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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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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Seymour mountain hikers in rainy muddy forest

Seymour Mountain Trail Guide

Even in lousy conditions, the long, difficult hike to Seymour Mountain in the Seward Range is super rewarding.

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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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Gertrude’s Nose Hiking Trail

Gertrude’s Nose Loop via Millbrook Mountain

This super-scenic hike takes in a lot: a gorgeous lake with epic cliffs, rugged trails, peek-a-boo views of the Hudson Valley, giant glacial erratics, as well as the world-famous Shawangunk cliffs at Gertrude’s Nose.

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rock ledge on Table Mountain

Table, Peekamoose, Lone & Rocky

The easiest and most beautiful route to Lone and Rocky — but this is still one of the hardest hikes in The Catskills

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hiker in yellow jacket on Grace Peak in the Adirondacks

Dix Range from Elk Lake

Demanding and spectacular, the Dix Range is one of the most rugged and scenic Adirondack mountain ranges.

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summit of Stoppel Point

Stoppel Point (Plane Crash)

An absolutely delightful hike from Colgate Lake, around Lake Capra, and along Stoppel Point’s beautiful and scenic escarpment ridge.

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giant boulders

Schunemunk Mountain Loop

The terrain is the star on this mostly moderate hike over Schunemunk’s two ridges. This long, challenging route includes the base of Moodna Viaduct, The Megaliths, and excellent views.

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orange steel and concrete bridge

Ashokan Rail Trail

Take a leisurely nature stroll (or cycle) along the scenic Ashokan Rail Trail, a premier Catskills destination.

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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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fresh shoes on feet, and sour shoes and socks to the side

10 Best Post-Hike Hacks

One of my favorite post-hike hacks is to have a clean pair of socks and shoes waiting for me back at the car. It’s so amazing. Here are ten fantastic ways to treat yourself after a big day.

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orange canister affixed to tree trunk

Fir & Big Indian

This long hike mixes beautiful Catskills trails and fun water crossings with a long bushwhack section over two substantial mountain peaks.

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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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mountain view at sunset

Hike Slide, Cornell & Wittenberg

This is my favorite tough-but-beautiful Catskills hike. Long, rugged, technical and remote, it brings you over three summits to some of the most stunning lookouts in the Catskill Park.

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view of cabin and mountains from tower

Hunter Mountain (Loop)

Hike over Hunter’s massive, gorgeous and super-scenic summit to descend via the Devil’s Path for a rugged walk-out — with a short side-quest to Southwest Hunter.

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