop via Millbrook Mountain
This super-scenic hike takes in a lot: a gorgeous lake with epic cliffs, rugged trails, peek-a-boo views of the Hudson Valley, giant glacial erratics, as well as the world-famous Shawangunk cliffs at Gertrude’s Nose.
Best Hiking Boots of 2022
If you’re looking for a new pair of hiking boots, this list of hiking boot brands and models will get you started with great recommendations.
Giant’s Nubble via Roaring Brook Falls
The steep hike to Giant’s Nubble includes an epic waterfall — top and bottom — as well as incredible views of the surrounding high peaks.
7 Amazing Scenic Catskills Views You Don’t Know
The best scenic Catskills views? Often, they’re not the ones you'll find in any guidebook.
Best Camera Settings for Photographing Sunsets & Sunrises (40+ Tips)
Dawn and dusk: there’s no better time of day to shoot landscapes than when the sun is low on the horizon. Here’s everything you need to know to plan, prepare, and pull off the perfect sunrise photo shoot.
Secret Hike: Bushwhack Easter Egg
A bushwhack side-quest leads to an incongruous object…