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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view of cabin and mountains from tower

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2025

Everything you need to know about completing the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge in 2025.

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Orange paint blazes of the Van Benschoten Trail

Van Benschoten Trail

Mysterious, historic and beautiful—this hike is also incredibly steep.

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Catskills Fall Foliage 2024

Catskills Fall Foliage 2024

Week 6: Oct 21-27 On Sunday, I visited Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most popular spots in the Catskills. Typically, as it’s a very protected clove, the leaves stay here longer than in other parts of the Catskills. But you can see from these photos that… well… it’s over for this season.

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Pine Swamp Mine, Harriman State Park

Pine Swamp Mine in Harriman State Park

This hike to and beyond Pine Swamp Mine is a wonderful butterfly-shaped figure-of-eight loop through Harriman State Park.

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Vasque St. Elias hiking boot review

Vasque St. Elias Hiking Boots Review

A robust, reliable choice for serious hikers.

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best hikes near Woodstock NY: catskills sunrise/sunset view

The 7 Best Hikes Near Woodstock NY

The very best hikes near Woodstock, New York. And they’re all family-friendly!

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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

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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Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove

Overlook Mountain from Platte Clove

A deeply lovely route through some of the Catskills’ most beautiful terrain.

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Overlook Mountain House Ruins and Fire Tower Trail seen in 2025

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail

You can hike up Overlook Mountain’s easy trail in about an hour. The fire tower at the end of this short trail is positioned to give one of the most dramatic views in the Catskills.

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View of the summit of Mount Chocorua in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Mount Chocorua via Piper Trail

A stunning hike up Mount Chocorua via the Piper Trail, one of the most celebrated paths in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. 

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