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
New York Fall Foliage Reports 2023
The best Catskills Fall Foliage Report because it’s direct from the Catskills!
Cascade Mountain New Trail
Years in the making, a new trail to the summit of Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks is nearing completion.
What Counties Make up the Hudson Valley?
No human should be prepared to die on this hill, but here we are.
Trail Guides
The Best Hikes
These are the best hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson Highlands, Gunks, Taconics….
Sloan Gorge Preserve
Sloan Gorge Preserve offers an absolutely delightful, short, and family-friendly nature walk.
Jay Mountain Ridge
Jay Mountain Ridge stands as the most rewarding and memorable hiking experience I had in 2022.
Burroughs Range Trail Loop
Incredible two-day hike over the highest and finest terrain in The Catskills.
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.
Best Hikes of 2022
These are the best hikes I did in 2022 — 17 amazing day-hikes sorted by level of difficulty.
Balsam Lake Fire Tower (updated)
Incredible 360° wilderness views make this hike spectacular at any time of year.
Huckleberry Point
Huckleberry Point is one of the most beloved Catskills destinations. The trail is short, relatively easy, and leads to one of the most dramatic vistas in the Catskill Mountains.
Moderate Hikes
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.
Slide Mountain (Best Route)
This loop features an easy ascent, great Catskills views, and a beautiful walk-out that passes through varied woods and terrain.
Rooster Comb
The trail to Rooster Comb in the Adirondacks is relentlessly uphill but also quite short. Enjoy 3 fantastic lookouts, each more stunning that the last.
Difficult Hikes
Indian Head & Twin (Sunset Hike)
This is my favorite hike in the Catskills. It has everything the Catskills can give you: classic Catskills forests, rugged terrain, excellent scrambles, and jaw-dropping scenic views.
Panther Mountain from Fox Hollow
The hike to Panther Mountain from Fox Hollow offers ever-changing terrain, epic scenic views, and lots of wildlife.
Recommended Reads
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.
The 4 Kinds of Hiking for Introverts: Navigating Your Calm Space on the Trail
How introverts can navigate the social demands of hiking—with or without company.
5 Best Hiking Trails Near Woodstock
Here are the best hiking trails near Woodstock, New York. All kid-friendly so the whole family can enjoy a deep nature excursion.
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…
Israel Wittman Sanctuary Trails Guide (Updated)
Newly expanded with the addition of Loop C, this sanctuary secures its place as a forever favorite.
New York Fall Foliage Reports 2023
The best Catskills Fall Foliage Report because it’s direct from the Catskills!
Cascade Mountain New Trail
Years in the making, a new trail to the summit of Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks is nearing completion.
What Counties Make up the Hudson Valley?
No human should be prepared to die on this hill, but here we are.
Manitou Ledge
Manitou Ledge provides one of the finest escarpment views in The Catskills.
The 4 Kinds of Hiking for Introverts: Navigating Your Calm Space on the Trail
How introverts can navigate the social demands of hiking—with or without company.
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.
Vroman’s Nose Loop Trail
This short moderate loop over Vroman’s Nose climaxes at a stunning series of outrageously scenic ledges.
Eastern Devil’s Path
Completing this very challenging hike is a top Catskills hiking achievement.
Rattlesnakes in the Catskills: A Hiker’s Guide
Everything you need to know about rattlesnakes in the Catskills.
Mount Beacon Fire Tower via Casino Trail
The short and very scenic route to Mount Beacon’s Fire Tower.
Halls Mills Covered Bridge
One of the finest covered bridges in New York.