small waterfall, long exposure

Secret Hike: Winter Views, Giant Quarry, Waterfalls, Ruins

I had no idea what I’d find on this unsung trail. I was blown away.

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Hikers helping each other

9+ Best Catskills Hiking Groups Online

A list of my favorite Catskills hiking groups online.

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sunset view from rocky ledge

How Windy is Too Windy To Hike?

I moved my hike from a windy Friday to a less windy (but much colder) Saturday. 80% of my online followers agreed with me. Here’s why.

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Patreon vs Amazon

I currently use Amazon affiliate links on this site, in my email newsletter, and sometimes on my @TotalCatskills story feed on Instagram. Patreon may offer a way out of that compromise.

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Foggy Forests 6885 hiking trail

Shop Foggy Forests

These unique framed forest shots make the perfect gift for the mountain-lover in your life

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catskills sunrise/sunset view

Shop Wilderness Sunsets

These unique framed sunrises and sunsets make the perfect gift for the mountain-lover in your life

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sunset over mountain peaks

Shop @TotalCatskills Prints

Many of my best photos are now for sale, framed, via an exclusive deal with KeepsakeFrames that entitles you to 15% off 5 frames!

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knoll and mountain from indian head

Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds: Catskills Summits

Please enjoy this collection of Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds. This set contains 16 images of Catskills summits.

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thumbnail for YouTube video

How to Plot Your Hiking Route with 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.

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toast with almond butter and Nutella

PB&J vs AB&N

We hikers love our PB&J’s, of course, but a super tasty (and slightly healthier) alternative is an AB&N

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screen cap of video

Windham High Peak in 3 Minutes (Walk-Thru Video)

This is one of my favorite hikes to do in The Catskills. This video walks you through the trails and junctions from trailhead to summit, giving you a clear sense of just how lovely this hike is.

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snowshoe trench in snow

Trail Terms: Winter Lingo

Once the cold weather sets in, you’ll start to see and hear these winter trail terms online in forums and social posts. Here’s what they all mean.

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awosting falls / richly flowing waterfall at dusk

Awosting Falls

Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most popular destinations in the Hudson Valley.

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scenic view

Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail

This super-scenic loop hike is so easy and so enjoyable.

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Gertrude’s Nose Hiking Trail

Gertrude’s Nose Loop via Millbrook Mountain

This super-scenic hike takes in a lot: a gorgeous lake with epic cliffs, rugged trails, peek-a-boo views of the Hudson Valley, giant glacial erratics, as well as the world-famous Shawangunk cliffs at Gertrude’s Nose.

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scenic Mountain View

Plateau & Daley Ridge Lookout

This is the quickest route to Plateau Mountain’s summit. A side-hike down Daley Ridge brings you to a second amazing scenic lookout.

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