Sean on West Kill Mountain in The Catskills

My Times Union Writing

I write about hiking the Hudson Valley for Times Union.

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Kaaterskill High Peak low down

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike Down Low

There’s so much exploring to do.

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Hiker on Mount Sherrill in the Catskills

North Dome & Mount Sherrill from Timber Lake Camp

Steep and beautiful. This is a super fun way to hike North Dome.

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Hiking Mount Van Hoevenberg in the Adirondacks

Mount Van Hoevenberg

Wide-open Adirondack High Peaks views without the commitment of a big mountain day.

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Kaaterskill Falls, Catskills Fall Foliage 2024

10 Best Waterfalls in the Catskills

These are the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the Catskills.

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Hiking trail, Wittenberg, Catskills

When Does Hiking Season End?

Extend your hiking into the most spectacular season of all.

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Catskills Fall Foliage 2025

Catskills Fall Foliage 2025

The best Catskills Fall Foliage Report because it’s direct from the Catskills!

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mountain peaks

Avalanche Pass Trail Closed Indefinitely After Major Landslide

Climate change renders key Adirondack trail impassable.

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Runs at Plattekill Mountain Ski Resort

Hike Plattekill Mountain Ski Resort

You’ll love this easy-moderate loop over a famous ski mountain with great views.

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Wittenberg seen from Cross Mountain Meathook Trail

The 14 Best Non-High Peak Hikes in the Catskills

I've hiked them all. The known and the unknown. This is the list you need. These are the best non-high peak hikes in the Catskills.

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Peaked Mountain hiking trail in the Adirondacks

Hike Peaked Mountain

Peaked Mountain is of the Adirondacks’ most beautiful and rewarding moderate hikes.

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Ampersand Mountain in the Adirondacks

Ampersand Mountain

Ampersand is a great introduction to hiking the incredible Adirondacks.

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Indian Ladder Trail, Thacher State Park

Indian Ladder Trail, Thacher State Park

A short, scenic trail beneath dramatic cliffs, with waterfalls, fossils, and big valley views.

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snowy mountain summit seen from a distance

Hiker Dies on West Kill Mountain in the Catskills

On April 24, 2025, a hiker from New Jersey died while ascending West Kill Mountain.

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The Catskill 9

The Catskill 9

One of the toughest Catskills hiking challenges. Only beasts need apply.

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Whiteface Mountain, Adirondacks, New York

Whiteface Mountain via Marble Mountain Trail

An Adirondack classic. One of the best ADK hikes!

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