Grab your boots and fly!
Trekking is probably the most popular activity in Catskills.
The origin of many hiking trails in the state of New York is rooted in the way, made by Indians, on various seasonal hunting grounds. Later, the pony loggers lowered the pains in the Catskill forests to tan, and the blue stones dragged huge slabs of this faint blue-gray rock to pave New York. Fearless artists of the Hudson River School used these trails to find beautiful panoramas for a sketch, and then draw them in their studios. Naturalists such as John Burroughs recorded a variety of flora and fauna unique to the High Catskill Peaks, while Ralph Waldo Emerson was inspired to write his groundbreaking Nature essay by the same Catskills.
Fortunately for today's tourist Catskill, there are many walking routes from the easiest, such as paved and flat, like a path along the Ashokan reservoir. to the extremely difficult three mountain loops of the Devil's way or climbing Mount Slides. Whatever the level of the trekking, we chose the best of the catskilling hikes, which gives great views; winning for what could be the strongest exercise!
How to Plan a Mountain Hike in Catskill
There are several reasonable precautions to consider before embarking on a hike, be it in New York or anywhere else. While the Catskills can easily travel and get closer to New York, knowing that your landscape is guaranteed to provide a more enjoyable day. Not sure about hiking in the mountains by themselves? Add luxury and convenience to your getaway in New York; Check out local resorts, such as Emerson, that offer travel packages with guided hikes and overnight accommodations.
What do you need for a trip to the Catskill Mountains:
1) Water: Bring it a lot, as natural sources may be infected with Giardia, and this is marked as a natural spring.
2) errors: The Catskills hiking trails are cool and wet, so expect mosquitoes. And while tick-borne lymphomas tend to prefer hot and dry conditions, its correct practice is to put pants in socks and use a strong insect repellent.
3) Transmission: Wear good walking shoes with sturdy socks to prevent blisters. Light up the dress, but wear a T-shirt and a poncho in your package, as the weather may change suddenly. The footpath can be an excellent stabilizer if the terrain should be rough.
4) Animals: The catskills are full of wildlife and nobody is dangerous as long as you respect their space. Bears are just a nuisance if you camp with lots of unprotected food. Bears tend to be shy, but if they occur; make some gentle noise and they should run away. Another problem may be snakes, but if you don’t disturb them, they won’t bother you. If you see a crash, admire it from afar. Snakes are most often found on the sunny side of rocks among large rocks and boulders.
5) Plan: Make sure you let someone know before heading out into the wild. Take a map and do not expect to rely on your mobile phone GPS.
6) Respect: Finally, find out what you bring. Paper and plastic do not have a place in nature.
Where a hike: the choice of the perfect New York getaway
Very easy routes: the Ashok reservoir and Lake Colgate
These hiking trails are good for families with grid passages for children who need to walk without dips or ascents.
• Ashokan reservoir:
The Ashokan reservoir is two long passes, one on the embankment, and the other is a closed road, which is now used by the public. This is a panorama of the Katskill Mountains and the unspoilt Ashokan reservoir, which serves as drinking water for New York.
Ideal for bicycles, pedestrians and wheelchairs, two paths are beautiful stretches of wide paved paths that stretch for 3 miles along the Ashokan reservoir. To reach this wide mountain vista, head to Winchell Corners on Route 28, turn to the reservoir. At the junction of the “BWS road”, make the left and at mark 28A, make another one on the left. Drive for miles and take the next one on the left, and at the end of the road - roundabout parking for both routes.
• Lake Colgate:
This is a magical hidden gem from Route 23A near Tannersville, this untouched, artificial lake is open for swimming, although there are no lifeguards or ropes in the areas, so visitors need to take appropriate precedents. There is a small path in which the whole lake circulates, which burns in the mountains. Caution should be used around Lake Colgate, as there may be poison ivy.
New York's easy hiking trails: the Cutterskill Falls, North-South Lake and Almaz-Notch Falls
• Catkerhill Falls:
Two-level falls 175 and 85 feet are the highest waterfalls in New York State. Lower Caterkill Falls is reached by a trail starting on Route 23A. Driving east from Tannersville and Haines Falls, park in the square on the right before the highway makes a steep descent on the mountain. Then carefully go along the road until you reach the rotation of the stud, and the falls are visible on the left. To get to Caterkill Falls from the top, go 23A to the east and go to Country Rd 18 in Twilight-Delhi, and then, after about a mile, turn right on Laurel House Road. Park at the end of the road and follow the path for 1/5 of a mile from a worn bank supported by wooden beams.
This is the peak of Cutherkill Falls, and with great caution one should go down on huge boulders to look at the valley below. We do not recommend the descent, because the ground is slippery, and there are many injuries, but there is a small short path that goes to the right. Strolling with care, you can get a beautiful side view of the waterfall and the natural amphitheater that he carved out over the centuries.
• North-South slope trail:
A small hike to the Catskills mountain site provides a reward for the incredible vistas of the Hudson Valley and Berkshire beyond. Longer and more intense hikes can lead you to places such as Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman, Boulder Rock and Kaaterskill and Laurel House. Follow well marked routes and maps to take you where you want to go. Swimming is allowed on North-South lakes, but only when there is a lifeguard.
• Diamond Notch Falls:
This trek has an amazing variety of local, native plants and flowers that grow along the path. Please note that any digging or collecting greens is strictly prohibited. The walk is steep in places, but not difficult to navigate. Waterfalls are of particular interest, and above the waterfall there is a wooden bridge that offers a different view of the cascade. Take Route 214 to Lanesville, turn left on Diamond Notch Road and park at the very end. The trail starts in the far right corner of the site.
New York City's moderate walking trails: Mount Hunter, Lake Mountain and the giant Ledge-Panther Mt. path
• Hunting Mountain:
For a unique experience, take Sky Ride from Hunter Mountain Ski Center. A lift raises you to a height of 1600 feet from the floor of the valley. A walk of 2 miles from there will lead you to the fire tower with a beautiful view of the High Catskill Peaks, but this is a great challenge. Less active tourists may want to enjoy the view from where you leave Hunter Sky Ride and just head back to the base.
• A look at the mountain:
This popular trek is located a few miles north of the village of Woodstock. Take Rock City Road north of Village Green to the very top of Overview Mountain, where it will change its name to Mead. Road. Parking is on the right and the trail is on the left. The climb is steep and uphill 2.5 miles, but the 360 degree view from the fire tower on the top of the mountain is the best in the Catskills! Also notice the abandoned doom of the stone hotel of the 1930s, about 2 miles away. Great for dramatic photos or a terrible romantic picnic!
• Giant Ledge-Panther Mt. Trail:
This trail begins with yellow marks, and then switches to more complex blue signs after a magnificent view of Giant Ledge. Giant Ledge is located about 2.6 miles along the trail, and then the trail follows the North South for another mile that offers more beautiful views of Catskill Mountain.
Difficult Hiking Trails in New York: Glory of Mountain and Devil's Tombstones
• Mountain of glory
Another great hike, but the Slide Mountain Hiking Trail is also the most useful! With a height of 1780 feet and a 5.4 mile round trip, you will need plenty of water and good hiking boots. Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills, so the view from the summit is not parallel. To get there, get to the end of Woodland Valley Road from Route 28 near Phenicia and walk right to the end of the Woodland Valley camp. From left to right will be on the left, and on the right - parking.
• Devil's Way:
Also known as the Devil's Tombstone, this route is known as the most difficult tourist route in the eastern United States. Nevertheless, tourists are drawn to it, because it allows them to cover 5 mountain peaks in one tour. The Devil's Way is a self-managed route that can be performed in three sections or in combination. The first site, Plateau Mountain, is 8 miles both ways, and it ends with a beautiful view of Mount Hunter. Then the path is leveled (hence the plateau) and the highest point is at the far east end about 2 miles. Continue at a short distance from the top, and the view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain opens up. The hunting ridge section is 4.15 miles, and the West Kill Mountain section is 7 miles for a total of 24.20 miles of trekking. The best access is to drive from Phenicia 8 miles north on Route 214 and park on the Devil's Day Headstone using the parking on the left. The head of the trail begins on the right after an intense rock that claims to be the real Headstone of the Devil.
Whatever your skill level is chosen, it will be easy to find the right trip to the New York-Catskills. Make it a day off and enjoy everything Catskill has to offer.
