snowy trees at sunset

Halcott’s Herd Path

Big changes on this mountain over the last few years…

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Rocky and Lone from Moonhaw in the Catskills

Rocky & Lone from Moonhaw

A long, lovely, difficult bushwhack—best hiked with a fun, solid crew.

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ticetonyk

Bushwhack Ticetonyk South Ridge

A steep bushwhack through old farmland, dotted with stone fences, to excellent unique views.

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Kaaterskill High Peak hiking trail

Kaaterskill High Peak Hike

The classic Kaaterskill High Peak hike route.

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How to use a map and compass for hiking

How to Use a Compass

This short step-by-step guide makes the process straightforward and enjoyable.

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Vernooy Falls / Wet Willy Swamp

Vernooy Falls Trail Secrets

There’s far more to this trail than most people know…

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wooden boardwalk in spring forest

Hodge Pond 3: The Nazgûl Loop

A route that combines so many strange and disparate elements, it’s unforgettably weird!

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Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch

Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch

A steep but straightforward route to one of the easiest bushwhack summits in the Catskills.

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Brook with chasm-like walls

Secret Hike: Waterfall Superhighway

A stunning Catskills “canyon” dotted with multiple gorgeous waterfalls.

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scenic view mountain summits

Van Wyck to Table & Peekamoose

Two plane wrecks. Two bear holes. Two talus fields. One incredible view.

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jay mountain ridge in the Adirondacks

Jay Mountain Ridge

Jay Mountain Ridge stands as the most rewarding and memorable hiking experience I had in 2022.

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Hurricane Ledge on Kaaterskill High Peak

Kaaterskill High Peak via Hurricane Ledge

Hiking Kaaterskill High Peak via Hurricane Ledge means a long wet hike in to the base of the summit — but then an epic Catskills climb.

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Pitch pines

Secret Hike: Gunks in the Cats

A true bushwhack to a surprisingly Gunks-like patch in the heart of The Catskills.

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reservoir view through opening in trees

Secrets of Samuels Point

A short but challenging bushwhack to the strange and beautiful summit of Samuels Point.

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Herd path

Should We Stop Bushwhacking the Catskills?

I asked, “How can hikers best use the mountains right now, in terms of bushwhacking? Should we cool it for a while?”

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Seymour mountain hikers in rainy muddy forest

Seymour Mountain Trail Guide

Even in lousy conditions, the long, difficult hike to Seymour Mountain in the Seward Range is super rewarding.

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