The Difficult Hikes
These hikes, whether in The Catskills or Adirondacks, are definitely challenging/workout hikes.
Make sure you have read the wilderness safety section and are well equipped with at least The Ten Essentials.
![Cornell Crack](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Wittenberg-Cornell-Catskills-1238-460x300.jpg)
Wittenberg & Cornell from Woodland Valley
An extremely rewarding hike that includes the infamous Cornell Crack and breathtaking views from both mountains.
![ticetonyk](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Overlook-156-460x300.jpg)
Bushwhack Ticetonyk South Ridge
A steep bushwhack through old farmland, dotted with stone fences, to excellent unique views.
![View of the summit of Mount Chocorua in the White Mountains of New Hampshire](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mount-Chocorua-7165-460x300.jpg)
Mount Chocorua via Piper Trail
A stunning hike up Mount Chocorua via the Piper Trail, one of the most celebrated paths in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
![Kaaterskill High Peak hiking trail](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kaaterskill-High-Peak-9808-460x300.jpg)
![knoll and mountain from indian head](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Indian-Head-Fall-2019-460x300.jpg)
Indian Head Catskills Hike
Indian Head is my absolute favorite single-mountain hike in the Catskills.
![Bull Hill / Mount Taurus](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bull-Hill-Mount-Taurus-2153-460x300.jpg)
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.
![Vernooy Falls / Wet Willy Swamp](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Vernooy-Kill-Falls-Secrets-8771-460x300.jpg)
![pink flag delineating new route up Stissing Mountain from Thompson Pond](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Stissing-Thompson-Pond-4666-460x300.jpg)
Stissing Mountain: New Trail from Thompson Pond
A super fun new route (currently under construction) up a steep rugged side of Stissing Mountain.
![wooden boardwalk in spring forest](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hodge-Pond-Mongaup-Nazgul-Loop-9171-460x300.jpg)
Hodge Pond 3: The Nazgûl Loop
A route that combines so many strange and disparate elements, it’s unforgettably weird!
![Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southwest-Hunter-Stony-Clove-Notch-3569-460x300.jpg)
Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch
A steep but straightforward route to one of the easiest bushwhack summits in the Catskills.
![broken trail sign on huckleberry loop](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Huckleberry-Loop-Catskills-6878-460x300.jpg)
Huckleberry Loop, Catskills: a Mile-by-Mile Guide
Is Huckleberry Loop Trail the most beautiful hike in The Catskills? This mile-by-mile guide walks you through it all.
![Brook with chasm-like walls](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Secret-Waterfall-5822-460x300.jpg)
Secret Hike: Waterfall Superhighway
A stunning Catskills “canyon” dotted with multiple gorgeous waterfalls.
![The summit of Croagh Patrick seen from its main hiking trail](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Croagh-Patrick-2113-460x300.jpg)
![jay mountain ridge in the Adirondacks](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jay-Mountain-Ridge-0746-460x300.jpg)
Jay Mountain Ridge
Jay Mountain Ridge stands as the most rewarding and memorable hiking experience I had in 2022.
![fall view from jay mountain ridge in the adirondracks](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jay-Mountain-Ridge-7730-460x300.jpg)
Best Hikes of 2022
These are the best hikes I did in 2022 — 17 amazing day-hikes sorted by level of difficulty.
![Hurricane Ledge on Kaaterskill High Peak](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kaaterskill-Hurricane-Ledge-0020-460x300.jpg)
Kaaterskill High Peak via Hurricane Ledge
Hiking Kaaterskill High Peak via Hurricane Ledge means a long wet hike in to the base of the summit — but then an epic Catskills climb.