The Catskill 9

One of the top Catskill hiking challenges. Only beasts need apply.

Hike Length: 20.0 miles (32.19 km)

Total Ascent: 5,900ft (1,798m)

Intensity: Hardest Catskills Hike

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Includes: Blazed Trail, Herd Path, Easy Bushwhack, True Bushwhack, Rock Scrambles, Stream Crossing

Parent Slide

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The Catskill 9

Wittenberg & Cornell, seen from Slide Mtn

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 A very rough and tumble loop

Hiking Trail Description

The Catskill 9 is an intense and rewarding ultra hike that links together some of the most rugged, remote, and wild terrain in the Catskills.

This long loop hike tags some of the most beautiful peaks in the Catskills, as well as some of the most elusive. There is no set order, or official route, but a sensible approach is this counter-clockwise order: Table, Peekamoose, Lone, Rocky, Balsam Cap, Friday, Dink, Cornell, and Wittenberg, with Slide Mountain at the very end.

This is a demanding route with a serious mix of trail, herd path, and full-on bushwhack.

This guide describes a full loop beginning and ending at the Slide Mountain trailhead on Route 47, a route that takes in a total of 10 named summits and covers steep ascents, rough descents, thick woods, epic ledges, and some of the most beautiful terrain and views in the Catskills.

While the route includes official trails at the beginning and end, the central peaks require skilled off-trail navigation, especially between Lone and Friday.

This hike is best suited to experienced hikers with strong navigation skills and a willingness to bushwhack through dense forest and unpredictable terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most difficult hike in the Catskills?

It’s a toss-up between any variation of the Catskill 9 and the Devil’s Path.

How long is The Catskill 9?

Estimates range from 19-21 miles, depending on the exact route and measurement system. Typical GPS systems regularly clock this at 20 miles, but there is a lot of variability depending on the exact route taken during the central bushwhack section.

BTW, you might also enjoy…

Hiking The Catskill 9

Hiking The Catskill 9 includes…

  • Everything The Catskills can throw at you
  • Some of our most beautiful trails and views
  • The two remotest Catskills High Peaks
  • Challenging rock scrambles
  • Boardwalks and campsites between Slide and Cornell
  • A handful of generally reliable springs — but none in the central part of the route

A full breakdown is provided below in the hike notes with 7 photos.

The Catskill 9 Hike Time

Allow a minimum of 11-12 hours for this hike.

The Catskill 9 Elevation Gain

The elevation gain for this hike is apx 5,900 feet (apx 1,800 meters).

The Catskill 9 Trail Notes & Gallery

Begin at the Slide Mountain trailhead in Oliverea on Route 47.

I’ve broken this route into 5 main sections…

hiker in table mountain rock formation
Hiker in giant Devonian cube farm, on the way to Table on The Catskill 9

Table & Peekamoose

The route to Table is long but steady and easy to follow. Continue on to Peekamoose, then return immediately to Table, but not to the summit. At the east side of the ridge, look for an unmarked herd path leading on your right. It’s flat at first but quickly dips into the col between Table and Lone. Follow the herd path to Lone.

Lone & Rocky

Climb the small cliff on the west side of Lone, then make your way to the summit.

rock ledge on Table Mountain
Impressive outcrop on Lone Mountain on The Catskill 9

An okay lookout is off to the right. Return to the canister and begin to make your way to Rocky.

Navigationally, this is the toughest part of the hike because there is a good potential for wrestling dense pine trees the whole way. Follow the herd path as best you can. Keep to the north side of the col as much as possible. You will lose some elevation but, trust me, it’s for the best.

Make your way to Rocky’s canister. Close by, again to the right, you can visit the top of a sheer cliff with a great view of the back of Balsam Cap and Ashokan High Point.

Make your way east to Balsam Cap. No guarantees, but you’ll probably pass through this fern grove.

Fern
Fern glade

I love the back side of Balsam Cap with its dramatic ledges. Make your way to another canister.

Balsam Cap, Friday, and Dink

Balsam Cap and Friday both have small clearings at the summit. How you get to Friday from Balsam Cap is up to you. The more adventurous can stay off the main herd path for a more direct route, but first-timers should stick to the well-worn route which will lead you to the pregnant tree. From there, head up the ramp, then turn right to make your way to the summit.

mountain view
Balsam Cap seen from Friday Mtn

Dink, an unofficial peak, is next. Navigation here, too, can be tricky. Stick as close to the edge of the steep col as you can and you’ll eventually pop out onto the trail the leads up to Cornell’s summit.

From that point on, the remainder of the route is trailed.

Cornell & Wittenberg

Hike to the summit of Cornell, up a short spur trail on your right.

On your way up, just above a lemon squeeze rock formation you may have to remove your pack to climb, look for a large boulder on your left. Climb on top for one an excellent view of Slide Mountain, and Giant Ledge/Panther.

Wittenberg Cornell Woodland Valley Catskills
Giant Ledge and Pather Mountain

Make your way over to Wittenberg’s fantastic ledge view. You will have to descend Cornell Crack. At Wittenberg, rest your legs and fuel-up for the final leg of the route.

Catskills Fall Foliage 2024
Wittenberg 10/20/24

If you’ve packed painkillers, this is a good spot to pop those bad boys in your gullet, ahead of the final miles which are quite rugged. Your feet and knees will thank you.

Head back to Cornell Crack and over Cornell. Continue on the trail all the way to Slide Mountain.

Slide Mountain

The back side of Slide is quite steep and rugged, but has some excellent views near the wooden ladders and spring to lift your spirits.

Hike Slide Mountain in the Catskills
View of Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain from Slide

Finish on the tallest peak in the Catskills.

From here, it’s a straightforward but very-long-feeling 2.7 mile descent to your car.

Similar Hikes

This loop can, of course, also be done in reverse. You might also enjoy the Eastern Devil’s Path (13-ish miles) or the full Devil’s Path (24-ish miles).

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The Catskill 9 Trailhead

Large parking area but this is one of the top destinations in The Catskills so, in prime hiking season, you’ll want to arrive very early.

Google Maps Location: 42.008343, -74.428138

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

I have coverage at the summit of every peak, but there remain long stretches without any signal. Please plan well for this route. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

Your comments are welcome here…

The parent mountain for this hike is Slide.