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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wooden sign at summit of Panther Peak in the Adirondacks

Panther Peak via Santanoni Road

This is a long, steep, beautiful hike up one of the more challenging ranges in the Adirondacks: the Santanoni range.

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view of mountains with cloud inversion

Hike Cross Mountain from Woodland Valley

This moderate hike along quiet trail packs a punch: stunning forest, dramatic rock formations, and a spectacular panoramic scenic lookout.

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boulder and trail sign

Panther Mountain from Fox Hollow

The hike to Panther Mountain from Fox Hollow offers ever-changing terrain, epic scenic views, and lots of wildlife.

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glacial erratic covered in moss

Hike Romer Mountain & Mount Pleasant

An exceptionally beautiful hiking trail brings you to one of the most spectacular vistas in the Catskills.

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Red Blaze on the Devil’s Path

Hiking Pace Formula

One of the simplest things you need to know about any hike is: how long will it take? Knowing a planned hike’s duration is crucial to being able to figure out what to bring in terms of safety supplies, water and food.

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Sunest view from Daley Ridge

Plateau via Daley Ridge

Daley Ridge is rugged, densely wooded, and absolutely charming. Many long-time Catskills hikers feel this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Catskills.

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View from Wittenberg

Best Day Hike in the Catskills: Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide

As rugged as I suspected — but more beautiful than I imagined.

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fire tower and cabin

Hike Hunter & Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch

This hike tackles two routes on Hunter’s eastern side: the rugged Devil’s Path, and the relentlessly steep Becker Hollow. Hunter itself is an immense mountain, but the 360° view from its fire tower will charge your batteries for weeks.

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fire tower view across conifer forest

Graham Mountain & Balsam Lake

This long day-hike combines Graham and a loop around Balsam Lake’s summit.

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