calm beaver pond and low mountain ridge

Shaupeneak Ridge

Shaupeneak Ridge 936.5 acre park contains almost 10 miles of easy trails, suitable for easy hiking, kayaking, fishing, trail running, picnicking, and excellent mountain-biking.

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Sean looking disappointed

West Kill via Diamond Notch Falls

One of my favorite hikes in The Catskills, the route from Diamond Notch Falls to Buck Ridge Lookout and the summit of West Kill Mountain is just so beautiful.

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red plastic summit marker on young tree trunk

Plateau from Stony Clove Notch

After a steep mile, this hike up Plateau rewards with three great scenic lookouts — and then an easy walk across a stunningly wooded ridge.

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icicles hanging from rock wall

Thru-Hike North Dome & Mount Sherrill

This intense bushwhack route over two of the most difficult Catskills peaks is challenging and rewarding.

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foggy view from scenic mountain ledge

Silver Hollow Notch & Edgewood Mountains

This short hike to a quiet Catskills double-peak proves how the Lower Catskills can often out-reward the Classic 3500 Peaks.

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screenshot of hiking gear products

Hiking & Camping Gear List

There’s so much to read and learn about hiking gear. Here’s a basic list of the things you’ll use most often on your day hikes and campouts.

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map of planned project

Proposed Hydroelectric Plant at Ashokan Reservoir Raises Concerns

Officials are urging local residents to participate in the process to determine if developers can move forward with an underground hydroelectric power station on the banks of the Ashokan Reservoir.

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large glacial erratic boulders with mountain summits behind

Balanced Rocks & Pitchoff

This short but difficult hike to Balanced Rocks and Pitchoff’s summit can be done in 4-5 hours. Exceptional views at many points along this beautiful trail.

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cabin in snow on mountain summit

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (Best Route)

This moderate and very scenic hike can be completed in 4-5 hrs. This is the easiest route to climb Hunter Mountain.

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Catskill Mountains Happy Hikers

Catskill Mountains Happy Hikers Facebook Group

A new social group has launched on Facebook that provides a much-needed positive social hub for Catskills hikers.

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red snowshoes stacked on wooden floor

Snowshoe Basics

The number of snowshoe options is overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for, and where to get your first pair.

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standing desk with hiking gear storage underneath

Storage Bins for Hiking Gear

I sorted my growing jumble of hiking gear as a fun weekend project. With all my regular hike gear in a single box, I don’t have to worry I’m overlooking or forgetting anything. I spend less time preparing — which means more time doing.

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grounds summit

New Red Hill Hiking Trail & Trailhead

The newly constructed Red Hill Fire Tower trail is now open for use.

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orange canister affixed to tree trunk

Fir & Big Indian

This long hike mixes beautiful Catskills trails and fun water crossings with a long bushwhack section over two substantial mountain peaks.

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mountain summits

Doubletop & Graham CLOSED PERMANENTLY!

Latest info for hiking Graham & Doubletop. Please read. Important changes are being instituted…

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eastern white pine needles

How to Make Pine Needle Tea

This article explains how to harvest various kinds of pine needles and turn them into deliciously distinctive teas in your kitchen — in just a few minutes!

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