view of cabin and mountains from tower

Hunter Mountain (Loop)

Hike over Hunter’s massive, gorgeous and super-scenic summit to descend via the Devil’s Path for a rugged walk-out — with a short side-quest to Southwest Hunter.

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two painted blazes on tree trunk

Ginseng & Hayden: Quiet Northern Catskills

A very quiet and peaceful section of the Northern Catskill Escarpment / Long Path, free of Classic Catskills crowds.

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american flag on mountain summit at sunset

Hiking Brace Mountain & Mount Frissell from Quarry Hill

A stunningly scenic hike with fantastic views of the wide valley below and distant mountain ranges. Brace’s summit is especially magical at sunset.

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catskill mountain view from overlook

Hike Balsam From Rider Hollow

A truly delightful Catskills hike. Climb Balsam Mountain by hiking up Mine Hollow and down Rider Hollow. One of the most picturesque hikes in the Catskills.

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Scenic Catskills View

Ashokan Quarry Trail

A short, super-easy hike almost anyone can do with fantastic terrain and scenic views — and a superb set of ruins to explore.

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Spruce & Sunshine

Kelly Hollow Loop

Short, easy and thoroughly absorbing, Kelly Hollow Loop is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Catskills. It came highly-recommended and it absolutely delivered.

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snowy trees at sunset

Halcott, Sunset Bushwhack

I didn’t think too much of Halcott when I did it last spring, but this hike changed my mind. There’s a lot to see: the woods are spectacular, the ravines are beautiful and, at sunset, the summit is a Catskill photographer’s dream.

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catskills fall foliage 2022

The 3 Best Ways to Not Die on a Hike

Every month, people get into trouble in the Catskills, almost always because they are under-prepared. Here are the 3 best things you can do to stay safe on your hike, while making sure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency.

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Behind the Cave on Twin

Hike Sugarloaf & Twin from Roaring Kill

Any hike that includes Twin Mountain is a great hike. From either side, Twin offers some the funnest ascents in the Catskill Park. But the western side of Twin, with its steep talus field and a section of technical open rock face, is perhaps the toughest 0.7 mile you’ll hike on any Catskill trail.

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sunset over mountain peaks

Indian Head & Twin (Sunset Hike)

This is my favorite hike in the Catskills. It has everything the Catskills can give you: classic Catskills forests, rugged terrain, excellent scrambles, and jaw-dropping scenic views.

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rock ledge

Hike Kaaterskill High Peak & 2 Plane Wrecks

KHP’s summit is a Catskills classic with a spectacular view from Hurricane Ledge. This route takes in two eerie plane wrecks, and there is much to see on the long trek in and out. This a tough, muddy, rewarding hike.

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About Sean

I started hiking in 2018 with no experience and no knowledge. I was depressed and stuck, sick of working in front of a computer all day. I didn’t know anything about hiking. I didn’t even know I liked hiking. I just knew I needed to get the hell out of my house.

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Blackhead from Black Dome

Hike Blackhead & Black Dome from Big Hollow via Lockwood Gap

An outstanding double-bill that combines an epic view of Black Dome from Blackhead with an epic view of Blackhead from Black Dome. This is one of my favorite hikes in the Catskills.

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View of Devil’s Pulpit from Monument Mountain

Monument Mountain & Devil’s Pulpit

Monument Mountain is one of the Berkshires’ most beloved landmarks.

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four of the best hiking boot brands in 2021

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Hot brand information and my recommendations for the best hiking boots right now.

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Crow at Tomales Point Trail in California

Tomales Point Trail

One of the best coastal hikes close to San Francisco.

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