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An easy out-and-back route.
Hiking Trail Description
The deeply lovely route to Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove brings you through some of the Catskills’ most beautiful terrain.
The trail from Platte Clove is a showcase of the region’s natural beauty, characterized by its deep ravines and rich, forested areas. As you walk, you’ll encounter peaceful streams and woods, offering a quiet, natural setting that enhances the hiking experienced.
This hike, known for its length rather than its difficulty, is ideal for those who enjoy a good day’s walk in nature. The gentle inclines and well-trodden paths make it accessible for various skill levels.
The trail culminates in stunning views from the fire tower with a panoramic scene of the surrounding high peaks and, below, the Hudson Valley.
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Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove Hiking Trail
The Overlook from Platte Clove hiking trail includes…
- Footbridge
- Mountain streams
- Devil’s Kitchen Lean-to
- Some very easy trails
- Historical ruins
- Stunning 360° fire tower views
- Potential for seeing timber rattlesnakes
Allow 4-5 hours for this hike.
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Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove Trail Notes & Gallery
This guide will provide you with all the essential information for a successful hike, from Platte Clove to Overlook Mountain, making it a fulfilling journey for every hiker looking to delve into one of the Catskills’ most scenic trails.
Roadside parking, here, fills up quickly because a lot of people use the same trailhead to visit the waterfall in Platte Clove Preserve. Especially on weekends, park here early, or use the lot at the second trailhead a little farther east.
The trail begins here…
At the delightful artists’ residence, follow the sign to Overlook Trail, turning right to head toward the footbridge…
This footbridge is so sweet…
And there is much to explore here…
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Similar Hikes
If you have the legs and the time, I much prefer this lovely Platte Clove route over the (admittedly far shorter) classic Overlook trail which uses, to put it gently, an uneventful old woods road.
If you enjoy longer hikes, here’s my list of long hikes.
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The parent mountain for this hike is Overlook.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Roadside parking. You can also park at the Huckleberry Point / Kaaterskill High Peak trailhead which is very close by.
Google Maps Location: 42°08'00.5"N 74°05'09.8"W
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Mostly pretty good, as the trail is mostly along the Catskills Escarpment which faces east into the Hudson Valley. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
