Winter
Winter mountain hikes are spectacular: snow-blasted forests, bleached valley views, and bright blue skies. The days are shorter, the nights are longer — and the temperature is lethal. Make sure you have the best winter hiking info…
Before heading out, please review Winter Hiking Essentials, Survive & Thrive in the Cold and Winter Gear Checklist.
This list of Best Winter Hiking Tips will help keep you safe in the harshest conditions.
![Platte Clove Road barrier locked open](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Platte-Clove-Road-Barrier-460x300.jpg)
Is Platte Clove Road Open or Closed?
In winter, Platte Clove Road is closed to traffic on its eastern end. Use this alternate route to the eastern Devil’s Path and Kaaterskill High Peak.
![four of the best hiking boot brands](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Best-Hiking-Boot-Brands-460x300.jpg)
Best Hiking Boots of 2024
Hot brand information and my recommendations for the best hiking boots right now.
![fire tower shot from below](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Hunter-Fire-Tower-for-Bramley-460x300.jpg)
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2024
Everything you need to complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
![Cornell Crack](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Wittenberg-Cornell-Catskills-1238-460x300.jpg)
Wittenberg & Cornell from Woodland Valley
An extremely rewarding hike that includes the infamous Cornell Crack and breathtaking views from both mountains.
![Hiker standing in snow on mountain ridge](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Gunks-Hiker-460x300.jpg)
How to Winter Hike: The Essential Roundup
If you’ve never hiked in winter, this is a great page to get started on your winter hike journey.
![slide mountain view](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Slide-Cornell-Witt-1904-460x300.jpg)
Slide Mountain (Best Route)
This loop features an easy ascent, great Catskills views, and a beautiful walk-out that passes through varied woods and terrain.
![Kaaterskill High Peak hiking trail](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kaaterskill-High-Peak-9808-460x300.jpg)
![Sean Dix Range](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Dix-Range-8033-460x300.jpg)
Why Turning Around is the Boldest Move
Press on or turn back? This split second decision can be life-altering.
![Yellow backpack with the 10 essentials inside](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Yellow-Backpack-460x300.png)
The 10 Essentials: What to Pack for Every Hike
The 10 Essentials is a list of items you should carry on every trip into the backcountry.
![Exterior of Saugerties Lighthouse and signposts](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Saugerties-Lighthouse-1055-460x300.jpg)
Saugerties Lighthouse Trail
The super sweet and very short Saugerties Lighthouse trail is a huge hit with all ages.
![Brook with chasm-like walls](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Secret-Waterfall-5822-460x300.jpg)
Secret Hike: Waterfall Superhighway
A stunning Catskills “canyon” dotted with multiple gorgeous waterfalls.
![scenic view mountain summits](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Six-8468-460x300.jpg)
Van Wyck to Table & Peekamoose
Two plane wrecks. Two bear holes. Two talus fields. One incredible view.
![hiker in Diamond Notch Hollow](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Diamond-Notch-1835-460x300.jpg)
Diamond Notch Falls via Diamond Notch Road
This excellent alternate route to Diamond Notch Falls is moderately challenging with a great scenic view.
![rangers respond to injured hiker in snowy conditions](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sugarloaf-rescue-460x300.jpg)
Rescue on Suicide Mountain in The Catskills
Underscoring the difficulty of hiking Sugarloaf Mountain’s western approach in winter, a hiker was debilitated by an ankle injury, kicking off a complex dozen-Ranger rescue mission.
![two hikers in snowy forest](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mill-Brook-Ridge-Winter-Hiking-Tips-460x300.jpg)
10 Ways to Be a Better Winter Hiker
Winter hiking can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it presents specific challenges. The following tips will help you become a safe and successful winter hiker.
![sunset rock in the taconics, covered in snow and seen at sunset](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sunset-Rock-4547-wide-460x300.jpg)
Sunset Rock Trail (Taconics)
A short rugged, riparian hike to Sunset Rock, a stunning Taconic scenic spot.