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A long out-and-back that mixes steep and easy trail sections.
Hiking Trail Description
The hike to Wittenberg and Cornell is long and tiring but intensely rewarding. This out-and-back route mixes steep trail and tricky scrambles with some of the remotest and most beautiful Catskill wilderness.
The first part of the hike is a mix of steep and gentle grades until you get to 2250’ when the trail levels out for a while.
Follow the red-blazed trail. It’s a long hike in to the first junction but, along the way, you’ll hike through beautiful forest and pass many dramatic rock outcroppings.
You’ll see why this is such a popular hike. Lots of hemlock and pine. Lots of dappled light. Some tricky, technical bits to work through. And then two of the best views in The Catskills.
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Wittenberg/Cornell Hiking Trail
The Wittenberg/Cornell hiking trail includes…
- Stream crossing
- Steep climbs
- Very old hemlock stands
- Stunning trail
- Tricky rock scrambles
- Stunning views
- Bragging rights
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 20 breathtaking photos.
Wittenberg/Cornell Hike Time
Allow 5-7 hours for this hike.
Wittenberg/Cornell Elevation Gain
The elevation gain for this hike is 2850 feet (apx 870 meters).
Wittenberg/Cornell Trail Notes & Gallery
The parking area at Woodland Valley is on the opposite side of the road from where this hike begins. Exit the lot, cross the road heading south and left toward the trailhead sign that says, “Wittenberg Mt 3.9”.
At the first junction, turn right. The second junction is only â…• mile after the first. Again, turn right.
The next mile or so is mostly a fairly steep ascent through dense forest to Wittenberg’s summit. But so beautiful…
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Similar Hikes
Want a challenging beautiful hike? Try the Eastern Devil’s Path or Burroughs Loop.
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The parent mountain for this hike is Wittenberg.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Park on the north side of the road. The trail to Wittenberg is on the south side of the road.
Google Maps Location: 42.036109, -74.358244
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
You’ll only have cell service while very high on these ridges. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
