Hiking the Catskills

You can find all kinds of adventures on the trails, mountains, lakes, and rivers of the Catskills!

Catskills hiking puts together breathtaking scenery, challenging trails, and a deep connection to nature. Whether you're summiting Slide Mountain, exploring the panoramic views from Huckleberry Point, or taking on the rugged terrain of the Devil’s Path, hiking in the Catskills offers something for everyone. With more than 300 miles of trails, the Catskills are a true hiker’s paradise.

Each season brings a unique experience—fall blankets the mountains in vibrant foliage, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, and spring welcomes flowing waterfalls and fresh greenery. In summer, the long daylight hours provide ample time to explore and even take a refreshing dip in a classic Catskills swimming hole.

Maps for Hiking the Catskills

With an extensive trail network across the Catskills, it’s key that you’re prepared for finding trailheads and navigating once you’re on the trial. We’re firm believers in paper maps, while we also embrace navigation apps such as AllTrails and FarOut. Anyone hiking in the Catskills, pick up the NYNJ Trail Conference’s Catskill Trails map set or the Trails Illustrated Catskill Park map.

The Catskill 3500 peaks without formal hiking trails have a canister at their summit - so you know you’ve reached the top and so you can document your climb.

Catskill 3500 Peaks

To complete the Catskill 3500 Challenge hikers must summit all but two of the peaks in the Catskills that reach an elevation of at least 3,500 feet (those two excluded peaks are not accessible to the public and cannot be climbed).

Climbing the Catskill 3500 peaks varies widely in difficulty, from moderate to strenuous, and each mountain offers its own unique terrain and scenery.

Some of the Catskill 3500 peaks require bushwhacking off trail, while others have well-established trails leading to the summit.

The challenge not only tests hikers' physical endurance but also their navigational skills and determination. Anyone who completes this series of hikes is well on their way to being skilled enough for many more adventures.

The Peaks of the Catskill 3500 Challenge are:
(Links to our Written Guides and YouTube videos - We’re always adding more here and on YouTube)

 
 

When we go hiking, our hiking socks of choice are Darn Tough Socks. Made in Vermont, these are the only socks you’ll need for almost endless hiking adventures! On Moe’s thru hike of the Appalachian Trail - a single pair lasted for all 2,100 miles of hiking!

The view from the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower never disappoints!

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge

The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is an outdoor adventure and hiking initiative that encourages people to explore the Catskill Park in New York while visiting and climbing the fire towers located within the Catskill Park.

The goal of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is to hike to and climb the fire towers on five specific Catskill Mountains, and the fire tower at the Catskills Visitor Center, each offering unique views and experiences.

Completing this challenge provides a sense of accomplishment and allows participants to appreciate the natural beauty and history of the Catskills.

The challenge includes the following six fire towers in the Catskill Park:

Once, we were crazy enough to do all five of the towers on Catskill peaks in a single day! It involved a lot of hiking and a lot of driving, but it was a very cool way to be the first and second folks to finish the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge.

The Devil’s Path is an unrelenting 24 mile hike over 6 mountains with more than 9,000 vertical feet of climbing!

Catskills Long Distance Hikes

The Catskills are home to a number of longer trails that offer quite a challenge for backpackers (and some day hikers).

Devil’s Path - The Catskills most famous hiking trail is the Devil’s Path - called by some the most difficult trail in the eastern United States. This roughly 24 mile trail climbs over 6 mountains and more than 9,000 vertical feet along the way.

Escarpment Trail - The Escarpment Trail in the Catskills is a rugged, 23-mile route offering dramatic views, steep climbs, and historic sites. Stretching from Windham High Peak to North-South Lake, it follows the Catskill Escarpment, with sweeping vistas of the Hudson Valley, deep forests, and rocky terrain, making it a challenging yet rewarding hike.

Huckleberry Loop - Located in the western Catskills, the Huckleberry Loop Trail is a 13 mile hike that can easily be done as a day hike, but also makes a good overnight hike for those looking for a rare multi-day loop hike in the Catskills. The trail passes through forests, former farm fields, extensive fern glades, and passes several great views along its length.

Long Path - The Long Path is a 357-mile long distance hiking trail running from New York City to the outskirts of Albany. Approximately 100-miles of the Long Path runs through the Catskills - from Wawarsing in the south to Windham in the north. In the Catskills, the Long Path utilizes existing Catskills trails.

 
 

The Indian Head Mountain Loop is a strenuous 7 mile hike with a lot of different terrain along the way, including some really rugged climbs up and through rock ledges. There are also a number of amazing views along the way that won't disappoint any hiker.

Catskills Loop Hikes

The trail network of the Catskills doesn’t lend itself to a lot of loop hikes, but the ones that are there are not to be missed. Those include the loop over Hunter Mountain, the Huckleberry Loop, the Blackhead Mountain Loop, the Indian Head Mountain Loop, and the Balsam Mountain Loop - just to name a few.

Plattekill Falls is one of the many waterfalls you can find and explore in the Catskills.

Catskills Waterfalls

Catskills waterfall hikes range from short, family-friendly strolls to rugged backcountry adventures, with each trail leading to a stunning cascade. The most famous is Kaaterskill Falls, a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall dropping 260 feet, making it one of the tallest in the state. A well-maintained trail provides access to both the base and the upper viewing platform, offering incredible photo opportunities.

For a quieter experience, Plattekill Falls in the Platte Clove Preserve is a hidden gem, featuring a dramatic plunge into a rocky gorge. Diamond Notch Falls, located along the Devil’s Path, offers a serene setting with a picturesque waterfall nestled in a forested valley. Meanwhile, Bastion Falls serves as a roadside preview to Kaaterskill Falls.

Spring and after heavy rains are the best times for Catskills waterfall hikes, as the flows are strongest. Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic trek or a full-day adventure, the Catskills deliver stunning waterfalls.

 

For More Information about the Catskills

Additional Catskill Park information is available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper) on the Web, Facebook, Instagram, and in person.

Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike in the Catskills? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

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Important Hiking Considerations:

  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

  • Safety: Trails often have rough surfaces and can be steep and rocky, so always use caution and watch your footing.

  • Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.