Start Your Mountain Hiking Here
With hundreds of mountain hiking trails, and countless bushwhack routes, there are so many ways to hike the mountains. I hike all year long and add new super-detailed trail guides every month…
Apart from the Classic Catskills High Peaks and the Best Hikes in the Catskills, you can also view lists of Popular Catskills Hikes and Scenic Catskills Hikes.
If you’re just starting out hiking, check out this Easy Hikes list. And, if you have family in tow, this list of 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.
Master Map for All Trail Guides
Check out this Adirondack and Catskills Hiking Map — it’s a master map of all the Catskills hiking trails in the Catskills High Peaks that have trail guides on this website. This map also includes my Adirondack Mountains Trail Map guide to all the Adirondack hiking trails on the site.
Catskills Fall Foliage
Get the latest intel on Catskills fall foliage, including the best Catskills fall foliage hikes and some truly incredible Adirondack fall foliage hikes.
What is the Hardest Hike in The Catskills?
It’s The Devil’s Path, one of the most difficult and notorious hikes on the East Coast. From end to end, the Devil’s Path is about 24 miles in length — and you’re looking at almost 9000’ of elevation gain with a similar amount of loss over the length of the trail. Pack your a-game!
Leave No Trace
Get up-to-speed with best practices in no time with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
Hiking News & Culture
Is Elon Musk’s Backcountry Satellite Network a Lost Cause?
SpaceX and T-Mobile’s ambitious project to bring connectivity to the backcountry stirs debate among hikers.
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.
Ditch the Switch: The Case for Year-Round Daylight Saving Time
Our twice-yearly switch between Daylight Saving Time and standard time is disruptive, damaging, and dangerous. It needs to end.
Trail Guides
The Best Hikes
These are the best hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson Highlands, Gunks, Taconics….
6 Incredible Fall Foliage Hikes in the Adirondacks
When that Adirondack fall foliage hits, you don’t want to miss it. Here’s a selection of incredible hikes to view the ADK extravaganza.
Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop Hike
Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop is a challenging route that’s absolutely packed with views and ruins.
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.
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.
Moderate Hikes
Mill Brook Ridge via Kelly Hollow
This is the shortest route to Mill Brook Ridge’s summit over public land. It includes a full loop of Kelly Hollow, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Catskills. A short-but-steep bushwhack connects the two locations.
Undivided Lot & Laurel Ledge Loop
Want classic Gunks terrain, scenic views and a fun cave? Hike this hike.
Hike Balsam, Haynes & Eagle from McKenley Hollow
A long hike over rugged terrain that takes you to one of the best lookouts in the Catskills Park and through one of my favorite cols.
Difficult Hikes
Panther Mountain from Woodland Valley
The Woodland Valley route to Panther is not a trail section that many people use — which just makes it all the more appealing.
Sugarloaf in Winter (Safest Route)
A beautiful hike to one of the grandest of Catskills high peaks.
Recommended Reads
12 Life-Changing Benefits of Winter Hiking
Are you willing to give up outdoor life for months on end? The hell you are. The benefits of winter hiking far outweigh the risks of staying inside for months on end.
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.
Wilderness Safety For You
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 the advice you’ll need, all in one place.
The Best Mountain Hikes
The Best Hikes You Can Do in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Gunks…
This mountain hiking list is a personally-curated selection of the most rewarding hikes you can do in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson Highlands, Shawangunks, Taconics and elsewhere. Hike an awesome hiking trail 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.
Best Hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Shawangunks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics and more…
The most recent posts on this site…
Poets’ Walk Park on the Hudson River
An inspiring trail that leads to a large pavilion with impressive views.
Is Elon Musk’s Backcountry Satellite Network a Lost Cause?
SpaceX and T-Mobile’s ambitious project to bring connectivity to the backcountry stirs debate among hikers.
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.
Slide Mountain (Best Route, Updated)
This loop features an easy ascent, great Catskills views, and a beautiful walk-out that passes through varied woods and terrain.
Steep Ravine, Dipsea Trail & Matt Davis Loop
The storied Steep Ravine/Dipsea/Matt Davis loop has it all: Redwoods, gorges, chaparral, even the Pacific Ocean.
Cascade & Porter Hike
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.
Kaaterskill High Peak Hike
The classic Kaaterskill High Peak hike route.
Hadley Mountain Fire Tower
Delightful trails and gorgeous views. Hadley Mountain Fire Tower has a lot you’ll love.
Ditch the Switch: The Case for Year-Round Daylight Saving Time
Our twice-yearly switch between Daylight Saving Time and standard time is disruptive, damaging, and dangerous. It needs to end.
Indian Head Catskills Hike
Indian Head is my absolute favorite single-mountain hike in the Catskills.
Best Hiking Boots of 2023
Hot brand information and my recommendations for the best hiking boots right now.
Lower Great Range via Weld Trail
One of the great Adirondack challenges.