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.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

hiker in summer forest

Mombaccus & Ashokan High Point

This steep, difficult double-peak hike is so rewarding on so many levels.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

snow-covered summit with rock cairn and signposts

Race Brook Falls & Mount Everett

This rugged route passes along the bottom of Race Brook Falls, then climbs through beautiful forest to a scenic lookout beyond the summit of Mount Everett.

Readʉۼ

small waterfall, long exposure

Secret Hike: Winter Views, Giant Quarry, Waterfalls, Ruins

I had no idea what I’d find on this unsung trail. I was blown away.

Readʉۼ

scenic Mountain View

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.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

sunset view

Pakatakan Lookout & Shelter

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

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ

icicles hanging from rock wall

Thru-Hike North Dome & Mount Sherrill

This intense bushwhack route over two of the most difficult Catskills peaks is challenging and rewarding.

Readʉۼ

green ski lift building in snow

Belleayre via Lost Clove

This challenging out and back begins with one of the steepest trails in the Catskills, passes over two sub-peaks and visits two lean-tos on the way to a ski resort with a scenic view.

Readʉۼ

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.

Readʉۼ