18 Amazing Western Catskills Hikes

Frick Pond & Hodge Pond Loop

The beautiful walk around Frick Pond includes my favorite boardwalk in the Catskills. It’s amazing and very special: wide, sinuous and long, it seems to go on forever.

To get there, ignore the start of this trail that heads north and heads up the ridge of Beech Mountain. Instead, head west, directly to Frick Pond, from the large parking lot and then find your way up the west side of Frick Pond.

There’s also an incredibly old white pine tree near Graveyard Junction.

You can enjoy the boardwalk and then simply turn around, or continue to follow this 6.5 mile loop that will take you about 3 hours to complete.

At the north end of Hodge Pond, there’s a short herd path down to the water’s edge.

I used this fully-trailed loop as the basis for a much more difficult hike where I bushwhacked to the summits of Beech, Mongaup and Hodge Pond mountains on a made-up route called the Hodge Pond 3: Nazgûl Loop. It was one of the most memorable hikes I’ve done — though it includes bushwhack sections that are best suited to experienced backcountry navigators.

Okay, onwards to Shavertown…

Shavertown Trail

A steep hike to a wonderful lookout, with a break in the middle at a sweet pond with its own view.

Under 3 miles, a little steep in spots, but definitely a fun short hike.

Pakatakan Lookout & Shelter

A short steep hike past dramatic rock formations leads to a sweet view over the Pepacton Reservoir.

Balsam Lake Fire Tower

Even light snow cover turns Balsam Lake into a glittering winter wonderland. And it’s a cinch to hike. A cold fall morning is the perfect time to take in the fire tower’s incredible 360° view. Winter hikes to the tower are absolutely spectacular.

Red Hill Fire Tower

A gem of the Western Catskills, the view from this tower takes in many of the Catskills High Peaks.

There are now two routes to the tower: the classic route and a new route from Denning.

Long Pond via Beaverkill Ridge Trail

This 7-mile loop trail near Roscoe, New York has less than 700 feet elevation gain and takes under 3 hours to complete.

Rock Rift Fire Tower Trail

This steep hike to a sketchy fire tower is under 4 miles and will take 2-3 hours to complete. The bottom rungs of the fire tower steps have been removed to deter climbing…

Jensen Ledges

Enjoy this 3 mile trail with great views near Hancock, New York. Allow 45-60 minutes to get to the dramatic ledge view.

Note: on this trail, which passes through private property, it’s important to stay on the path.

Trout Pond and Mud Pond Loop

Want something longer? This 7½-mile out-and-back route near Roscoe, New York, is a moderately challenging hike in a quiet area that will take about 4 hours.

Little Pond and Touchmenot Mountain Loop

Shorter but still moderately challenging, this 3 mile loop hike near Andes, New York, will take under 2 hours to complete.

Note: Hike this route clockwise if you want a more gradual climb, or counter-clockwise if you’d prefer a steeper start.

These more challenging hikes will give life to the hiker in your life — who maybe is you!

Huckleberry Loop

This is the only true long loop hike in the Catskills, an it’s an absolute gem. I have hiked it twice and both times had a near spiritual experience.

13 miles. 2700 feet of elevation gain. Amazingly varied route. Historical ruins. Old growth forest. One great view. Four spectacular spruce plantations.

Literally can’t wait to hike this amazing Western Catskills hike again.

Pelnor Hollow from the South (Lean-To & Summit)

There are two approaches to the summit of Pelnor Mountain in the Western Catskills. This is the shorter and easier of the two, and approaches the summit from the south via the Lean-To.

Pelnor Hollow from the North (Mary Smith Trail)

This longer approach, with more than twice the elevation gain than the southern route, will take around 4 hours to complete. A short spur brings you to a wonderful spot called Split Rock Lookout.

Campbell Mountain via Mary Smith Trail

At over 17 miles, and with over 4100 feet of elevation gain, this is the longest and most difficult hike on this list. Experienced hikers may be able to complete this out-and-back trail in 9-10 hours.