Â鶹APP

By Daniel Case -Wikimedia

5 Best Catskill Mountains Hikes

The Catskill Mountains is a favourite of many hikers that take on its trails lined with natural beauty. These trails are full of adventure and miles of scenic landmarks.

There are several options to choose from such as summiting the mountain, discovering hidden waterfalls, hiking through the woods and spotting wildlife. The terrains on this mountain are diverse and suitable for all types of hikers on its north-eastern end.

Whatever trail you choose, you are certainly going to have a great time on this mountain and make it one of your favourite hiking trails.

The landscape in this area is beautiful and there are several recreation activities that one can take part in.

For your next mountain excursion while in New York, I have put together a list of the 5-best hike on Catskill mountain. These trails are family-friendly and suitable for all.

1. Overlook Mountain

By Niranjan Arminius – Wikimedia

This first hiking trail leads to the top of a fire tower that overlooks the Mountain. It is considered to be moderate at the start and difficult towards the top where the tower is.

To take up this hike, ensure you have the right gear and prepare well enough for the tough spots. Once at the top, you will get a magnificent panoramic view of the Hudson River valley.

You will also get a view of Berkshire, Taconics and Litchfield hills. While on the hike, ensure that you look out for the rattlesnakes. Pets are allowed but should be on a leash.

This popular hiking trail offers a five-mile out and back with 360-degree views at the summit. This 3,000-foot peak was once acknowledged by Native Americans as a home to great spirits. It was also referred to as the home to the Tibetan Monastery and the infamous Magic Meadow of Woodstock Rainbow Tribe.

Practical information: Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 5 miles

2. North Point

Next to the hiking trail is North Point at the North-South Lake camping ground. This section has hiking trails for all types of hikers. There are long and difficult trails and short and easy trails too.

As you walk along the trails, you will be awed by the beautiful vistas of the Catskill Mountain House site. You will experience this when on the shorter and easier trails.

If you choose the moderate hikes, you will go to much higher grounds like the Boulder Rock and Sunset Park. Both this and the short trail are great for families that are after a refreshing hike with a rewarding finish.

The North Point hiking trail is based in a campground, so you can choose to spend some time there as well.

Although this particular trail is short, it is 3.5 miles, it’s made up of some steep and rough terrains. The trails are well shaded and marked, it is, therefore, easy to know which direction to take.

From North Point, you will get to enjoy a break as you go down onto North-South Lake and the Hudson Valley.

This trail is mostly used for hiking and nature trips, it is best used between April and October. Pets are also allowed but must be kept on leash.

Practical information: Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 3.5 miles

3. Catskills Scenic Trail

By Rock Wikimedia

The Catskill Scenic trail offers varied options like hiking, biking, skiing, or horseback riding.

This trail was initially the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, it got turned into a Scenic Trail travels from Roxbury to Bloomville. The trails are of a level surface excellent for year-round recreation.

You could choose to explore part of the beautiful trail or sightsee the entire trail. The trail is perfect for all ages and hikers that love breathtaking views of the mountain range, beautiful forests and abundant farms.

There are designated parking areas that are close to the trailheads that marked using shapes and colours.

The trail is approximately 19 miles starting from Grand Gorge, New York to Bloomville, New York. Its western portion runs along the West Branch of the Delaware River.

The eastern side of the trail had been extended by at least 7 miles from Roxbury, New York to the south of Grand Gorge.

Practical information: Difficulty: Easy, Distance: 26 miles

4. Mount Tremper

This trail is accessible all year-round and rises to 2,700 feet on a 6-mile out-and-back that tops the finish line with panoramic views of the range beyond. It is one of the lowest peaks on Catskill Mountain.

This trail is found on the area that served a role in the 19th-century industrial ventures. Many of the structures built in that period are still there.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are several rattlesnakes on this trail, you, therefore, need to be on the lookout for them. It will be best if you bring with you a first aid kit.

Being one of the lowest peaks, it is still considered to be a difficult trail and most of the hikers that come here are experienced ones. The trail leading to the forested mountain is home to black bears, you need to be cautious of them.

The Fire Observation Station at Mount Tremper has been restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The old road leads to it from Phoenicia. You can also access it through a section of the Long Path long-distance trail, for panoramic views from the tower.

Practical information: Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 6 miles

5. Balsam Lake Fire Tower

By Daniel Case – Wikimedia

The Balsam Lake Mountain is the 17th highest peak within the Catskills Mountain Range. At its summit is a fire tower that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

This tower is open to hikers during the summer only because the trail gets difficult during the fall and winter seasons.

During winter, tourists go to the slopes of this mountain for Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While it may be difficult for some to scale up the summit to the fire tower, you could opt for the Balsam Lake fire tower.

Not far from there is the Dry Brook Ridge Trail that is 6 miles long. This trail is slightly longer and is elevated to at least 1,100 feet. Once you reach the summit, you will be awed by the beautiful views from the fire tower.

The views here have been described to be the best. Most hikers here take part in the Adirondack and Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, while some just come for the view from the tower itself.

Practical information: Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 6 miles