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.
It’s a Great Idea to Turn Around When…
Have you ever turned around on a hike for any reason? Hike safely. Always listen to your gut.
Winter Gear Checklist
Download this helpful PDF with explanatory notes and a handy winter day-hike gear checklist.
How to Plot Hiking Routes Using GaiaGPS
Watch as I plot a trailed route in the Catskills using GaiaGPS on my phone — after which, I plot a bushwhack route up Sleeping Lion and Halcott Mountain.
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.
Top 6 Hiking Dangers
With some basic knowledge and gear, mountain hiking is rarely dangerous. However, without adequate prep, things can turn ugly quickly.
Winter Hiking Gear: Microspikes
Microspikes have, effectively, opened up the world of winter hiking
Hiking Safe 101
Yes, your planned hike is popular and even kids do it regularly — it still might kill you
Catskills vs Adirondacks: 9 Differences
For planning, prepping and execution, here are the 9 key differences between hiking the Catskills and Adirondacks high peaks.
What to Pack: The 10 Essentials
The ten essentials is a list of items you should carry on every trip into the backcountry. This essential gear can keep you safe and on track. In an emergency, it might save your life.
Black Fly Bites
When to watch for black flies, how best to avoid them, how to repel them, and how to treat their super-itchy bites.
Hike Your Dog Safely in the Heat
From springtime on, heat indices can regularly blow past safe limits for our canine companions. Here’s how to keep your pooch cool and safe on the trail this season.
Death at Kaaterskill Falls
A young man from Yonkers went missing April 24. His rented car was found April 30 at the main Laurel House Road parking lot. Later the same day, his body was recovered from the base of the falls.
Tick Season
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.
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.
Snowshoe Basics
The number of snowshoe options is overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for, and where to get your first pair.
How Cold is Too Cold to Hike?
January 2021 had some spectacularly cold weather in the Catskills, with wind chills dipping close to -40°F / -40°C at summits. But how cold is too cold? Here are 6 things you need to think about: weather, comfort, safety, frostbite, hypothermia, and gear.
