rugged, rocky mountain trail

Sugarloaf (Best Route)

A rugged, tough hike over one of the Catskills’ grandest mountains.

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boulders and trees on summit

Hike Windham High Peak from Cross Road

This might be my new favorite way to hike WHP. The easy first mile and the hemlock-rich woods at the start of this route make it such a pleasant way to begin and end this beautiful day hike.

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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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cabin in woods and small wooden outhouse

Red Hill Fire Tower Classic Trail

This short, easy hike up beautifully-maintained trail in bucolic New York leads to dramatic views of the Southern and Western Catskills.

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footbridge by roadside

Tremper Mountain Fire Tower Classic Hike

Tremper Mountain Fire Tower offers incredible 360° views of dozens of classic Catskill mountains.

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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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cave

Twin from Roaring Kill

Twin from Roaring Kill is one of the most entertaining trails in the Catskills — but it also contains what might be the Catskills’ most challenging trail section.

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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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ticetonyk

Ticetonyk Mountain Trail to West View

I figured Ticetonyk was beautifully positioned to have great views — but I had no idea. Ticetonyk’s lookouts are now among my favorites in The Catskills.

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rock ledge and tree

Alander Mountain from Bash Bish Trailhead

This is a great route if you crave solitude among pitch pines, interesting geology, and solid scenic views.

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catskill mountain view from overlook

Hike Balsam From Rider Hollow

A truly delightful Catskills hike. Climb Balsam Mountain by hiking up Mine Hollow and down Rider Hollow. One of the most picturesque hikes in the Catskills.

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sunset view

Hike Windham High Peak from Peck Road

One of the easiest Catskill high peaks to hike is also one of the most rewarding — with an enchanted spruce forest, great views of the Blackhead range, and three awesome summit lookouts.

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trees, snow, boulders, moss

Arizona Mountain from Stork’s Nest Road

A quiet, steep and difficult hiking trail that grows more rewarding with every step you climb. It includes one of the truly great views in the Catskills.

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Balsam Cap Canister

Hike Balsam Cap in the Clouds

A direct line from Moonhaw takes you up the shortest possible route to Balsam Cap but be warned: the way is steep. This is a tough Catskill hike.

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Echo Lake and Overlook Mountain from Plattekill Mountain

Hike from Platte Clove to Plattekill to Echo Lake

This hike is mostly very easy, with about 75% on well-marked trail. However, the bushwhack to the scenic lookout on the south side of Plattekill is extremely difficult, and presents some dangers.

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View from Plateau’s eastern side

Plateau from Mink Hollow

This is the shortest/fastest way to climb Plateau Mountain in The Catskills. Mink Hollow Trailhead & Parking The parking area at the north end of the Mink Hollow trail is marked on the NYNJTC maps in gray, which signifies “roadside parking”.

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