Single-Peak Hikes

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.

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.

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2022
Everything you’ll need to complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge safely.


Hadley Mountain Fire Tower
Delightful hike, sometimes steep, but a very rewarding payoff from Hadley Mountain Fire Tower.

Windham High Peak in 3 Minutes (Walk-Thru Video)
This is one of my favorite hikes to do in The Catskills. This video walks you through the trails and junctions from trailhead to summit, giving you a clear sense of just how lovely this hike is.

Plateau & Daley Ridge Lookout
This is the quickest route to Plateau Mountain’s summit. A side-hike down Daley Ridge brings you to a second amazing scenic lookout.

Pakatakan Lookout & Shelter
A short steep hike past dramatic rock formations leads to a sweet view over the Pepacton Reservoir.

North Point & North Mountain from Scutt Road
The fastest route to North Point’s famous view is one of North Mountain’s prettiest trails.

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

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.

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

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.

Bramley Mountain Fire Tower (Kaatscast)
At Bramley Mountain, in the western Catskills, the fire tower was dismantled in the 1970s, but a local family has been keeping it safe in a nearby barn…

Solar Eclipse 2021
Nothing beats watching the sun come up from a mountain summit — except maybe walking into the woods in the dead of night, alone, to catch an eclipse.