Lone Mountain is one of 4 trailless peaks below Slide Mountain south of the Burroughs Range. At 3,721′ it ranks 16th of the Catskill 35 high peaks and is a required climb for the Catskill 3500 Club. The 4 peaks of Lone, Rocky, Balsam Cap, and Friday are collectively known as the “Bushwhack Range”. You’ll need a map and compass to navigate this peak. Lone is the westernmost peak in the range just northeast of Table Mountain (see top image). Each peak can be hiked individually maximizing the experience or in combination maximizing the endeavor.
In his 1880 “Map of the Catskill Mountains”, Arnold Guyot included Lone as part of the “Slide Mountain Chain” which spanned from Slide to Belleayre Mountain with Lone being a ridge from the summit of Slide. In his report in The American Journal of Science in 1880, Guyot states regarding Slide “From its broad triangular top it sends a ridge southeast… and terminates in the Lone Mountain 3670 feet, by which it is almost connected with the Wittemberg chain” (his spelling). Was his naming of the peak simply that the mountain stood alone?
The most common approach is from Denning and the Fisherman’s Path. Another and more difficult approach is from Peekamoose Road which requires a climb of Peekamoose and crossing the col between Table and Lone. Of course one can hike the range from the shoulder of Cornell crossing the entire range making this one of the most arduous and grand off-trail adventures in the Catskills. In fact, there are many combinations and approaches for all peaks in this range.
In this description, we will climb Lone Mountain from Denning and return over Table back to the trailhead. The Denning Road trailhead is one of the most remote in the Catskills, make sure your car is in good working order. The parking area is large and can accommodate approximately 20 cars. It is located on Denning Road, 3.5 miles northeast of its intersection with New Road.
Phoenicia East Branch Trail to Peekamoose – Table Trail
Peekamoose – Table Trail to Lone Mountain summit
At the junction turn south on the Peekamoose – Table Trail and begin a pretty descent into the beautiful Neversink Valley through rocky terrain. You are entering one of the wildest places in these mountains.
You will cross several bridges before reaching the Fisherman’s Path at 0.30-miles. There are designated campsites that make for a good place to basecamp as a short overnight. Water is plentiful.
Lone Mountain to Table Mountain
The trek from Lone to Table is one of the nicest off-trail col crossings you will experience. However, don’t take it lightly as one may descend too far off the ridge and find themselves in the drainage of Donavan’s Brook which would be very hard to reascend. The descent to the col is somewhat southwest. Stay on the ridge it will drop off steeply on each side.
Table to Denning trailhead
From the point, you reenter the Peekamoose – Table trail, head north to the Phoenicia East Branch Trail in which you will travel about 2.35-miles and drop 1,700’.
Your day’s totals are approximately 8.25-miles and total climbing of about 2,400’.
Map of Lone Mountain
Click the map to enlarge or here for an interactive version.
| Slide Mountain Wilderness | |
|---|---|
| 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. |
