Best Hikes: Twin Mountain on the Catskill’s Devil’s Path

Twin Mountain is a peak contained in the eastern section of Devil’s Path Range in the Indian Head Wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Twin, as it’s named, would indicate it has two summits. The peak can be hiked as a day hike or as part of a longer more strenuous backpacking trip on Devil’s Path. It offers some of the best views in the region.

With multiple ways to access Twin, you will find exciting features no matter how you ascend. If you don’t mind a 2.5-mile road walk, you can hike a good loop (see map at bottom of page).

Trailhead to Jimmy Dolan Notch

This hike will be described as an out and back from the trailhead off Prediger Road which is about a 6.3-mile round trip. The parking area has been relocated away from the end of the road and is now tucked in the woods. There is ample parking but the “driveway” from the road is narrow.

You will find a register and kiosk at the south end of the parking area. Please sign-in, you are going into a rugged territory and here’s why you should. The trail leaves on Devil’s Path following red markers. At about .04 miles you will reach the junction with the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail. You’ll be taking this trail to the notch which leaves you between Indian Head and Twin Mountains.

The Jimmy Dolan Notch trail will begin on the level but will get progressively steeper as you turn southward toward the notch. The trail will make a few turns on the ascent so keep trail markers in sight.

On one hike we found a lone hiker “lost” and wondering looking for the trail. When the leaves are down, as you gain elevation stop and take in the views. At 1.6 miles (2 miles from trailhead) from the junction, you will reach the high notch (3,100′ +).

View from Jimmy Dolan Notch

I’ve had a few people say they could not find the view “at the notch”. The view is found via a path leading south and losing a bit of elevation. It can be quite rough, especially as you get closer to the view. When icy or wet watch your footing.

Having said that, this is a good view and wonderful place to sit with its southern exposure. Even though the sometimes busy Devil’s Path is only a few hundred feet away, the notch takes on a completely different feel, wilder. Above the notch to the west is an at-large campsite.

The notch to Twin Mountain’s summits

Once in Jimmy Dolan Notch, you will be at the intersection with Devil’s Path. Heading west out of the notch the trail will begin a 450-foot climb to the lower peak. On the section of trail between the notch and the lower summit, you scamper up rock ledges, one that is almost vertical.

About 0.25 miles from the notch you will come upon an open ledge with an outstanding view. Indian Head Mountain is front and center. This view takes in mountains including Kaaterskill High Peak to Overlook Mountain.

You will have passed the 3,500′ mark. Be mindful that camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment.

At about 2.3 miles from the trailhead, you will pass a side path to a boulder which is the lower summit high point. Keep walking and at about 2.36 miles you will be greeted with one of the finest views in the Catskills. If you get a late start, plan to visit this place with many other people. our tip is to get a very early start and beat the crowds.

The trip from the lower summit to the actual summit is a pleasant walk. You will quickly descend into the col and make your way through a pretty section of trail. The climb up the summit is not hard which and will be reached at about 3.1 miles from the trailhead. Once on the summit, you will get another fine view, but not as extensive as from the lower peak.

For your return, you can simply turn around here and retrace your steps. Depending on your stamina, you may wish to continue on Devil’s Path to Pecoy Notch and drop down to the trail head on the Pecoy Notch Trail. Note this route requires a road walk unless you have spotted a car there.

The advantage of doing the loop is that you can take in dramatic terrain and fine views along the way. Visiting a beaver dam and Dibbles Quarry is novel. Whichever way you climb Twin Mountain make sure you visit both peaks for the maximum appreciation of this Devil’s Path mountain.

Map of Twin Mountain Hike