catskills red barn and sugarloaf mountain seen in the snow

Sugarloaf in Winter (Safest Route)

A beautiful hike to one of the grandest of Catskills high peaks.

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identify bear tracks in snow

How to Identify Bear Tracks in Snow

It’s so exciting to identify bear tracks in snow. A clean bear print is an impressive thing, always a thrill to see.

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acre point view of burnt knob in The Catskills, a snowy mountain winter scene

Acra Point & Batavia Kill Loop with Burnt Knob Lookout

Acra Point & Burnt Knob is one of the most beautiful hikes in The Catskills. Gorgeous trails for miles, plus two amazing lookouts.

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Sean enjoying the benefits of winter hiking

12 Life-Changing Benefits of Winter Hiking

Are you willing to give up outdoor life for months on end? The hell you are. The benefits of winter hiking far outweigh the risks of staying inside for months on end.

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hiker extending two fingers on a winter mountain hike

27 Unbeatable Winter Hiking Tips

Hate the coldest season? With a little extra gear and prep, and these winter hiking tips, you can stay warm and dry and hike into the wilderness for an incredible adventure.

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Kaaterskill Falls 7316 hiking trail

How Cold is Too Cold to Hike?

Here are 6 things you need to think about: weather, comfort, safety, frostbite, hypothermia, and gear.

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snowy view from the summit of wittenberg

Essential Winter Hiking Gear Checklist

Grab this essential winter hiking gear checklist and stay safer on the hills this winter.

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the blacks

Where are the Catskill Mountains?

The Catskill Mountains are located in New York State, south of Albany and west of the Hudson River.

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Master Map of Trail Guides

This master geo-map lists my trail guides visually.

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frozen trees on the summit of Wittenberg / winter hiking essentials

Winter Hiking Essentials

Winter hiking essentials — crucial gear and intel to hike safely this winter.

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Hiking trail, Wittenberg, Catskills

When Does Hiking Season End?

Learn how to extend your hiking into the most spectacular season of all!

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kuhl hiking pants

KÜHL Transcendr Pants Review

KÜHL kindly sent me two pairs of winter hiking pants to review. They‘re so good.

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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.

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adult human fingertips beside bobcat print in snow

Identify Bobcat vs Coyote Prints in Snow

One of the most exciting things to discover on a winter hike is a set of bobcat or coyote tracks in the snow — but which is which?

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iced-up Bash Bish Falls and pool

Bash Bish Falls

An easy walk leads to a spectacular payoff: Bash Bish Falls — Massachusetts’ highest waterfall.

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two hikers in snowy forest

35 Best Quick Tips for a Safe Winter Hike

These 35 tips for winter hiking will help keep you safe in the harshest conditions

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