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.
Catskills Trail Conditions
A round-up of current Catskills Trail Conditions. Reported by hikers fresh off the trails.
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.
Shop @TotalCatskills Prints
Many of my best photos are now for sale, framed, via an exclusive deal with KeepsakeFrames that entitles you to 15% off 5 frames!
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.
Winter Hiking Gear: Microspikes
Microspikes have, effectively, opened up the world of winter hiking
Hiking Safe 101
Yes, your planned hike is popular and even kids do it regularly — it still might kill you
Ashokan Rail Trail
Take a leisurely nature stroll (or cycle) along the scenic Ashokan Rail Trail, a premier Catskills destination.
10 Best Post-Hike Hacks
One of my favorite post-hike hacks is to have a clean pair of socks and shoes waiting for me back at the car. It’s so amazing. Here are ten fantastic ways to treat yourself after a big day.
Death at Kaaterskill Falls
A young man from Yonkers went missing. After several days, his body was recovered from the base of the falls.
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
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 Fire Tower (Best 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.
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.
