Craggy cliffs cut by rivers, filled with old-growth forests, and flowing with waterfalls. These are the Catskills: a wild refuge two hours north of New York City where urbanites escape the hustle and bustle to explore the sublime.
The rolling plateaus of the Catskills offer a dynamic line-up of trails fit for all levels of fitness. It’s no surprise that hiking is one of the top things to do here. Snap pictures of the state’s tallest cataracts, try your luck on the East Coast’s most daunting paths, or glide along paved roads to experience why millions of travelers fall in love with this region every year.
Sam’s Point Area: Best Hike for Diverse Landscapes
7.4 miles round trip, 4-5 hours, moderate
Sam’s Point boasts multiple stunning destinations, starting with the lookout located less than a mile from the parking lot. After navigating a steady paved path, step onto the flat ledge to view the expansive Shawangunk Ridge and Wallkill Valley below.
Continue onward through a huckleberry and pitch pine forest until you reach the ice caves—a series of chilly crevices where snow lingers well into July. Marked by planks and ladders, the loop trail winds through the rocks. The caves may be inaccessible if you visit between late autumn and early spring, so checking in at the visitor’s center before you start is recommended.
To discover the third site, backtrack to find Verkeerderkill Falls—a majestic 187ft cascade that roars most impressively in spring and early summer. A sign along the trail boldly claims, “This is one of Earth’s last great places,” and you will definitely struggle to disagree.
Kaaterskill Falls: Best Waterfall Hike
1.6 miles round trip, 1-2 hours, easy to difficult
Kaaterskill Falls ranks as one of New York’s most iconic cascades. It was immortalized by Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School, and featured in Washington Irving’s 1819 tale, Rip Van Winkle. This two-tiered, 260ft waterfall draws around 100,000 visitors annually, including painters and avid hikers.
A series of forested trails starting at Laurel House Road allow hikers to tailor their experience. For a quick excursion, head to the upper falls observation deck, where visitors pose for photos. To glimpse both cascades, navigate the challenging 200 stairs to the base of the lower falls. Here, scramble over river rocks to find a sturdy platform that offers stunning views.
This area is also one of the best places to swim in the Catskills. On hot summer days, daring souls cool off in the refreshing waters below the upper falls. During winter, you can enjoy the frosted landscape from the observation deck, thus avoiding treacherous icy paths. Expect large crowds especially during autumn’s vibrant foliage season—one of the best times to visit the Catskills.
Bonticou Crag: Best Hike for Beginner-Level Rock Climbing
2.3 miles round trip, 2 hours, difficult
Mohonk Preserve, situated on the southeastern edge of the Catskills, spans over 8,000 acres with nearly 70 miles of trails. While selecting the right hike can pose a challenge, the Bonticou Crag trail presents its unique demands.
Don’t be deceived by the easy start. Meadows of tall grass lead you to a gravel road winding through tranquil woodlands. Upon reaching the Bonticou Ascent Path, marked in yellow, the trail’s difficulty escalates quickly. Here, the cliffside rises above the treeline, requiring climbers to tackle a short yet steep rock pile to reach the peak.
Adventurous hikers are justly rewarded; the white quartz-and-sandstone summit unveils 360-degree views of the region. Take a moment to relax on one of the ledges and refuel before making your descent. Fortunately, there’s no need to retrace your steps; follow the yellow arrows to navigate the mountain’s backside, and for a more extended expedition, consider hiking to Table Rocks, another accessible cliffside outcropping.
Overlook Mountain: Best Hike for Panoramic Views
4.6 miles round trip, 3 hours, moderate
The steep gravel road that ascends Overlook Mountain may lack the pastoral charm of an idyllic hike, yet reaching the town of Woodstock’s summit promises stunning views. From the 3,140ft peak, hikers can spot the glistening Ashokan Reservoir to the south, with the Hudson River Valley unfolding to the east. If these vistas aren’t enough, climb the 60ft fire tower for an even more breathtaking perspective.
Prior to your hike, visit Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery adorned with colorful prayer flags. Along the way, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the ruins of a century-old hotel that operated from the early 1800s until the 1900s. In 1940, the state acquired the property due to economic issues, fires, and inadequate maintenance. While ghost sightings are rare, be on the lookout for timber rattlesnakes that may traverse the trail.
Ashokan Reservoir Promenade: Best ADA-Approved Hike
5.4 miles round trip, 2 hours, easy
You don’t have to hike to appreciate the Catskills’ beauty. The wheelchair-accessible Ashokan Reservoir Promenade offers a flat, paved trail hugging the water’s southern shoreline, connecting Slide Mountain to Esopus Creek.
While it may blend seamlessly into the landscape today, this reservoir only came into existence in the early 1900s. As New York City’s population increased, lawmakers focused on the Catskills to secure a reliable water supply, leading to the construction of the reservoir which displaced around 2,000 residents and cleared 10,000 acres of land. This vast 123-billion-gallon reservoir now provides about 40% of the city’s drinking water during non-drought periods.
The reservoir has also fostered wildlife. Today, the Ashokan Watershed supports families of trout, salamanders, frogs, and turtles. You might also catch sight of bald eagles nesting in the surrounding forests, or white-tailed deer grazing nearby. Walking along the path, you will understand why these diverse creatures thrive in this century-old habitat. Timing your visit just before dusk allows you to witness a mesmerizing sunset reflected on the water.
Devil’s Path: Best Hike for Adventurous Backpackers
25 miles from point to point, 2-3 days, very difficult
For West Coast climbers familiar with the rugged Rocky Mountains, many New York trails may seem easy until they tackle Devil’s Path. This trail, with six peaks rising over 14,000ft in elevation change, is widely regarded as the East Coast’s most challenging through-hike.
The demanding path is not for the faint-hearted. Adventurers typically spend three days camping in lean-tos and purifying stream water along the east-to-west route. With unpredictable weather, rocky scrambles, and potential encounters with black bears, the trail tests one’s resolve.
However, for those undeterred, the rewards are immense. Hikers enjoy solitude among breathtaking waterfalls, dense forests, and panoramic views. If a lengthy trek seems daunting, consider day hikes on shorter segments, such as the 7-mile Indian Head Loop Trail or the path leading to Plateau Mountain. Devil’s Tombstone Campground, located near the trail’s midpoint along Notch Lake, offers convenient camping options.
Beer Mountain
Best Trail for Non-Hikers
30 minutes, easy
If a full hike isn’t your intention, consider sampling the natural landscape in the trendy town of Livingston Manor. Upward Brewing Company, a local microbrewery, offers craft beers alongside the opportunity to hike. Follow the signs near the chalet-style pub to ascend the property’s aptly named Beer Mountain (not to be confused with Bear Mountain State Park).
The initial segment features a steep ascent through a tranquil forest, eventually leading to a rocky road that opens up to a meadow framed by rolling hills. While it may not be as strenuous as other hikes on this list, the allure lies in enticing those averse to hiking to engage with the scenic beauty of nature.
Tusten Mountain Trail
Best Historic Hike in the Delaware Valley
3 miles round trip, 1-2 hours, easy to moderate
Traverse the rocky Ten Mile River as it meanders toward the Delaware, and you’ll arrive at the foot of Tusten Mountain—a gentle incline that rises nearly 600ft, revealing breathtaking views of the Western Catskills. You may encounter residents from nearby Narrowsburg strolling along this picturesque path, but you’ll more likely observe a variety of birds soaring overhead, including songbirds in spring and autumn, as well as the occasional turkey vulture or bald eagle.
As you travel along the dirt road leading to the hike, glimpses of early colonial communities remain. The transient Reeves Mill settlement from the mid-18th century and the 19th-century Tusten settlement once utilized the area’s natural resources through sawmills, gristmills, and quarries. A historic stone arch bridge made from native bluestone greets hikers at the trailhead.
The Tusten trail is suitable year-round, although it’s particularly stunning in autumn when the changing foliage of beech, oak, and maple trees enchants with their vivid colors. For a gentler route, consider following the loop trail counter-clockwise. Pack a picnic and set up on one of the many flat rocks by the river to relish a lovely post-hike meal.
This article was first published on October 20, 2021, and updated on December 30, 2021.
