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.
Kenneth L. Wilson State Campground Nature Trail
This kid-friendly nature trail winds through mature hemlock, spruce, and red/white pine woods between Ticetonyk Mountain and Mt Tobias. There are views of Wittenberg and Cornell, and the campground amenities are top notch.
Slabsides / John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary
Slabsides is the rustic two-story cabin hand-built by famous naturalist John Burroughs at the end of the 1800’s. It is preserved just as he left it, including its personal contents. A series of interconnected trails wind through woods, a swamp, past dramatic rock outcroppings and waterfalls, and alongside peaceful lakes. The terrain is rugged but the trails are appropriate for well-managed children.
Onteora Lake
Half way between Kingston and Woodstock, Onteora Lake is perfect for casual hikers, trail runners, and snowshoers. Three loops of increasing ruggedness allow you to choose your own adventure.
Tanbark Trail (Phoenicia)
A short, steep, rocky intense hike right in the heart of Phoenicia. Lots of dramatic Catskills geology. Two excellent views.
Hike Rochester Hollow
An easy hike through beautiful woods leads to a series of magnificent stone fences, ruins, and a memorial to John Burroughs. This is an underutilized and under-appreciated trail. Especially suited to skiers, trail-runners and animal track lovers.
Kelly Hollow Loop
Short, easy and thoroughly absorbing, Kelly Hollow Loop is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Catskills. It came highly-recommended and it absolutely delivered.
Indian Head & Twin (Sunset Hike)
This is my favorite hike in the Catskills. It has everything the Catskills can give you: classic Catskills forests, rugged terrain, excellent scrambles, and jaw-dropping scenic views.
Hike Sugarloaf from Roaring Kill, Clockwise
Pass through Dibble’s Quarry, rock-hop over a stream and around a beaver pond, make your way up to the col between Sugarloaf and Twin, and then head west over Sugarloaf’s enormous boreal summit — to a fantastic view of the Southern Catskills. Sugarloaf is a lot of mountain. An awesome lot.
