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 and Lone from Moonhaw in the Catskills](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rocky-Lone-Moonhaw-9848-460x300.jpg)
Rocky & Lone from Moonhaw
A long, lovely, difficult bushwhack—best hiked with a fun, solid crew.
![Lower Great Range in the Adirondacks](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Great-Range-Adirondacks-5870-460x300.jpg)
![Fantastic view on Eastern Devil’s Path](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Eastern-Devils-Path-3764-460x300.jpg)
Eastern Devil’s Path
Completing this very challenging hike is a top Catskills hiking achievement.
![scenic view mountain summits](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Six-8468-460x300.jpg)
Van Wyck to Table & Peekamoose
Two plane wrecks. Two bear holes. Two talus fields. One incredible view.
![Devils on the Devil’s Path Hiking Trail in the Catskill](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Catskills-Devils-Path.01-460x300.png)
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.
![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.
![catskills sunrise/sunset view](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_3574_FS-460x300.jpg)
Burroughs Range Trail Loop
Incredible two-day hike over the highest and finest terrain in The Catskills.
![Lower Wolf Jaw from Route 73](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lower-Wolf-Jaw-6472-460x300.jpg)
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.
![Scenic Mountain View from Indian Head Overlook](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Sketchiest-Catskill-Hike-3498-460x300.jpg)
The Sketchiest Hike in the Catskills
This is the sketchiest hike I’ve done in The Catskills — and the most fun
![Seymour mountain hikers in rainy muddy forest](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Seymour-Mountain-Adirondacks-2314c-460x300.jpg)
Seymour Mountain Trail Guide
Even in lousy conditions, the long, difficult hike to Seymour Mountain in the Seward Range is super rewarding.
![two hikers in silhouette in a rock chasm](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/north-dome-sherril-hagadone-9925-460x300.jpg)
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.
![rock ledge on Table Mountain](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Table-Peekamoose-Lone-Rocky-8842-460x300.jpg)
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
![hiker in yellow jacket on Grace Peak in the Adirondacks](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Dix-Range-0331-460x300.jpg)
Dix Range from Elk Lake
Demanding and spectacular, the Dix Range is one of the most rugged and scenic Adirondack mountain ranges.
![hikers on breakneck ridge](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Breakneck-0020-460x300.jpg)
Breakneck Ridge
Super scenic and super sketchy — this is the funnest and most popular day hike in New York’s Hudson Highlands.
![icicles hanging from rock wall](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/North-Dome-Mount-Sherrill-0644-460x300.jpg)
Thru-Hike North Dome & Mount Sherrill
This intense bushwhack route over two of the most difficult Catskills peaks is challenging and rewarding.