The Moderate Hikes

Mount Beacon Fire Tower via Casino Trail
The short and very scenic route to Mount Beacon’s Fire Tower.

Undivided Lot & Laurel Ledge Loop
Want classic Gunks terrain, scenic views and a fun cave? Hike this hike.

Rip’s Rock from Winter Clove Inn
The fun hike to Rip’s Rock from Winter Clove Inn leads to one of the key historical Catskills locations — and stunning views.

Stissing Mountain Fire Tower (Classic Trail)
A short, sharp huffer-hike to a very tall fire tower with amazing views of the Catskills and Taconics.

Balsam Lake Fire Tower Hike
Incredible 360° wilderness views make this hike spectacular at any time of year.

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

Lion’s Head
The Lion’s Head Trail in Salisbury, CT, is a delightful short hike with great views that you can actually fit into your day.

Sunset Rock Trail (Taconics)
A short rugged, riparian hike to Sunset Rock, a stunning Taconic scenic spot.

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


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

Anthony’s Nose via Camp Smith Trail
This route to the lookout on Anthony’s Nose is gentler than the classic route from the north.

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.

Dibbles Quarry & Beyond (Ultimate Guide)
A short, easy hike to the very memorable Dibbles Quarry in one of The Catskills’ loveliest notches.

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.

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.