The Catskills are where we go when we want a real workout. The trails up here are noticeably tougher than the Hudson Valley — steeper climbs, rockier terrain, and some seriously remote stretches. But the payoff is huge. Waterfalls, mountain summits, and that feeling of being completely surrounded by wilderness. Kaaterskill Falls alone is worth the drive. Part of our New York hiking guide.
Catskill Park is massive - nearly 300,000 acres of mountains, waterfalls, and forest. We've barely scratched the surface, but the trails we've done here have been some of our most memorable. The terrain is tougher than what you'll find in the Hudson Valley, which is part of what makes it so rewarding.
Very DifficultNot for beginners. 25 miles with 14,000+ feet of elevation gain. Multi-day trip with camping is the way to go. Incredibly rugged terrain and serious scrambling. But if you're up for it, the views and sense of accomplishment are unmatched.
ChallengingThe views from Giant Ledge are seriously good - ridge after ridge of Catskill peaks stretching out forever. Rocky terrain and some steep bits, but the payoff at the overlooks is totally worth it. Can push on to Panther Mountain for even more.
ModerateTwo-tiered waterfall in the Catskills that's genuinely stunning. Only 2 miles round trip but it gets crowded, especially weekends. Go early morning on a weekday if you can. The falls are best after a good rain when the water is really flowing.
ModerateGood middle-ground hike - not too easy, not too hard. 4 miles through forest with some steep bits and rocky terrain. Views from the overlooks are really good. Solid choice for a couple hours of hiking without going all-out.
Moderate4-mile steady climb to a fire tower with great 360-degree views. The Hudson River and surrounding valleys look amazing from the top. Fall foliage from the tower is incredible. Well-maintained trail, mostly through shaded forest.
Very DifficultNot for beginners. 25 miles with 14,000+ feet of elevation gain. Multi-day trip with camping is the way to go. Incredibly rugged terrain and serious scrambling. But if you're up for it, the views and sense of accomplishment are unmatched.
ChallengingThe views from Giant Ledge are seriously good - ridge after ridge of Catskill peaks stretching out forever. Rocky terrain and some steep bits, but the payoff at the overlooks is totally worth it. Can push on to Panther Mountain for even more.
Very DifficultNot for beginners. 25 miles with 14,000+ feet of elevation gain. Multi-day trip with camping is the way to go. Incredibly rugged terrain and serious scrambling. But if you're up for it, the views and sense of accomplishment are unmatched.
ChallengingThe views from Giant Ledge are seriously good - ridge after ridge of Catskill peaks stretching out forever. Rocky terrain and some steep bits, but the payoff at the overlooks is totally worth it. Can push on to Panther Mountain for even more.
ModerateTwo-tiered waterfall in the Catskills that's genuinely stunning. Only 2 miles round trip but it gets crowded, especially weekends. Go early morning on a weekday if you can. The falls are best after a good rain when the water is really flowing.
ModerateGood middle-ground hike - not too easy, not too hard. 4 miles through forest with some steep bits and rocky terrain. Views from the overlooks are really good. Solid choice for a couple hours of hiking without going all-out.
Moderate4-mile steady climb to a fire tower with great 360-degree views. The Hudson River and surrounding valleys look amazing from the top. Fall foliage from the tower is incredible. Well-maintained trail, mostly through shaded forest.