Hiking in the Catskill Mountains

Challenging Trails And Beautiful Landscape Cover This NY State Park

May 3, 2008

Only a few hours north of New York City, Hunter Mountain is known as a ski gem but the peak and its surrounding area also offers miles of hiking routes.

With a 3,000 foot vertical climb, the Hunter Mountain Trail in the Catskill Mountains can be walked in under 6 hours reaching a summit infamous for its winter ice storms and earlymorning fog. The snowy trails of the Catskill Mountains attract skiers from the Metropolitan Tri-State area, but the warm sunny weather can be just an enticing. It is an ideal weekend getaway location for those with busy schedules. Here are two hikes guaranteed to clear your mind and give your legs some exercise.

Hunter Mountain Trail

At 4,040 feet above sea level, Hunter stands as the second highest mountain in the Catskills and the 3.6 mile hike to its summit is strenuous. Departing from Lexington, just west from the town of Hunter, along the Spruceton Trail, the ascent of almost 2,000 feet is gradual but demanding. Be careful to follow the correct track as you navigate a number of junctions.

Atop the mountain you will find a clearing with a fire tower and observers' cabin. The surrounding forest conceals your elevation, but if heights are your thing, climb up the fire tower for a 360 degree view of the mountainous park. Also note there is an outhouse located to the side of the clearing if you aren’t keen on using the woods as a toilet.

Return to the path and continue on for a quarter of a mile to reach the true summit – signified by a clearing onto a rock ledge. Sitting level with the treetops, here you will truly feel like you reached the peak.

If you wish to create a loop, fork onto the Hunter Mountain Trail at the nearby junction to guide you down around the opposing side of the mountain, eventually ending at West Kill Falls. This 9.2 mile hike will leave you exhausted but craving more.

Inspiration Point & Boulder Rock Trail

Hunter Mountain is only one of the many hikes in the area. There are many walks departing from North/South Lake Public Campsite -- from the entrance at the Scutt Road Corral -- leading you to mountainous vistas, historic sites and tranquil waterfront but to get a taste of it all, choose the following 8-mile loop.

At the Escarpment trailhead you enter the woods to follow the old Catskill and Tannersville Railway, abandoned since 1915. The peaceful walk follows an easy bridleway shortly passing the old stone laundry building of the Catskill Mountain House – the only remaining structure from the hotel. About two miles into it, you arrive at the sandstone ledge known as Inspiration Point overseeing Kaaterskill Clove and creek. Standing on the steep rock overhang you can make out the Hunter Mountain ski slopes off to the west.

The path teeters on the edge among the trees until heading inland through more junctions. You will pass Split Rock, a massive crevice creating a small cavern, right before arriving at another rock ledge decorated with the enormous glacial erratic, Boulder Rock. The panoramic view of the Hudson and surrounding farmland is captivating.

Descend through the forest and you will be greeted with the large green expanse of Pine Orchard, the site of the old Catskill Mountain House. The hotel dominated upper-class tourism in the 19th century, but lost its charm when cheaper more convenient places were built in the area. It was eventually demolished by the state after years of neglect.

The remainder of the walk leads you through North/South Lake campground along the serenity of the waterfront before finally returning to the entrance. This walk is packed with sites, terrain and nature and the perfect length to fit into your afternoon.

The copyright of the article Hiking in the Catskill Mountains in Hiking & Trails is owned by Elizabeth Hatt. Permission to republish Hiking in the Catskill Mountains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.