Hardest Catskill Peaks
These are the hardest mountains to climb in the Catskill Park. They’re suitable for hikers who are able to hike uphill for many hours. Before climbing these , you should be 100% prepared to hike, and physically fit.
If you’re new to hiking, or in the early stages of working on your 3500 List, these are the mountains you should leave until last. Sugarloaf can be climbed solo, though it’s a big mountain. The rest should be tackled as guided or group hikes, until you’re confident in your abilities.
Hiking With Doggo
Most of the mountains listed below are suitable for dogs, though your dog(s) should always be leashed and kept close. Several peaks have routes with very steep sections, or sections that require lifting your dog several feet (for example up a tricky ledge). Others, like Rocky and Lone, make for very long days that may be too much for many dogs. Here’s a great read on how to hike your dog safely.
Hardest Catskills (6)
Sugarloaf 3783’
Northeastern Catskills
Fully Trailed
Scenic
It’s big, it’s challenging, it’s the king of the park — Sugarloaf never disappoints. It’s the most Catskills you can get in a single mountain.
No. of Entries: 7
Lone 3700’
Southern Catskills
Bushwhack
Canister
Tough to get to. Difficult to climb. Impossible to forget.
No. of Entries: 4
North Dome 3605’
Northeastern Catskills
Bushwhack
Canister
Scenic
North Dome’s ledges are not for the faint of heart, but North Dome bragging rights are forever.
No. of Entries: 3
Friday 3500’
Southern Catskills
Bushwhack
Canister
One of the toughest and most rewarding mountains to hike in the Catskill Park: dramatic cliff bands, a pregnant tree, a steep and challenging summit. Plus a WWII bomber.
No. of Entries: 2
Rocky 3487’
Southern Catskills
Bushwhack
Canister
Often paired with the equally-remote Lone, Rocky is an all-day in-your-face bushwhack hike. There will be blood.
No. of Entries: 4
Van Wyck 3206’
Southern Catskills
Bushwhack
Scenic
Remote and steep, Van Wyck rewards hikers with two “bear holes”, two plane wrecks, and a summit ledge to remember.
No. of Entries: 1