Hunter Mountain Catskills
Hunter Mountain is the second highest peak in the Catskills and the highest peak in New York with a Fire Tower. Hunter has a complex history as it was a center for logging with much, but not all of its slopes logged. There have been many fires on Hunter one as recent as 2019. The summit fire tower and other viewpoints along trails make Hunter a worthwhile peak to visit. Having said this, it is…
Red Hill Fire Tower Catskills
Red Hill Fire Tower, one of five restored towers in the Catskills, gives the hiker a relatively short 1.4-mile walk and a stiff climb of 860′ to some of the region’s most unique views. The trail climbs to the summit in a crescent shape through a wonderful forest. The summit meadow almost seems park-like with several picnic tables and a nice grass large area. With a pipe fed spring along the way, it could be…
Slide Mountain Catskills New York
Slide Mountain is the tallest peak in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is located in the southern Catskills and is a wilderness unit bearing its name; Slide Mountain Wilderness. Being the tallest makes it one of the most popular. It ranks first in the Catskills at 4184′ and eclipses 17 of the Adirondack Forty-Sixer peaks. Slide’s nearest higher neighbor is Killington Peak in Vermont. Even with the height, Slide is hard to view…
Catskill Lean-tos and Primitive Campsites
The Catskills are rich with a history of backcountry adventure. Often known as “America’s First Wilderness”, the Catskill Mountains has held a special place in the hearts for many avid outdoors person. The lean-to and primitive camping in the Catskills are second to none. Add gorgeous hiking trails for all ability levels, peaks with superb vistas, enchanting waterfalls, cross-country skiing, fishing, mountain biking, and more, the Cats is a place to be. In this post,…
Rescue: Hey, it’s only the Catskills! 8/25/20
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights Many people think the Catskills are full of simple easy hikes to its highest peaks. These excerpts from the latest rescues in the Catskills by Rangers and local SARS, emergency squads and fire departments show otherwise. Learn! Town of Shandaken, Ulster County Wilderness Rescue: On August 17 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Brand, Stratton, Martin, and Franke responded to the Giant Ledge Trail following a report of a female hiker…