Sunset
Planning Your Sunset Hike
Sunset hikes are so rewarding but they do require additional planning and gear. After a long day, you’ll be hiking down in the dark.
At the very least, you‘ll need a headlamp — with extra batteries, just in case. Your phone’s tiny light definitely will not cut it. And a handheld flashlight is a terrible idea because you’ll want both hands free at all times. Get a headlamp.
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.
Indian Head Catskills Hike
Indian Head is my absolute favorite single-mountain hike in the Catskills.
Sunset Rock Trail (Taconics)
A short rugged, riparian hike to Sunset Rock, a stunning Taconic scenic spot.
Inspiration Point (Catskills)
Inspiration Point in Kaaterskill Clove is one of the top scenic destinations in The Catskills.
Anthony’s Nose from Camp Smith II
This route to the wonderful scenic lookout on Anthony’s Nose is gentler than the classic route from the north.
Red Hill Fire Tower from Denning
This new route to Red Hill Fire Tower is a little longer and tougher than the classic route, but so much sweeter.
The Sketchiest Hike in the Catskills
This is the sketchiest hike I’ve done in The Catskills — and the most fun
Best Camera Settings for Photographing Sunsets & Sunrises (40+ Tips)
Plan, prepare and shoot the perfect sunrise or sunset photo. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Pakatakan Lookout & Shelter
A short steep hike past dramatic rock formations leads to a sweet view over the Pepacton Reservoir.
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from Willow
A much quieter and more interesting route to Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
Storm King Mountain
Storm King Mountain from Cornwall-on-Hudson has better parking and quieter trails — and you still get all the same incredible views.
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.
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.
Huckleberry Point
Huckleberry Point is one of the most beloved Catskills destinations. The trail is short, relatively easy, and leads to one of the most dramatic vistas in the Catskill Mountains.
Ashokan High Point (with Plane Wreck)
This loop hike features easy riparian trail, then a steep climb to views of Mohonk and the Shawangunk Ridge, as well as stunning blueberry meadows and a plane wreck just feet from the trail’s edge.
Little Ashokan
The bushwhack to Little Ashokan is one of the steeper and sketchier routes I’ve hiked in the Catskills: craggy ledges, loose dirt and rocks, lots of blowdown. But the summit is magical, and the view it affords it is startlingly beautiful.
