In the Big Indian Wilderness sits Fir Mountain a 3630′ trail-less peak. The mountain is located about 1-mile NW of Spruce Mountain and 1.5-miles SE of Big Indian Mountain. It sits on the Catskill Divide as the east slopes drain to the Esopus and on to the Hudson and east, south, and west to the West Branch of the Neversink and to the Delaware River and Bay. The summit does have Fir trees on it, hence its name. Camping at the Biscuit Brook Lean-to makes for a nice overnight!
Hike Length: 6.6 miles | Route Type: Out-and-back |
Total Ascent: 1840' (total) | How Hard: Difficult (bushwhack) |
 Click on map for interactive viersion |
Big Indian Name
The Big Indian name based on local Indian legend has it that a man named Winneesook who stood seven-foot-tall fell in love with a local woman named Gertrude Molyneux. Eventually, she developed a love for him and they eloped as her parents arranged a marriage to another man (another version says she married the man and ran away with Winneesook). Years later, the other man had lost his cow and accused Winneesook. When he and others located Winneesook they shot him and left him to die. This was at the location of the current Hamlet of Big Indian.
Fir Mountain Hike and Overnight at Biscuit Brook lean-to
The hike to the summit of Fir from the Biscuit Brook Parking Area is about 3.3-miles one-way and with all the ups and downs you’ll climb about 1840′. If you’re looking for a quick overnight with a wilderness feel, then hiking into the Biscuit Brook lean-to may just do the trick!
When one looks at the map, the first thing you may notice is that you’ll climb over a ridge before descending again to the lean-to. The ridge you ascend will be a massive ridge the comes of the SW side of the mountain. Your climb to the height of land will be about 380′ in 0.7-miles.
After you reach the top of the hill you begin a gradual descent losing about 125′ in the next 0.5-miles (1.25-miles from the TH). The trail will then undulate with the brook about 200′ down in the woods on your left.
Up above through small openings in the trees, you can get glimpses of the large southern ridge of Big Indian Mountain.
You’ll cross a deep tributary on a single log bridge.
As you get closer to the junction with the lean-to the trail will swing up and then drop quickly to the spur path on the left. The lean-to is about 150′ down the path. There is also camping for tents in the area. Water is plentiful, even in dry conditions. This is reached at about 1.85-miles.
Years ago, there were no “no camping” disks at the lean-to, today it may be different. Having said that, there is a designated site nearby. While we camped here years ago, the rush of the brook well below us and wild countryside made us feel as if we were in deep wilderness!
Bushwhack to Fir
From the lean-to it is about 300-400 yards on the path and trail to the bushwhack point just past the tributary for the Biscuit Brook. It may be hard to cross this in times of high water. But when stream flow is low it should be no problem.
Your bushwhack is after this stream and the start may be marked with a cairn. As with most Catskill bushwhacks the goal is to stay on the ridge and head uphill! Depending on your route, you may come across cliffs especially if you wander into either one of the drainages. This is more likely to happen on your way down.
The summit elevation of Fir is 3630 but it is a fairly flat summit and you’ll have to poke around to find the canister at about 1.45-miles from the trail or 3.3-miles from the trail-head.
If you do head off the ridge on your way down you’ll down climb through some steep, but beautiful terrain. On this route, you may be able to see Doubletop over the ridge coming off of Big Indian.
Beware, when you reach the stream, you will battle for every inch of ground as it is strewn with downed trees from flooding.
Extending your hike
Many people opt to hike Fir and Big Indian in one long day. Most climb Big Indian first as to gain as much elevation on the trail and then cross over to Fir with much less off-trail climbing! If you attempt this, be good with a map and compass!
| Big Indian 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 Denning, Shadaken and Hardenburgh in Ulster County |
| Map: | Big Indian Wilderness Map |
| Amenities: | Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Fleischmanns, Livingston Manor and Pine Hill. Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Margaretville and Livingston Manor. Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Big Indian, Fleischmanns, Margaretville and Pine Hill. Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Big Indian, Fleischmanns, Oliverea and Pine Hill. |
| Weather: | Big Indian Mountain Forecast |
| Cell Service: | Never count on your cell phone for rescue. There are spots in the Big Indian Wilderness that service is spotty. |
Map of Fir Mountain Bushwhack
Click on the map or here for an interactive version of the map
