The Hardest Hikes
Love dangerous and difficult? Welcome to the hardest hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Hudson Highlands.
These hikes, whether in the Catskills or Adirondacks, are the most challenging. They should be attempted only by experienced hikers, or as part of a group led by an experienced hike leader.
Make sure you have read the wilderness safety section and are well equipped with The Ten Essentials.
Rocky & Lone from Moonhaw
A long, lovely, difficult bushwhack—best hiked with a fun, solid crew.
Eastern Devil’s Path
Completing this very challenging hike is a top Catskills hiking achievement.
Van Wyck to Table & Peekamoose
Two plane wrecks. Two bear holes. Two talus fields. One incredible view.
Devil’s Path Trail (Ultimate Guide)
Everything you need to know about the Devils Path — one of the most difficult hiking trails in New York State.
Best Hikes of 2022
These are the best hikes I did in 2022 — 17 amazing day-hikes sorted by level of difficulty.
Burroughs Range Trail Loop
Incredible two-day hike over the highest and finest terrain in The Catskills.
Lower Wolfjaw via Rooster Comb
The long hike out to Lower Wolfjaw is steep and rugged, passing over Hedgehog Mountain. It also includes a very difficult slab rock scramble.
The Sketchiest Hike in the Catskills
This is the sketchiest hike I’ve done in The Catskills — and the most fun
Seymour Mountain Trail Guide
Even in lousy conditions, the long, difficult hike to Seymour Mountain in the Seward Range is super rewarding.
North Dome, Mount Sherrill & Hagadone Hollow
The bushwhack over North Dome and Mount Sherrill is never easy. I found a way to make it even more difficult.
Table, Peekamoose, Lone & Rocky
The easiest and most beautiful route to Lone and Rocky — but this is still one of the hardest hikes in The Catskills
Dix Range from Elk Lake
Demanding and spectacular, the Dix Range is one of the most rugged and scenic Adirondack mountain ranges.
