Sunrise
WARNING: sunrise hikes are super-addictive. Yes, it sucks to get up at 3am but, I swear, if you do one you’ll want to do 100 more.
Benefits of Sunrise Hikes
It’s unbelievably special to watch the sun come up from a mountain summit. And sunrise hikes have three big benefits which directly benefit both you and the Catskills:
- They help you avoid people — perfect for pandemics!
- They help you avoid the worst heat of the day — great for summer hikes;
- They help relieve congestion at popular destinations — a major problem for hotspots like Overlook and Giant Ledge.
Planning Your Sunrise Hike
Sunrise hikes do require additional planning and gear. At the very least, you‘ll need a headlamp — with extra batteries, just in case. And make sure to leave your hike plan and emergency numbers with somebody reliable.
You can read more planning and prep tips in my How to Shoot Sunrises post.
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.
Red Hill Fire Tower Classic Hiking Trail
This short, easy hike up beautifully-maintained trail in bucolic New York leads to dramatic views of the Southern and Western Catskills.
How to Photograph Sunrise & Sunset (40+ Tips)
Dawn and dusk: there’s no better time of day to shoot landscapes than when the sun is low on the horizon. Here’s everything you need to know to plan, prepare, and pull off the perfect sunrise photo shoot.
Overlook Mountain Trail
You can hike up Overlook Mountain’s easy trail in about an hour. The fire tower at the end of this short trail is positioned to give one of the most dramatic views in the Catskills.
Mount Tremper Fire Tower Hiking Trail
This short, moderate hike to one of the most popular fire towers in the Catskills ends with an incredible 360° view of dozens of classic Catskill mountains.
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.