Orange paint blazes of the Van Benschoten Trail

Van Benschoten Trail

Mysterious, historic and beautiful—this hike is also incredibly steep.

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Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower view

Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower

This Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower hike offers easy, delightful trails that lead to stunning 360° views of the surrounding Hudson Valley. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Pine Swamp Mine, Harriman State Park

Pine Swamp Mine in Harriman State Park

This hike to and beyond Pine Swamp Mine is a wonderful butterfly-shaped figure-of-eight loop through Harriman State Park.

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mountain scenic view

How Indian is Indian Head?

Native American communities were forced out of The Catskills by the Indian Removal Act, signed into law in 1830 by President Andrew Jackson.

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scenic view

What Counties Make up the Hudson Valley?

No human should be prepared to die on this hill, but here we are.

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Vroman’s Nose, Northern Catskills, in the fog

Vroman’s Nose Trail

This short moderate loop over Vroman’s Nose climaxes at a stunning series of outrageously scenic ledges.

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quarry pool

Secret Hike: Mega Mounds & Shadow Pool

This short, strange hike leads through one of the largest quarries in The Catskills.

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solo woman female hiker hiking

Advice for Solo Female Hikers: Persist

Women hikers often face pushback for heading into the wilderness alone. It’s time to call it what it is.

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Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates performing

A Brief History of Black Excellence in the Catskills

While best known for its iconic landscapes, The Catskills area has also been the site of important and often overlooked stories of Black entrepreneurs, entertainers and vacationers.

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news clipping

The Fried Chicken War of 1881

The Fried Chicken War is quality ding-dong Catskills drama. Oh, the shade!

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Arnold Guyot Catskills Mountains Map

Arnold Guyot’s 1879 Catskills Map

Do you know where Bee Line Mountain is in The Catskills? You’re about to find out…

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small waterfall, long exposure

Secret Hike: Winter Views, Giant Quarry, Waterfalls, Ruins

I had no idea what I’d find on this unsung trail. I was blown away.

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