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.
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.
New Red Hill Hiking Trail & Trailhead
The newly constructed Red Hill Fire Tower trail is now open for use.
How to Make Pine Needle Tea
This article explains how to harvest various kinds of pine needles and turn them into deliciously distinctive teas in your kitchen — in just a few minutes!
Twin Mountain via Jimmy Dolan Notch
This quick ascent to a gorgeous two-peaked Catskill ridge includes a fun, tricky rock scramble — and one of the truly great views in the Catskill Park.
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.
Mill Brook Ridge via Kelly Hollow
This is the shortest route to Mill Brook Ridge’s summit over public land. It includes a full loop of Kelly Hollow, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Catskills. A short-but-steep bushwhack connects the two locations.
