Huckleberry Point

Huckleberry Point is the Catskills viewpoint that the crowds somehow haven't found yet. While everyone piles onto Kaaterskill Falls and the Escarpment Trail, Huckleberry Point sits there quietly being one of the most dramatic cliff-edge views in the entire park. We're almost hesitant to write about it.

The trailhead is off Platte Clove Road, which is an adventure in itself - it's a narrow, winding mountain road that's closed in winter. There's a small pulloff parking area that fits maybe 8-10 cars. We went on a Saturday in October and got one of the last spots around 9am.

The trail starts with a gentle uphill through a dense hardwood forest. Fall colors on this trail are absolutely insane - we're talking peak yellows, oranges, and reds forming a tunnel over the path. The first couple miles are pleasant walking with gradual elevation gain. Nothing strenuous.

Around mile 2 the trail levels out and starts feeling more like a ridge walk. You're on top of the plateau at this point, weaving through birch and pine trees with occasional glimpses of sky ahead. There's a subtle building anticipation where you know something good is coming but you can't see it yet.

And then the trees just... end. You step out onto this massive exposed rock ledge and the entire Kaaterskill Clove opens up below you. It's a sheer drop of hundreds of feet to the valley floor. The view stretches east toward the Hudson Valley, with layer after layer of ridgelines fading into the distance. On a clear day you can see forever.

The ledge itself is huge - plenty of room for multiple groups to spread out without being on top of each other. We found a spot on the edge (carefully), unpacked lunch, and sat there for an hour watching hawks ride thermals below us. Below us. That's how high up you are.

There were maybe 6 other people at the point the entire time we were there. Compare that to Kaaterskill Falls where you're practically standing in line. This is the Catskills experience we're always chasing - big views, minimal people.

The hike back is the same route in reverse. Flat to slightly downhill the whole way. Easy and quick. Total time including our long summit break was about three hours.

This has become one of our favorite Catskills hikes. The payoff-to-effort ratio is outstanding. Moderate distance, minimal elevation gain, and one of the best viewpoints in the mountains.