Lean-tos in the Hunter – West Kill Wilderness and Rusk Mountain Wild Forest are included in this description. These lean-tos make for a great overnight or weekend-long outings to explore the surrounding area. They are also located close enough to trailheads to make for a nice first camping experience. Beware that these are popular lean-tos especially on the weekends and holidays. One can find tent spots near each one.
There are three lean-tos in the area and all have merit. If you are new to lean-to camping it may be worth reading our post on using backcountry shelters.
Hunter is a busy place for hiking and camping
As mentioned above, the lean-tos in this post are heavily used. There are many lean-tos and primitive campsites in the Catskills which you can see here and you can create a “plan B” if you find trailheads full and suspect your intended campsite is taken.
Diamond Notch lean-to
It rests with its rear to the trail and open side looking at the steep ridge of Southwest Hunter. It is situated about 100-150’ off the trail from which it can be seen.
Even though there is water in the area, there may be no water at the lean-to itself. So, fill up lower down if you need water.
The lean-to is many times quiet. However, like all the lean-tos in this area, you cannot count on space during busy periods.
From the south trailhead, it is about a 1.6-mile hike past some nice views back to the southern Catskills.
This can be a base for bushwhacking Southwest Hunter Mountain via its west ridge.
John Robb Lean-to
The lean-to is located near one of the best springs in these mountains. Water supply is good.
The easiest approach to the lean-to is from the Spruceton Trail parking area off Spruceton Road. One can also hike from Devil’s Path or Becker Hollow, this requires hiking the Spruceton Trail from Hunter’s summit.
Like the Devil’s Acres lean-to (below) it is a prime camping spot to hike Hunter Mountain. One can also use this a base to hike Rusk/East Rusk.
Devil’s Acres lean-to
The lean-to has a firepit but NO privy. The lean-to is old and is in good condition. It had a new roof installed in 2015 which will certainly add years to its serviceability.
Don’t expect privacy or space at this shelter. It receives a fair amount of use, especially on weekends in season. The shelter is directly off the trail (a few yards) and the front of the lean-to faces the trail. The interior of the lean-to is subject to the view of all hikers who walk past it.
There are no designated campsites in the area. However, there are some nice spots for at-large camping along the herd path to Southwest Hunter which is about 0.2-miles west on Devil’s Path.
Water is available in a ground spring about 0.1-mile west from the shelter on Devil’s Path which may dry up in arid conditions.
The approach for the lean-to is along Devil’s Path either from Spruceton Valley (3.11-miles) or Stony Clove (2.1-miles). The climb from Stony Clove initially involves very steep terrain.
The shelter is a great base for hiking Southwest Hunter and Hunter.
Maps of lean-tos at Hunter Mountain
Click the map or here for an interactive version.
| Hunter-West Kill Wilderness | |
|---|---|
| Contact Information: | DEC Region 4 Stamford Office hours: M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Phone: (607) 652-7365; Email: r4.ump@dec.ny.gov Backcountry Emergency: (Search, Rescue & Forest Fire): 518-408-5850 or dial 911 |
| Location: | Town of Lexington and Hunter, Greene County and the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County |
| Map: | View Hunter-West Kill Wilderness/Rusk Mountain Wild Forest Map |
| Amenities: | Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Hunter, Tannersville, and Woodstock. |
| Weather | Hunter Mountain Weather |
Last Updated on September 9, 2020
