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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scenic view of mountains

Big Crow

A very short hike with a very big pay-off.

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sunset view from Tremper Mountain fire tower

Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from Willow

A much quieter and more interesting route to Tremper Mountain Fire Tower

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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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view from Giant’s Nubble in the Adirondacks

Giant’s Nubble via Roaring Brook Falls

The steep hike to Giant’s Nubble includes an epic waterfall — top and bottom — as well as incredible views of the surrounding high peaks.

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view of Hudson River looking north at dusk

Storm King Mountain

This route offers better parking and quieter trails, with all the incredible views.

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hikers on breakneck ridge

Breakneck Ridge

Super scenic and super sketchy — this is the funnest and most popular day hike in New York’s Hudson Highlands.

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Sean looking disappointed

West Kill via Diamond Notch Falls

One of my favorite hikes in The Catskills, the route from Diamond Notch Falls to Buck Ridge Lookout and the summit of West Kill Mountain is just so beautiful.

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red plastic summit marker on young tree trunk

Plateau from Stony Clove Notch

After a steep mile, this hike up Plateau rewards with three great scenic lookouts — and then an easy walk across a stunningly wooded ridge.

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foggy view from scenic mountain ledge

Silver Hollow Notch & Edgewood Mountains

This short hike to a quiet Catskills double-peak proves how the Lower Catskills can often out-reward the Classic 3500 Peaks.

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large glacial erratic boulders with mountain summits behind

Balanced Rocks & Pitchoff

This short but difficult hike to Balanced Rocks and Pitchoff’s summit can be done in 4-5 hours. Exceptional views at many points along this beautiful trail.

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cabin in snow on mountain summit

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (Best Route)

This moderate and very scenic hike can be completed in 4-5 hrs. This is the easiest route to climb Hunter Mountain.

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grounds summit

New Red Hill Hiking Trail & Trailhead

The newly constructed Red Hill Fire Tower trail is now open for use.

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large boulder protruding from mountain

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.

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Iced-up Kaaterskill Fals

Kaaterskill Rail Trail

This is a short, super-easy hike to one of the most popular Catskills destinations. It includes views not seen by those who park closer to the falls. It’s the perfect trail in winter for some easy snow-shoeing or cross country skiing.

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scenic view snow

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.

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