The Halcott Mountain Wild Forest is a somewhat small at 4760 acres and distinct parcel of land on the northwestern border of the Catskill blueline. On its eastern border is Deep Notch and the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness. The area has two main summits, Halcott (3525′) and Sleeping Lion (3391′), both peaks without trails. There is one trail that crosses the west part of the unit climbing through the Turk-Condon Hollow Pass. The Halcott Camp Lean-to is on this trail. Also included in this description is the 653 NYCDEP Beech Ridge Unit that contains South Vly Mountain.
Trails in the Halcott Mountain Wild Forest
Turk-Condon Hollow Pass trail (2.3 miles, ascent 860′ to pass) Condon Hollow Road Parking
There is one trail in the wild forest. It follows the path of an old turnpike. Starting from Condon Hollow Road and winding its way up and over Turk-Condon Hollow pass. The Halcott Camp Lean-to is on the Turk Hollow side of the pass.
Bushwhacking Halcott, Sleeping Lion, and South Vly
There are several ways to bushwhack these peaks. It is most common for Halcott Mountain and Sleeping Lion to be hiked from the NYS Route 42 Parking Lot. South Vly Mountain is hiked from Condon Hollow climbing partway on the old turnpike and leaving on the ridge to the summit. Depending on your route, you enter the NYCDEP Beech Ridge Unit at about 3000′ elevation.
Sleeping Lion Loop
A loop from Condon Hollow Road can be hiked ascending the west ridge and dropping off the northeast ridge from the summit to the road and back to the parking area.
Read about the Sleeping Lion from Condon Hollow here
Camping in the Halcott Mountain Wild Forest
Lean-to:
The Halcott Camp Lean-to on the Turk Hollow side of the Turk-Condon Hollow Pass.
Designated Campsites:
None
At-large camping is allowed. Camping must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited above an elevation of 3,500 feet in the Catskills, between March 21 and December 21.
| Halcott Mountain Wild 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: | Towns of Lexington and Halcott, Greene County |
| Map: | Halcott Mountain Wild Forest Map |
| Amenities: | Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the communities of Margaretville, Prattsville and Windham. |
| Weather: | Halcott Mountain Weather |
| Cell Service: | Never count on your cell phone for rescue. We have generally found cell service to be okay in this area. Ravines may be a problem. |
Map of the Halcott Mountain Wild Forest
Click the map or here for an interactive version of the map
