Peekamoose and Table Mountains, in the southern Catskills, are the end of the chain of peaks that sit below Slide Mountain and are require climbs by the Catskill 3500 Club. You can hike these two beautiful peaks from the north from Denning or the South from Peekamoose Road. Either way, you’ll work for the summits. In our opinion, a third and more fun way is by hiking Lone and crossing the ridge to Table.
This is one of the best Catskill 3500 twofers. The trek from Denning makes for a true wilderness hike with lots of options for the traveler who wants to spend some nights in the woods!
| Distance: | 8.6-miles RT | Route type: | Out-and-Back |
| Total climb: | 2272′ | Hike type: | Marked trail |
| How hard? | Difficult | Land unit: | Slide Mtn Wilderness |
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
The Dirt
The Neversink may be problematic during spring melt or heavy rains. You’ll climb to a knob on the ridge to Table only to lose elevation and rise again. If you want to see some of the views from Peekamoose, there is one not far from the summit, but for others, you’ll need to go over the summit toward Peekamoose Road. Excellent camping is found in the valley and at the Bouton Memorial lean-to. Don’t underestimate the distance/effort ratio for these peaks.
Please note: The first mile of the trail cuts through private land, please stay on the trail.
Trail to Table and Peekamoose from Denning
The trail to Table starts at the Denning parking area (0.0-miles) at the end of Denning Road, 3.5 miles northeast of its intersection with New Road (Ulster County Route 19). After you sign the register, at the large kiosk, you will begin your hike on an old turnpike, the yellow-blazed Phoenicia East Branch Trail (AKA Woodland Valley-Denning Trail).
Related post: Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and Why to Use Them
Please respect property owners’ rights as the first mile of trail runs through an easement so hikers may access the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area. This section is pleasant, crossing a few streams with a couple on small wooden bridges. At the same time, it undulates but generally ascends to the junction with the blue markered Peekamoose – Table Trail, which it reaches about 1.2-miles (straight ahead goes toward the Curtis – Ormsbee Trail to Slide Mountain).
Related page: The Slide Mountain Wilderness
At the junction of Peekamoose – Table Trail, you’ll turn south and begin a rocky drop to the Neversink Valley floor.
The Neversink is a wild and remote place. You will cross several bridges before reaching the Fisherman’s Path to the Bushwhack Range peaks at 1.5-miles. There is a designated campsite across the trail, making for an excellent place to basecamp for extended hiking in the area or short overnight. Water is plentiful.
Related post: Lone Mountain with a return over Table
From the designated campsite you’ll cross the valley floor. The trail somewhat sandy at times as the valley is prone to flooding. The path will gain elevation to 2.5-miles, at which there is a limited view on a spur trail. Van Wyck Mountain dominates the view.
From the viewpoint, you’ll climb a knob on the ridge and then lose elevation before resuming mixed pitch climbing so typical of the Catskills. In the small col, trees grow taller as they are more protected than those exposed on the ridge. Several of the next pitches are quite steep. Just below the Bouton Memorial lean-to at 3.5-miles, you’ll see a sign for
At about 3.6-miles after another steep
With relief, the trail eases as you’ll be on the ridge of Table, which lives up to its’ name. The flat summit is reached at 3.95-miles without fanfare. But stop, sit and enjoy the high elevation boreal forest.
After leaving the summit, you walk on the level and then begin a descent at 4.3-miles, where you may get a glimpse of Peekamoose. You’ll reach the col quickly at 4.6-miles which is small but is a scene of destruction with blowdown on the sides of the well-worn footpath.
From the col, you’ll make a short but steep climb to the summit of Peekamoose at 4.8-miles, which is marked by a large glacial erratic. At one time, one could climb the boulder and gain a view, but the trees have grown in, and this is no longer possible.
If you continue to hike past the summit, you can find other views. Better yet, post two cars with one at Peekamoose Rd, and make the 4-mile hike from the summit heading south and see them all or do as we did on this outing and retrace your steps back, making it a 9.6-mile day.
| 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. |
Trail map for Peekamoose and Table Mountains
Click map or here for interactive version of this map
Backwoods wanderer with a passion for backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the wilds of the Catskills and Adirondacks in New York. A Catskill 3500 Club Member and Adirondack Forty-Sixer. Climbed Mount Rainier. Professionally an Exercise Physiologist.
