view from balsam lake fire tower of balsam forest below

Balsam Lake Fire Tower (updated)

Incredible 360° wilderness views make this hike spectacular at any time of year.

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hiker in Diamond Notch Hollow

Diamond Notch Falls via Diamond Notch Road

This excellent alternate route to Diamond Notch Falls is moderately challenging with a great scenic view.

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lions head summit marker in taconics

Lions Head Hiking Trail

Lions Head Trail is a delightful Taconic hike that you can fit into any day, with great views.

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sunset rock in the taconics, covered in snow and seen at sunset

Sunset Rock Trail (Taconics)

A short rugged, riparian hike to Sunset Rock, a stunning Taconic scenic spot.

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fall view from jay mountain ridge in the adirondracks

Best Hikes of 2022

These are the best hikes I did in 2022 — 17 amazing day-hikes sorted by level of difficulty.

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Jay Mountain summit in the Adirondacks

Jay Mountain

An undulating woods hike to stunning views from multiple lookouts.

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inspiration point view

Inspiration Point (Catskills)

Inspiration Point in Kaaterskill Clove is one of the top scenic destinations in The Catskills.

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View of Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge at sunset from Anthony’s Nose

Anthony’s Nose from Camp Smith II

This route to the wonderful scenic lookout on Anthony’s Nose is gentler than the classic route from the north.

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acre point view of burnt knob in The Catskills, a snowy mountain winter scene

Acra Point & Batavia Kill Loop with Burnt Knob Lookout

Acra Point & Burnt Knob is one of the most beautiful hikes in The Catskills. Gorgeous trails for miles, plus two amazing lookouts.

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Stone thrones made of quarried bluestone

Dibbles Quarry & Beyond (Ultimate Guide)

A short, easy hike to the very memorable Dibbles Quarry in one of The Catskills’ loveliest notches.

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rocks and roots on baxter mountain

Baxter Mountain Trail

Baxter Mountain Trail in the Adirondacks is on of the sweetest trails in Keene Valley. Baxter is also one of the most hike-able and scenic peaks in the area.

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large glacial boulders and trail signage in forest pointing to Rooster Comb

Rooster Comb

The trail to Rooster Comb in the Adirondacks is relentlessly uphill but also quite short. Enjoy 3 fantastic lookouts, each more stunning that the last.

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master map graphic

Geo-Map of Trail Guides

This master geo-map lists my trail guides visually.

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scenic sunset view from Pakatakan Mountain

18 Amazing Western Catskills Hikes

Some of the best day hikes are only a few hours from New York City. The Western Catskills have it all!

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blue trail blaze affixed to tree near stone steps

Red Hill Fire Tower from Denning

This new route to Red Hill Fire Tower is a little longer and tougher than the classic route, but so much sweeter.

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rock ledge at the edge of a forest

Poets Ledge

This route to Poets Ledge on Kaaterskill High peak is very steep but very rewarding.

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Hello, I’m Sean

I write independent hiking content to help hikers like you find amazing hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Gunks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics and beyond.

On social media, I’m @TotalCatskills. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

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