Richmond Mountain and Richtmyer Peak in the Catskills

Richmond Mountain and Richtmyer Peak are located in the Catskill Mountains on the border of Schoharie and Greene Counties. They can be considered as part of the Huntersfield Range. Both peaks make for a relatively easy day hike, but to get to the summit of Richmond Mountain will require a short bushwhack. Given this, one should possess knowledge on how to use a map and compass. There is a nice viewpoint on the ridge to Richmond Mountain. It is best when to trees are bare, but one still could get views when the leaves are out. At 3220′ elevation, Richmond Mountain is the most northern of the Catskill 67.

We did this hike, on a sunny April day, the day after a snow storm passed, so a fresh layer of snow covered the ground which made for an excellent “spring” climb.

There are several approaches to Richmond, some of which are mostly off-trail. For our hike, we started at the high trailhead off Mt. Pisgah Road which is at about 2,750′ elevation, quite high for the Catskills trailheads. Both peaks are located in the Mount Pisgah State Forest. However, small parts of both are located in South Mountain and Ashland Pinnacle State Forest areas.

The access road from Mt. Pisgah Road is narrow, longer than many, wet at points, and rough. Sedans may have a hard time getting to the high spot.

In the parking area, there is room for about 8-10 vehicles.

The yellow-blazed trail which leads to the col between Richmond Mountain and Richtmyer Peak starts from the back of the culdesac and is marked by two worn DEC disks. You’ll notice tire tracks which are probably from ATVs which are not allowed in State Forest without a permit.

From the parking area, the trail, sometimes very wet, starts a gradual climb for a bit then begins a steeper section, levels after a hairpin turn, and then climbs again to the col. It’s a short 0.2-mile climb with about 190′ of elevation gain.

The trail so far is following an old woods road which leads from Greene County across the ridge to Schoharie County. Upon reaching the col the yellow blazes end.

The unmarked woods road continues straight and downhill.

The trail that crosses at the intersection is the Long Path. It is marked with Long Path marking and DEC blue disks. However, the DEC blue-blazes are not very good, so simply look for Long Path markers.

To the right from the col, it is a quick walk up Richtmyer. There are no views, but if one wishes to bag this hill take the few minutes and do it.

Col to Richmond Mountain

Heading left out of the col and following Long Path markings you’ll begin the ascent up Richmond Mountain.

From the col, you’ll be in typical Catskill terrain with short uphills and level spots. Don’t be fooled the trek to Richmond may feel longer than it looks and the trees will become weathered and stunted the higher you get.

Before you reach the summit of Richmond you’ll need to go over a small bump on the ridge which is reached at about 0.25-miles from the col with about another 180-feet of climbing. On this bump will be a small rock ledge directly off the trail (left) which provides nice views.

From the view, the trail will momentarily drop below the ridge and then back up. You’ll follow the Long Path on the ridge until you see two plastic Long Path markers indicating a turn which is about 0.2-miles from the bump. This is the spot you can leave the trail and walk up to the summit of Richmond.

The summit is flat and provides no views. By GPS and the Trail Conference Avanza Maps, the summit is at a dead tree. From the trail, you’ll have traveled about 0.2-miles and gained 140′ elevation. Your total climb from the parking area is about 520′ at 0.81-miles.

From the summit, you could retrace your path back to the col and parking area or explore a bit and drop off the summit as we did on this hike. We descended the peak heading west and intersected with the Long Path which we followed back up to the ridge and to the trailhead making it a short 2-mile hike.

There is a view marked on the Trail Conference map which is found on the Long Path but quite a bit below the summit as the trail heads towards Conesville.

Mount Pisgah State Forest
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 Conesville, Schoharie County and Towns of Ashland and Windham, Greene County
Map:	Mount Pisgah State Forest Map
Amenities:	Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as lodging, gas and other supplies, may be found in the nearby communities of Prattsville and Windham.
Weather:	Mount Pisgah State Forest Weather

Map of Richmond Mountain

Click the map or here for an interactive version of the map.

Last Updated on December 7, 2020