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An out-and-back with a loop section.
Hiking Trail Description
Inspiration Point in Kaaterskill Clove is one of the top scenic destinations in The Catskills.
It’s so gorgeous, I visited it twice this year. Once from Palenville Overlook and once from the Kaaterskill Falls side, which is the moderately challenging route described here.
Inspiration Point is an amazing location — and there are multiple amazing views before and after the main ledge. All along the way, the view across Kaaterskill Clove toward Kaaterskill High Peak and Poets Ledge is truly breathtaking.
Even better, once you get on the main trail, it’s pretty easy going, with hardly any elevation change. It’s a fantastic location for trail running, too, which is how I did this route.
Inspiration Point can also be approached from the east via Palenville Ledge and/or The Sketchiest Hike in The Catskills.
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Inspiration Point Hiking Trail
The Inspiration Point hiking trail from Scutt Road includes…
- Southern terminus of the Escarpment Trail
- Access route to Kaaterskill Falls
- Rugged trail
- Easy trail
- Layman’s Monument (historical landmark)
- Multiple exceptional ledge lookouts
- Miles of incredible views
- An opportunity to visit the ruins of Hotel Kaaterskill
Inspiration Point Trail Notes & Gallery
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I trail ran this route in 1h 40m. Hikers should allow around 3 hrs.
Start at Scutt Road parking lot (which is a great fallback parking lot for Kaaterskill Falls during Fall Foliage in The Catskills. Walk into the woods across from the parking area and follow the blue blazes of the Escarpment Trail down to the first junction.
Turn right and head downhill. At the long footbridge, turn left and head up the stone staircase.
Pass the junction that leads down to Kaaterskill Falls — unless you want to add it to your itinerary.
From here on, the trail is considerably less used and is a little rough and rugged in spots.
Continue downhill. At a sharp bend, you’ll find…
Layman’s Monument
The monument reads: “In memory of Frank D. Layman of Haines Falls who lost his life on this spot Aug. 10, 1900, while with others fighting a forest fire which threatened to destroy the homes and business interests of the people of this place. By those grateful for his devoted service this monument is erected.”
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Many Lookouts
There are so many incredible lookouts on the way to Inspiration Point, it’s difficult to keep track. Some have chiseled graffiti. Please don’t add more graffiti. We know better, right? And some, for no discernible reason, have cairns — which is also not great.
But the views are fantastic…
Inspiration Point
You will know Inspiration Point when you arrive. The open rock ledge is enormous and the cliff’s drop-off is vertical and probably deadly. (Watch your small children and dogs.)
This whole area, with its dramatic cliffs and insane views, is just stunning…
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Hotel Kaaterskill
My original plan for this hike was to include the short loop around the summit of South Mountain to visit the historical ruins of the Hotel Kaaterskill — billed at the time of its construction as the largest mountain hotel in the world. However, by the end of my sunset hike, it was too dark. I trail ran out with my headlamp.
BTW, you can read about the Fried Chicken War that was the impetus of the building of the Hotel Kaaterskill.
Similar Hikes
Inspiration Point can also be approached from the east via Palenville Ledge and/or The Sketchiest Hike in The Catskills.
On the opposite side of Kaaterskill Clove is another incredible view: Poets Ledge offers an incomparable view of the clove. The hike up to Poets Ledge is much longer and tougher than the hike to Inspiration Point, but absolutely worth the legwork.
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The parent mountain for this hike is South Mountain.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Large double-lot. Very popular destination.
Google Maps Location: 42.200524, -74.058205
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Patchy but some coverage while facing into Kaaterskill Clove. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
