News & Culture
Catskills hiking news, hiking product reviews, hiking tips, trail info, best practices, product reviews, history, culture, flora, fauna…

Solo Hiking Advice for Women: Persist
Solo women hikers often face pushback from friends and family who’s anxiety is triggered by the suggestion that a woman might be heading into the wilderness alone. It’s time to call that what it is.

Arnold Guyot’s 1879 Catskills Map
Do you know where Bee Line Mountain is in The Catskills? You’re about to find out…


Patreon vs Amazon
I currently use Amazon affiliate links on this site, in my email newsletter, and sometimes on my @TotalCatskills story feed on Instagram. Patreon may offer a way out of that compromise.

How Indian is Indian Head?
Native American communities were forced out of The Catskills by the Indian Removal Act, signed into law in 1830 by President Andrew Jackson.

Shop @TotalCatskills Prints
Many of my best photos are now for sale, framed, via an exclusive deal with KeepsakeFrames that entitles you to 15% off 5 frames!

Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds: Catskills Summits
Please enjoy this collection of Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds. This set contains 16 images of Catskills summits.

PB&J vs AB&N
We hikers love our PB&J’s, of course, but a super tasty (and slightly healthier) alternative is an AB&N

Platte Clove Road Closed | Winter Access
In winter, Platte Clove Road is closed at its eastern side. Here’s the alternate route to the Eastern Devil’s Path mountains and Kaaterskill High Peak.

Cidiot Episode 55: Hike Your Own Hike
What's the difference between a walk and a hike? How did my first bear interaction go? How about that time I almost died on Blackhead mountain? Click here to listen.

27 Best Restaurants in the Catskills
This up-to-date list of the best Catskills cafes and restaurants will help make your next pre- or post-hike chow extra-awesome.

When Does Hiking Season End in the Catskills?
Learn how to extend your hiking into the most spectacular season of all!

Your Favorite (Small) Hiking Moment
There’s no part of hiking that I don’t absolutely love — but, every time, this one moment really stands out…

Where to See the Best New York Fall Foliage 2021
It’s just starting now, in mid-September — the first signs of New York’s fall foliage. Here’s the best place to track your leafy updates…

New: YouTube Channel
I’ve just opened a YouTube channel. I’m jumping into video and learning how to swim, hopefully without drowning…

It’s Official: Adirondacks 23% Harder Than Catskills
I thought it’d be cute to quantify exactly how much more difficult the Adirondacks are over the Catskills. Do we need this information? No. Does this information feel important? Yes.