Cornell Crack

Wittenberg & Cornell from Woodland Valley

An extremely rewarding hike that includes the infamous Cornell Crack and breathtaking views from both mountains.

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cascade’s open rocky summit

Cascade & Porter Hike

This entry-level Adirondack High Peak hike is a great introduction to the rigors of mountain hiking: rough trails, rocky scrambles and incredible views make this short day-hike super rewarding.

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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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acre point view of burnt knob in The Catskills, a snowy mountain winter scene

Acra Point & Batavia Kill Loop with Burnt Knob Lookout

Acra Point & Burnt Knob is one of the most beautiful hikes in The Catskills. Gorgeous trails for miles, plus two amazing lookouts.

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scenic sunset view from Pakatakan Mountain

18 Amazing Western Catskills Hikes

Some of the best day hikes are only a few hours from New York City. The Western Catskills have it all!

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nun-da-ga-o ridge hike

Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge Loop

The Nun-Da-Ga-O ridge is as magical as it is tough. Do not let these easy-sounding mileage and elevation stats trick you!

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hiker on rock outcrop on Panther Mountain in The Catskills

Panther Mountain from Woodland Valley

The Woodland Valley route to Panther is not a trail section that many people use — which just makes it all the more appealing.

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hiker in summer forest

Mombaccus & Ashokan High Point

This steep, difficult double-peak hike is so rewarding on so many levels.

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two hikers in silhouette in a rock chasm

North Dome, Mount Sherrill & Hagadone Hollow

The bushwhack over North Dome and Mount Sherrill is never easy. I found a way to make it even more difficult.

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Subaru Forester parked in turnaround

Richmond Mountain & Richtmyer Peak

Just parking for Richmond Mountain is 4WD dirt road dogfight.

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mountain peaks

It’s Official: Adirondacks 23% Harder Than Catskills

I thought it’d be cute to quantify exactly how much more difficult the Adirondacks are over the Catskills. Do we need this information? No. Does this information feel important? Yes.

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view of Hudson River looking north at dusk

Storm King Mountain

This route offers better parking and quieter trails, with all the incredible views.

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icicles hanging from rock wall

Thru-Hike North Dome & Mount Sherrill

This intense bushwhack route over two of the most difficult Catskills peaks is challenging and rewarding.

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wintery waterfall

Eagle Mountain from Seager

Not many people hike this way to Eagle but it’s the most beautiful route. The Seager Big Indian trail which passes along Dry Brook is uniquely challenging and magical.

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orange canister on tree trunk

Rocky and Lone via Fisherman’s Path

Due to the remoteness of its two mountains, the ruggedness of the terrain, and the skin-shredding forest, this is widely regarded as the toughest hike in the Catskills.

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sunset over mountain

Little Ashokan

The bushwhack to Little Ashokan is one of the steeper and sketchier routes I’ve hiked in the Catskills: craggy ledges, loose dirt and rocks, lots of blowdown. But the summit is magical, and the view it affords it is startlingly beautiful.

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