A little higher still is a second overlook, which is better for viewing Wittenberg and Cornell — and, in the distance, the Devil’s Path mountains.

This is also the last spot you’ll have cell coverage; there is none at the summit.

Slide Mountain Summit

The summit is marked by the one remaining footing of the old fire tower that used to stand there.

In deep snow, the footing will be covered and the summit may be hard to find if you’re not already familiar with it. But there is a somewhat obvious low mound in the area, on the left side of the trail. That is the actual summit.

There is no view here. However, continue on just a little more…

Open Area

Not far past the summit, a large flat rocky area opens up. Here, you can rest, hang out, and snack — remembering to always Leave No Trace.

Far below, you can see the Ashokan Reservoir — so small and foreshortened, you might mistake it for a river.

Through gaps in the trees you can see the Eastern Devil’s Path mountains — Indian Head and Twin are prominent.

Burroughs Plaque

The open rock ends at a ledge. Walk around the right side of the open area. Below, around the far side, you’ll find a plaque which commemorates John Burroughs who brought the Catskills area to fame.

More Scenic Views

Most casual hikers don’t know about these views which lie beyond the summit.

With the Burroughs plaque behind you, look into the evergreen woods. The red trail continues downhill toward Cornell and Wittenberg mountains. It can be a little tough to find the trail among the densely-packed trees. Poke around until you spot a red blaze.

The trail down is steep and rugged. If there is any ice or snow, you will absolutely need microspikes.

Descend carefully for 5-10 minutes. You’ll come to a large, distinctive, oblong boulder which protrudes toward Cornell and Wittenberg. If you climb up on the boulder — a sketchy proposition — this is the view…

In the distance, you can see the Devil’s Path mountains: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, and Hunter Mountain.

Continue down. The trail is increasingly rugged and difficult. You will need to use your hands.

You will come to a very steep wooden staircase. Basically, a ladder — to me, the angle is precipitous and vertigo-inducing. But at the bottom of the staircase, on a short flat section of trail, is a wonderful open view of Wittenberg and Cornell…

The same view in winter…

To the left, is a spring…

Do not drink mountain water without treating or filtering, unless you want to risk giardiasis. Here I am collecting water from this spring in the summer after camping out overnight between Slide and Cornell…

From here, you must climb back up to the summit before beginning your descent.

Descent from Slide Mountain

Turn around and head back up to Slide’s summit. Turn left at the Burroughs Plaque and head back up to the open area. From there, follow the trail out.

30 mins or so from the summit, you’ll return to the junction you made a mental note of earlier. Straight ahead is the red-blazed trail you first came up. To your left is the blue-blazed Curtis-Ormsbee Trail. Turn left and head down this trail.

The trail winds down through several distinct varieties of woodland, past a good view of Table Mountain that’s just off trail and, finally, a huge split rock chasm that’s worth stepping inside. (It’s on your right as you descend, very near the junction.)

At the bottom of this trail, notice the small dark Curtis Ormsbee monument.

Turn right to follow the yellow-blazed trail back down to the parking area. You’ll pass the bottom of the red trail you used to ascend. Keep going, then keep watch for a small sign that points to the left downhill. Otherwise, it’s easy to hike past the final turn which leads you back down through the rocky section and out toward the Neversink East Branch and your car.