Rocky Mountain is a 3508’ 3487′ peak (update 2018: Rocky’s elevation has been downgraded to 3487′) in the Catskills Bushwhack Range in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. Geographically it can be considered as a part of the Peekamoose Mountain Range. However, local hikers have deemed the range the Bushwhack Range, so it will be referred to on this site. The peak is a required climb for the Catskill 3500 Club. Over the past couple of decades the undergrowth of spruce has matured making navigating your way to the summit easier. Owed to Tropical storm Irene, there are nice views from near its summit. Rocky is often done with Lone.
Hike Length: 9.6 miles R/T | Route Type: Out-and-back |
Total Ascent: 1600+/-' (total to summit) | How Hard: Difficult (bushwhack) |
Click map for interactive version | |
Map associated with Rocky Mtn. | Trail Guide Book |
Trailhead to Fisherman’s Path
You begin your hike at the remote Denning Trailhead. It has a large dirt parking area that can accommodate many vehicles. So parking is generally not an issue.
The trail will cross several bridges and undulate as it heads toward the herd path.
There is a designated campsite off to the right near this junction.

Fisherman’s Path to Bushwhack Point
Taking the unmaintained Fisherman’s Path, it will be well-worn at times then seem to “run-out”, take your time the path is always there, sometimes obscured by thicker vegetation.
From here on out the path will remain close to the stream and will cross it several times. The stream is magnificent and wild!
The stream’s beauty is in part due to its power as you’ll find downed and uprooted trees from flooding.
Bushwhack to Rocky’s Summit
The hike up the broad ridge of Rocky is generally SE. You may want to pick a point past the first stream where the grade is less steep. On the ridge, you’ll find small rocky outcrops. Just below the summit cone, you may want to jog right to avoid some steep terrain, or not!
From the Fisherman’s Path, it is about 0.7-miles to the summit (4.8-miles from the PA). Don’t forget to sign the summit log!



Extending your trip
From the summit you can retrace your steps and enjoy the river again, something worth doing on hot days!
Having said that, it is common for hikers to head to Lone and then descend and return to the trailhead. One can head to Lone then cross the col to Table. One may also attempt Balsam Cap from Rocky, but on the way the you’ll meet significant cliffs. Many hikers opt to climb Balsam Cap and Friday together.
Slide Mountain Wilderness | |
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Contact Information: | DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office: phone (845) 256-3000 (M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM), email: r3admin@dec.ny.gov Law Enforcement, Emergency & Ranger: 518-408-5850 or dial 911 |
Location: | Towns of Shandaken, Denning and Olive in Ulster County |
Map: | Slide Mountain Wilderness Map |
Amenities: | Food, gas, and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Phoenicia and Boiceville. Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Boiceville, Mount Tremper, Phoenicia and Shandaken. Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Mount Tremper, Oliverea, Phoenicia, Shandaken. |
Weather: | Slide Mountain Weather |
Cell Service: | Never count on your cell phone for rescue. Cell service in the Slide Mountain Wilderness is sparse and one may have problems gaining a signal. |
Rocky Mountain Hiking Map
Click map or here for an interactive version of the map

Last Updated on June 11, 2020