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Looking for the best non-high peak hikes in the Catskills? I’ve been hiking here every week since 2018, and I’ve done every trail on this list many times. While the Catskills 3500 peaks get all the hype, some of the most magical hikes in the Catskills don’t require chasing elevation. The payoffs are just as good, but often better!
This guide is a hand-curated list of the best non-3500’ mountain hikes in the Catskills. You’ll find a mix of fire towers, iconic ledges, quiet woods, big views, and hidden spots full of Catskills character.
These hikes are great for newer hikers, anyone building up their fitness, or experienced folks who just want a shorter or mellower route with solid rewards.
We’ll cover well-known classics like Giant Ledge, Ashokan High Point, and Tremper Mountain. All are popular for good reason. You’ll also get my take on the new Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, the stunning ledges of North Mountain, and the scenic loop to Red Hill.
Then we dive deeper and look at lesser-known but even more magical hikes. Think: secret summits, spectacular views, and quiet bushwhacks with huge soul. I’ll take you to places that most visitors never find but that I return to again and again.
Want to hike the most rewarding non-high peak hikes in the Catskills. This is the list you need. All killer, no filler. I’ve hiked every single one.
Here are the Best Non-High Peak Hikes in the Catskills
Ashokan High Point
Don’t sleep on one of the most popular Non-High Peak Hikes in the Catskills. A long, flat, beautiful hike in beside Kanape Brook passes some fantastic camping spots, including a cathedral-esque stand of spruce trees. From the col at the back of the hollow, the mile to the summit is steep but the blueberry runs on the far side of the loop are incredible. There’s also a nice view of the Burroughs Range on the way out. Keep an eye out for small American chestnut trees all around this area; rare these days, they are rootstock, and await a cure for the blight that takes them down when they are older.
- Hike Ashokan High Point
Giant Ledge
One of the classic Catskills hikes, yes, but most people only visit the long ledge, with its many spectacular views. Look for small herd path trails leading away from the ledges. There are several, and all lead to a long wooded summit with multiple wonderful campsites. Camping here is a rite of passage.
- Hike Giant Ledge
Bramley Fire Tower
Our newest fire tower opened in 2025 and it’s a banger. The summit itself is stunning now, and the view is .Another short hike with a fantastic payoff. It’s also near several fantastic Catskills towns like Delhi, Roxbury, Stamford, Hobart with seven bookstores!—and the Catskill Scenic Trail.
- Hike Bramley Mountain
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
Tremper is always a good time. The fire tower view of the surrounding high peaks and the Ashokan Reservoir is so good. I prefer coming in from the Jessup trailhead for a longer and quieter route.
- Hike Tremper Mountain
Vroman’s Nose
A very short short hike in the northernmost Catskills, close to Albany. Great cliff view from the “Dance Floor” of the perfectly flat valley below.
- Hike Vroman’s Nose
North-South Mountain
Short and relatively easy, you can’t skip this hike to grab that classic Catskills view!
- Hike North Mountain
Overlook Ruins & Mountain
This is a super straightforward hike up an old access road. Honestly, that part is kinda boring. But the payoffs near the top are multiple: 1) you’ll get to visit the incredible ruins of the Overlook Hotel that burtned down twice! 2) Then you’ll get to see two of the best views in the Catskills Park. 3) If you’re extra lucky, you might get to see some rattlesnakes chilling out at the summit.
- Hike Overlook Mountain
Red Hill
One of the loveliest lower peaks in the Catskills, and it was the most gorgeous summit too. And that’s before you climb the fire tower for some solid views of the rolling Western Catskills.
- Hike Red Hill
BTW, you might also enjoy…
- ADK › Whiteface Mountain via Marble Mountain
- DANGER › 6 Feet Under? How Our Adirondack Hike Turned Deadly Serious (Substack)
- ADK › Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower
- CATSKILLS › Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2025
- Follow › My Instagram @TotalCatskills
- Follow › My writing for Times Union
Lesser Known Non-High Peak Hikes in the Catskills — But Even More Magical
These next six hikes are much less well-known but they are so great. Each offers a deep and memorable Catskills adventure. You don’t get these views from the classic High Peaks list.
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I hope you love this list of non-high peak hikes in the Catskills and try all these routes! Shoot me a DM @TotalCatskills if you enjoy anything on this list.
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