Hemlocks
Species Info
Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) are a foundational species. They are the third most common tree in New York State.
Hemlocks support an entire food web: deer and porcupine in the winter, as well as 400 forest species year-round (birds, mammals, arthropods).
Hemlock stands provide unique ecosystem services: they help keep freshwater streams cold and clean, and provide direct shade via their dense canopies.
Hemlocks create the forest ecosystem they live in.
Threats
Read the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid post to learn why hemlock is such a special tree — and how the species is under threat here in the Catskills (and elsewhere).
Where to Find Hemlock
The hiking trails listed below are great places to enjoy excellent stands of hemlock in the Catskills.
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.
Indian Head Catskills Hike
Indian Head is my absolute favorite single-mountain hike in the Catskills.
Israel Wittman Sanctuary Hiking Trails
Newly expanded with the addition of Loop C, this sanctuary secures its place as a forever favorite.
High Falls Conservation Area
Short, easy hiking trails wind through High Falls Conservation Area to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New York.
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.
Dibbles Quarry & Beyond (Ultimate Guide)
A short, easy hike to the very memorable Dibbles Quarry in one of The Catskills’ loveliest notches.
Red Hill Fire Tower from Denning
This new route to Red Hill Fire Tower is a little longer and tougher than the classic route, but so much sweeter.
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.
Vernooy Falls Trail: Waterfalls & Mill Ruins
The delightful Vernooy Falls hiking trail leads to one of the funnest spots in The Catskills.
Race Brook Falls & Mount Everett
This rugged route passes along the bottom of Race Brook Falls, then climbs through beautiful forest to a scenic lookout beyond the summit of Mount Everett.
Bash Bish Falls
An easy walk leads to a spectacular payoff: Bash Bish Falls — Massachusetts’ highest waterfall.
Stoppel Point (Plane Crash)
An absolutely delightful hike from Colgate Lake, around Lake Capra, and along Stoppel Point’s beautiful and scenic escarpment ridge.
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from Willow
A much quieter and more interesting route to Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
Shaupeneak Ridge
Shaupeneak Ridge 936.5 acre park contains almost 10 miles of easy trails, suitable for easy hiking, kayaking, fishing, trail running, picnicking, and excellent mountain-biking.
