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Catskills Hiking Trails & Tips

Home to the highest Catskill Mountain peaks, the region offers an array of hiking trails to choose from.

 

The Catskills offer some of the best New York hiking close to the city. Experience the enchantment of walking along wooded paths, pausing by bubbling streams and feeling the thunder of cascading waterfalls in Greene County. Find the "cloves" where legendary Rip Van Winkle succumbed to the magic of Henry Hudson's drink, and where painters and poets paused to capture the region's stunning natural beauty. 

Stay at one of our popular Catskills resorts and be close to the trailhead, a brewpub, and downtown's shopping district. 

Best Catskill Hikes

Home to the highest peaks in the Catskill Park, one of only two "Forever Wild" parks in New York State, the Catskills hiking scene offers hikes for all abilities. From North-South Lake, hike to the summit of Newman's Ledge, once home to one of the 19th century's premier resort – the Catskill Mountain House. From this lofty height, peer across the lush Hudson River Valley. Take the short-but-super-scenic trek to the "Mount Rushmore of the East" - Pratt's Rock. This Prattsville monument chronicles the life of Zadock Pratt – a 19th century leather tanning tycoon who commissioned the carvings to immortalize his life and contributions to the region. Mark your map for a Kaaterskill Falls hike, one of the most popular routes in the Catskills.

Best Waterfall Hikes

  • Kaaterskill Falls - 1.4 miles, moderate. NY's highest cascading waterfall
  • Bastion Falls - ~0.5 miles roundtrip, three drops, located on Route 23A trail to Kaaterskill Falls
  • East Durham Falls - Short trail off of Stone Bridge Road 
  • Fawns Leap - Located off of Route 23A in Palenville, it's a short walk to the falls for a swim 

Best Scenic Overlooks

  • Catskill Mountain House - Short walk from North-South Lake State Campground's beach. View of Hudson River
  • Kaaterskill Clove Lookout - 1.8 miles round trip offers dramatic views and historical import
  • Five State Lookout - From Route 23 along the Mohican Trail, enjoy a panoramic view of five states: NY, VT, MA, CT, NH
  • Pratt Rock - 3.1 mile round trip hike with steep section that leads to carvings in the cliffside
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The Windham Path

The first phase of the Windham Path is a 1.5 mile loop accessed by a parking area on Route 23 and the second phase is a ½ mile section that connects the business area of South Street

  • Windham, NY
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The Willows at Brandow Point

The Willows has over a mile of walking trails that lead down to the shore of the Hudson River. 

Open from dawn to dusk and dogs on leashes are welcome. 

  • Athens, NY
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The Huckleberry Trail

The trail is designed to reuse railroad right-of-ways originally owned by the Ulster & Delaware and Canajoharie & Catskill Lines.

  • Elka Park, NY
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Siuslaw Model Forest

The Siuslaw Model Forest is our newest addition to the Model Forest system.

  • Acra, NY
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Scenic Hudson's Long View Park

The first thing that greets you upon entering Scenic Hudson's Long View Park is an old red barn, which attests to the property's previous, centuries-long incarnation as a farm.

  • New Baltimore, NY
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RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary

480 acres of the Hudson's largest tidal swamp forest. It is a breeding ground and nursery for American shad and bass. More than 3 miles of trails.

  • Catskill, NY
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Pratt Rock - New York's Mount Rushmore

 Another, less generous appraisal termed it "a monument to vanity." Some have called it one of the earliest Civil War monuments in the nation.

  • Prattsville, NY
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Park for Paws

Community park for pets and their owners along the Catskill creek. Agility course and picnic area.

  • Catskill, NY
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North-South Lake Campground

North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock

  • Haines Falls, NY
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Mountain Top Arboretum

Mountain Top Arboretum is a public garden in the Catskill Mountains dedicated to displaying and managing native plant communities of the northeastern US, in addition to curating its

  • Tannersville, NY
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Mountain Skills Climbing Guides

AMGA accredited rock and ice climbing and hiking guides service located in the Catskill Mountains. Offering climbing trips from beginner to advanced levels.

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Mawignack Preserve

This 144-acre property is at the confluence of Catskill and Kaaterskill creeks and includes more than two miles of shoreline on Catskill Creek, a major Hudson River tributary.

  • Catskill, NY
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Kaaterskill Rail Trail

Phase 1 of the Kaaterskill Rail Trail starts at the Mountain Top Historical Property on the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad, and ends at Laurel House Road, just above Kaaterskill

  • Haines Falls, NY
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Kaaterskill Falls

The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are home to many treasures – from the stunning natural beauty of the landscape to the rich literary and artistic heritage immortalized b

  • Haines Falls, NY
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Kaaterskill Clove Lookout

1.8 mile round trip hike with dramatic views of the clove.

  • Palenville, NY
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Hunter-West Kill Wilderness

Located in south Greene County, the wilderness is bordered by two waterways: West Kill Creek tumbles over Diamond Notch Falls to form the northern boundary, while the popular trout f

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Hunter Mountain Resort

Hunter Mountain is considered a four season destination in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County, offering challenging terrain and trails for all skill levels.

  • Hunter, NY
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Hudson River Skywalk

One of two pedestrian crossings over the Hudson River, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge provides panoramic views from hundreds of feet in the air.

  • Catskill, NY
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Hudson River Art Trail
mountain top cooking in the catskills
Everything You Need to Know

Tips for Hiking in the Catskills

The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are home to some of the most epic hiking trails in New York State, and offer outstanding views. Hikers in the Catskills should exercise caution at all times to limit the risk of personal injury or the endangerment to others, as well as to preserve the natural beauty.

 

Simple, Easy-To-Follow Tips For Hiking:

  • Stay on the marked trail. Taking shortcuts or bushwhacking can lead to trail erosion and greatly increase your chances of getting lost and/or injured.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking or outdoor activities.
  • Pack water and extra snacks or meals, especially if you are planning an extended hike.
  • Carry bug spray and a first aid kit.
  • Never climb on waterfalls as water can make the ground and rocks slick, increasing your chances of injury.
  • Wear bright colors.
  • If you carry it in, carry it out. There is a $250 fine for littering in the Catskills.
  • No glass allowed.
  • Carry a map and compass for extended hikes. Expect limited cell service and do not rely on GPS as your only source for directions.
  • Do not light a campfire.
  • Most importantly – have fun and enjoy our beautiful wilderness!

Discover More in the Catskills

Greene County Mark
700 Rte 23B, Leeds, NY 12451
800-355-CATS
518-943-3223
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