Hike Safety
Be Prepared
Every month in the Catskills, people get into trouble — almost always by being under-prepared.
The Catskill Park is not enormous, but maps of the area are stamped with WILDERNESS for a reason.
I regularly meet hikers who, literally, have no idea where they are: they’ve turned around before reaching their goal, or overshot their goal without realizing it. I’ve met several people who thought they were on a different mountain.
People are amazing. People should be amazing. But not that kind of amazing.
Catskills Wilderness
In the Catskills, cell coverage is often spotty. Even if you can get a call out, help is almost always many hours away.
Unfortunately, people do die here. The lucky get rescued. The unlucky get recovered. Please do not think of the Catskills as less dangerous than other mountain ranges.
It’s crucial you arrive fully prepared so as not to put yourself at risk or the lives of rescue volunteers in danger. This is especially true in winter — but it’s not a whole lot less true in the other seasons.
Hike Safely in the Catskills
The articles below are focussed on day-hiking. They introduce basic concepts like navigation, kit, food, safety, how to handle emergencies, and so on.
They are based on one person’s limited knowledge, which you should supplement with your own research, and by talking with more experienced hikers.
Surprising Data: The Best Electrolytes for Hiking
The cheapest, most expensive, worst and best electrolytes for hiking. Save your money. Give our body what it needs.
Is Platte Clove Road Open or Closed?
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.
Hiking & Camping Gear List
There’s so much to read and learn about hiking gear. Here’s a basic list of the things you’ll use most often on your day hikes and campouts.
6 Feet Under: How Our Adirondack Hike Turned Deadly Serious
8 feet of powder, 3 death traps, 1 lost snowshoe: a winter Adirondack horror
Shocking Incident at Kaaterskill Falls
Ice-fall serves as an important reminder about winter hiking safety.
How to Winter Hike: The Essential Roundup
If you’ve never hiked in winter, this is a great page to get started on your winter hike journey.
13 Lightning Safety Myths That Could Get You Killed in a Thunderstorm
Much longstanding lightning safety advice remains useful, but some important debunking has taken place.
Say Goodbye to Blisters: Your Complete Guide to Prevention & Treatment
Prevent and treat hiking blisters with these essential tips.
Why Turning Around is the Boldest Move
Press on or turn back? This split second decision can be life-altering.
How to Use a Compass
This short step-by-step guide makes the process straightforward and enjoyable.
The 10 Essentials: What to Pack for Every Hike
The 10 Essentials is a list of items you should carry on every trip into the backcountry.
Rattlesnakes in the Catskills: A Hiker’s Guide
Everything you need to know about rattlesnakes in the Catskills.
Black Fly Season Means Black Fly Bites
When to watch for black flies, how best to avoid them, how to repel them, and how to treat super-itchy black fly bites.
Tick Season Tactics for Hikers
Tick season sucks. When to worry, where to look, how to avoid, the best ways to prevent, and how to treat any tick bites you find.
Advice for Solo Female Hikers: Persist
Women hikers often face pushback for heading into the wilderness alone. It’s time to call it what it is.
