| Park |
Description |
Directions |
Distance |
|
Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest
|
| Alder Lake Loop Trail |
an easy hike around the lake. |
1.5 miles red markers |
| Mill Brook Ridge Trail |
Accessed either from the Alder Lake Loop on the west or the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail on the east, this trail is a challenging route through the heart of the wild forest, providing access to the Beaver Meadow Lean-to (2.25 miles from the Alder Lake Trailhead). |
5.9 miles, yellow markers, 1520-feet elevation gain |
| Balsam Lake Mountain |
The most direct route is from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead on Beaverkill Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail north 0.9 miles to its junction with the red-marked Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn left and follow it northwest .85 miles, passing a lean-to before reaching the summit. |
3.5 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 1,200 feet. |
| The most popular route begins at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead on Mill Brook Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail south 2.25 miles to its junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn right and follow this red-marked trail southwest 0.75 miles to the summit. |
6.0 miles roundtrip.
Elevation 1120 feet.
|
| The most ambitious route begins at the Alder Lake Trailhead and follows the Alder Lake Loop and Mill Brook Ridge Trails eastward to the summit. |
13.4 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1520 feet.
|
|
Big Indian Wilderness
|
| McKenley Hollow Trail |
This trail, which provides access from the east to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail, is at first deceptively easy but becomes a progressively strenuous climb. |
1.9 miles, red markers |
| Rider Hollow-Mine Hollow Loop |
Beginning at the Rider Hollow Trailhead, follow red trail markers .4 mile to the Mine Hollow junction. Turn NE on yellow markers for a 1-mile ascent to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail. Turn south. Follow blue markers 2 miles up and over the summit of Balsam Mountain which provides a window view of the Hamlet of Big Indian. Proceed to the junction of the McKenley Hollow-Rider Hollow Trail. Turn NE on red markers, 1.4 miles back to the Parking Area. |
4.8 miles |
| Pine Hill-West Branch Trail |
This trail offers a moderate ridge hike spanning five peaks that is long and somewhat strenuous. The easiest approach is from the south. Spur trails provide access to lean-tos and water, allowing for excellent backpacking opportunities. |
14.1 miles, blue markers |
| Mongaup-Hardenburg Trail |
With less dramatic ascents, the views from this trail are obstructed until after leaf drop. However, this moderate, mid-elevation hike usually provides a greater chance to observe a variety of bird and animal life. This trail is best used in conjunction with the neighboring trail network to the south in order to loop back to the point of origin for either a one- or two-day venture. |
6.4 miles, blue markers |
|
Hunter Mountain Wild Forest
|
Diamond Notch Trail
|
This trail was developed during the 1937 season primarily as a ski trail from the Stony Clove Road (Route 214) near Lanesville to the Spruceton Road near its junction with the old Spruceton-Hunter Road. A gentle hike with an ascent of 1,300′ from the south of the notch, and a 700′ ascent from the north to the notch. Hikers will find the Diamond Notch Lean-to just to the north of the notch, and can visit Buttermilk Falls at the Devil’s Path Junction. This beautiful waterfall drops about 25 feet in an amphitheater-like setting, with a small meadow nearby. Just to the east of the Falls, the Devil’s Path enters the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest.The northern portion of the Diamond Notch trail, leading from the parking lot along the Spruceton Road to the Falls, is a popular 2 mile round trip family hike and is identified as such in the “Catskill Adventure – Day Hikes and Paddles for Families” brochure. |
Blue Trail Markers 3 miles |
| Becker Hollow Trail |
This trail begins at the trailhead along State Route 214, just north of Devil’s Tombstone Campground. This short trail is the most difficult hike in the Catskills – climbing nearly 2,000 feet. However, the reward is a short route to the summit of Hunter Mountain with it’s spectacular views. |
Blue Trail Markers 2 miles |
| Spruceton and Colonel’s Chair Trails |
This trail is to the fire tower access road. Along it you can visit the John Robb leanto and take in good views of the Westkill Mountain Wilderness and Spruceton Valley. A short one mile trail leads off to the north, just above the leanto, to the upper ski lift area on Hunter Mountain. This yellow marked trail, known as Colonel’s Chair, will also lead you to the resort’s snack bar, which is seasonally open! |
Blue Trail Markers3.6 mile |
Devil’s Path
|
This trail because of the rugged country which it traverses, is known as the “Devil’s Path.” The easterly section over the ridge of Indian Head, Twin, and Sugarloaf mountains was first opened in 1930. The westerly continuation over Plateau and Hunter Mountains was opened in 1935. The trail follows the height of land on the range for almost its entire length and beautiful vistas of the Catskill region are enjoyed from numerous points along the way. of this very popular trail traverses the unit. This hike is considered strenuous, rising approximately 1500 feet within two miles. Views along the trail are spectacular, and include the Spruceton Valley, Plateau Mountain, and south to Ulster County. A seasonal spring and the Devils Acre leanto are located near the summit of Hunter Mountain at the trail junction of the Devil’s Path and the yellow-marked Hunter Mountain Trail. |
Red Trail Markers 4.2 miles |
|
Slide Mountain Wilderness
|
Woodland Valley-Denning Trail
moderate |
For all but the northernmost mile, the Woodland Valley – Denning Trail follows an old carriage road, making this an easy to moderate hike with steady, moderate ascents. Other than its historical significance as the sole thoroughfare from Phoenicia to Claryville in the days of horse and carriage, its greatest attribute is that it offers the public access to other trails. |
9.8 miles, yellow markers, 2,300 feet elevation gain. |
| The Burroughs Range Trailstrenuous |
Accessed either from the Woodland Valley Campground on the east or the Woodland Valley-Denning Trail on the west, this trail provides a challenging route through the heart of the Slide Mountain Wilderness, ascending Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide Mountain. The eastern approach is notably more difficult, often requiring the use of one’s hands to negotiate several rock ledges. At higher elevations, thick stands of balsam fir channel the hiker upwards, adding an element of surprise to the beautiful panorama that unfolds on the various summits. |
9.75 miles, red markers, 3,620 feet elevation gain. |
| Slide Mountainmoderate |
The shortest, most direct route up Slide Mountain is from the Slide Mountain Trailhead parking area. Follow the yellow marked Woodland Valley-Denning Trail southwest .70 miles to its juncture with the red-marked Burroughs Range Trail. Turn left, heading east 2.0 miles to the summit rock and Burroughs’s Plaque. |
5.4 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 1,780 ft. |
Curtis-Ormsbee Trail
|
Often referred to as the scenic route up Slide Mountain, the Curtis-Ormsbee trail provides the hiker with three panoramic vistas to the south and west and a moderate “terraced” ridge hike through stunted northern hardwoods. It is named in memory of William Curtis and Allen Ormsbee who originally blazed this route and later lost their lives during a mountaineering expedition in the White Mountains in 1900. |
1.6 miles, blue markers, 900 feet elevation gain. |
Giant Ledge-Panther Mountain-Fox Hollow Trail
strenuous |
This trail follows along a north-south ridge that offers spectacular views to the north (the Devil’s Path) and to the east (Woodland Valley) from both Giant Ledge and the summit of Panther. The ascent from either direction is interspersed with level stretches suggesting a “terracing” effect through mixed hardwoods at lower elevations and ultimately through the scent-laden balsam fir. Popular in part but noticeably less traveled north of Panther Mountain, this section of trail provides the hiker with a sense of solitude. |
7.45 miles, blue markers,2,620 feet elevation gain from Fox Hollow |
Giant Ledge
|
The shortest and easiest route up Giant Ledge is from the Giant Ledge Trailhead. Begin by crossing the road and following the yellow marked Woodland Valley-Denning Trail east .75 miles until its juncture with the blue marked Giant Ledge-Panther Trail. Turn left, heading north .85 miles to the summit and excellent views to both the east and west. |
3.2 miles round trip, elevation gain: 1,100 feet. |
| Terrace Mountain Traileasy |
Accessed from the Burroughs Range Trail, the Terrace Mountain Trail is a short and easy hike with a very gradual descent, ending at the Terrace Mountain Lean-to. Bare rock outcroppings and low blueberry bushes best characterize the open “meadows” interspersed along the trail. NOTE: there is no water source at the Terrace Mountain Lean-to. |
0.9 miles, yellow markers, 300 feet descent. |
Peekamoose-Table Mountain Trail
strenuous |
This is a less traveled area that presents a sense of remoteness, complemented by beautiful views at timely intervals. A distinct sense of history is evidenced by the red pine plantation, pioneer species indicating former pasture and stone walls on the southern end, contrasting sharply with the old growth forest in the interior. |
7.15 miles, blue markers,2,820 feet elevation gain from Peekamoose Road. |
|
Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area
|
The Devil’s Pathmoderate
|
Very popular Devil’s Path traverse the northeast portion of the area, rising to the summit of Westkill Mountain. This scenic trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the Central Catskills from the Buck Ridge Lookouts – located just east of the Westkill Summit. The Devil’s Path is tagged with red trail markers. |
7 miles1,600′ from Buttermilk Falls, and 2,000′ from the Devil’s Path Trailhead along Spruceton Road |
The Diamond Notch Trail
|
Hikers will find the Diamond Notch Lean-to just to the north of the notch, and can visit Buttermilk Falls at the Devil’s Path Junction. This beautiful waterfall drops about 25 feet in an amphitheater-like setting, with a small meadow nearby. Just to the east of the Falls, the Devil’s Path enters the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest.The northern portion of the Diamond Notch trail, leading from the parking lot along the Spruceton Road to the Falls, is a popular 2 mile round trip family hike and is identified as such in the “Catskill Adventure – Day Hikes and Paddles for Families” brochure. The Diamond Notch Trail is tagged with blue markers. |
3 miles 1,300′ from the south of the notch, and a 700′ ascent from the north to the notch |
|
Willowemoc Wild Forest
|
| Frick Pond Loop |
From Frick Pond Trailhead, follow red DEC markers northwest one-half mile to Frick Pond. A loop around the pond can be made by following the yellow DEC markers (one mile around the pond). |
2.1 miles round trip |
| Hodge Pond Loop |
From Frick Pond Trailhead, follow the blue DEC markers of Flynn Trail north to Beech Mountain Nature Preserve, a private inholding with a NYS easement for a public footpath. The trail passes by the south shore of Hodge Pond, about 2.4 miles from the parking area, before returning to State Forest Preserve. Continuing westward, the Flynn Trail ends at Junkyard Junction. From here, one can return to the trailhead parking lot via the red DEC markers of Quick Lake Trail, passing by Frick Pond. Total distance, 6.3 miles. |
3.2 miles |
| Quick Lake Trail |
Follow red DEC markers from Frick Pond Trailhead past Frick Pond, then up and over a long ridge before descending to Quick Lake. |
Distance from trailhead parking lot to Frick Pond, 0.5 miles; Junkyard Junction, 3.1 miles; Quick Lake, 7.2 miles. |
| Long Pond Trail |
follows orange DEC snowmobile markers from the trailhead on Flugertown Road northeastward one mile to Long Pond. |
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