Inspiration Point (Catskills)

A somewhat rugged but mostly very beautiful hike to one of The Catskills’ greatest lookouts.

Hike Length: 4.9 miles (7.89 km)

Total Ascent: 820ft (250m)

Intensity: Moderate Catskills Hike

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Includes: Blazed Trail, Rock Scrambles

Parent South Mountain

Similar Entries In: Catskills, The Best Hikes, The Moderate Hikes, , , , , , , , .

inspiration point view

Inspiration Point

Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

 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.

Why skim the surface when you can plunge into the heart of every trail? By joining Mountain-Hiking.com on Patreon, you’re not just gaining access; you’re stepping into a passionate hiker’s world, complete with vivid imagery and personal insights. Get full access to all content on this website instantly and enjoy unique supporter benefits.

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

This trail guide is free to all readers thanks to my subscribers. Get full access to this website instantly and enjoy great supporter benefits!

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

Layman’s Monument on the way to Inspiration Point
Layman’s Monument in Kaaterskill Clove

Layman’s Monument on the way to Inspiration Point
Layman’s Monument in Kaaterskill Clove

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.”

You might also enjoy…

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…

escarpment trail route to inspiration point
Lookout on Escarpment Trail

escarpment trail route to inspiration point
Lookout on Escarpment Trail

escarpment trail route to inspiration point
Lookout on Escarpment Trail

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.)

inspiration point view
Inspiration Point

This whole area, with its dramatic cliffs and insane views, is just stunning…

The following content is accessible to my Patreon subscribers who kindly support this independent website. Get full access to every post on this site instantly. Support local, independent content and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.

Why get just the highlights when you can immerse yourself in every layer of the journey? With Mountain-Hiking.com, you aren’t merely skimming the surface; you’re delving into a passionate hiker’s in-depth experience.

Become a Patreon supporter today and elevate your hiking adventures with comprehensive insights and stunning visuals. Experience trails like never before!

Unlock the Full Experience Now

Get full access now and enjoy member-only benefits.
hiking trail

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.

Read More

Get full access…

Get instant access to the full version of this site and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.

Hot on the website right now…

Follow for more…

Follow my @TotalCatskills content on Instagram for regular hiking inspo and safe, inclusive community.

I also stay active on Facebook and Threads.

The parent mountain for this hike is South Mountain.

If you do this hike, LMK how it went…

Your comments are welcome here…

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.