Winter
Hike reports listed below are from hikes undertaken in winter.
Hiking & Camping Gear List
There’s so much to read and learn about hiking gear. Here’s a basic list of the things you’ll use most often on your day hikes and campouts.
Balanced Rocks & Pitchoff Mountain Hiking Trail
This short but difficult hike to Balanced Rocks and Pitchoff’s summit can be done in 4-5 hours. Exceptional views at many points along this beautiful trail.
Hunter Mountain, Quick Route
This moderate and very scenic hike can be completed in 4-5 hrs. This is the easiest route to climb Hunter Mountain.
Snowshoe Basics
The number of snowshoe options is overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for, and where to get your first pair.
Trail Terms: Winter Lingo
Once the cold weather sets in, you’ll start to see and hear these winter trail terms online in forums and social posts. Here’s what they all mean.
How Cold is Too Cold to Hike?
January 2021 had some spectacularly cold weather in the Catskills, with wind chills dipping close to -40°F / -40°C at summits. But how cold is too cold? Here are 6 things you need to think about: weather, comfort, safety, frostbite, hypothermia, and gear.
Winter Day-Hike Essentials Checklist
Download this helpful PDF with explanatory notes and a handy winter day-hike essentials checklist.
Fir & Big Indian
This long hike mixes beautiful Catskills trails and fun water crossings with a long bushwhack section over two substantial mountain peaks.
Twin Mountain via Jimmy Dolan Notch
This quick ascent to a gorgeous two-peaked Catskill ridge includes a fun, tricky rock scramble — and one of the truly great views in the Catskill Park.
Eagle Mountain from Seager
Not many people hike this way to Eagle but it’s the most beautiful route. The Seager Big Indian trail which passes along Dry Brook is uniquely challenging and magical.
Kaaterskill Falls via Kaaterskill Rail Trail – Upper Route
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, and is the perfect trail in winter for some easy snow-shoeing or cross country skiing.
Platte Clove Road Access in Winter
In winter, Platte Clove Road is closed at its eastern side. Here’s the alternate route to the Eastern Devil’s Path mountains and Kaaterskill High Peak.
Microspikes & Trail Crampons – Winter Traction
This short post discusses the basic differences between cleats, microspikes, trail crampons, crampons, and snowshoes — and describes the safety benefits of each.
How Windy is Too Windy To Hike?
I moved my hike from a windy Friday to a less windy (but much colder) Saturday. 80% of my online followers agreed with me. Here’s why.
PSA: How to Buy a Hiking Headlamp
For hikers and campers, headlamps are essential pieces of gear. Whether you’re hiking out at dusk after a long day, or hiking in, in the pitch dark for a glorious summit sunrise, a headlamp will keep you on track and safe.
Catskill 3500 Trail Conditions Google Spreadsheet
For current trail conditions, this shared Google spreadsheet is a great resource to check before (and after) your next Catskill 3500 hike.
