News & Culture
Catskills hiking news, hiking product reviews, hiking tips, trail info, best practices, product reviews, history, culture, flora, fauna…
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2023
Everything you need to complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
Death in Rochester Hollow
The 69-year-old from Clinton Corners was hiking with two friends when he collapsed.
15 Best Hiking Movies, Ranked Perfectly
Want to watch the best hiking movies? This list spans multiple genres: comedy, horror, adventure, social criticism, biography, and spirituality. But it’s hiking all the way…
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.
The Fried Chicken War of 1881
The Fried Chicken War is quality ding-dong Catskills drama. Oh, the shade!
Platte Clove Road Winter Access
In winter, Platte Clove Road is closed to traffic on its eastern end. Use this alternate route to the eastern Devil’s Path and Kaaterskill High Peak.
Catskills Fall Foliage Report
The best Catskills Fall Foliage Report because it’s direct from the Catskills!
Should We Stop Bushwhacking the Catskills?
I asked, “How can hikers best use the mountains right now, in terms of bushwhacking? Should we cool it for a while?”
When Does Hiking Season End?
Learn how to extend your hiking into the most spectacular season of all!
12 Best Hiking Apps
The best hiking apps broken into four categories: navigation/planning, field identification, photography, and fun.
34 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.
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.
