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…
COVID-19 Hiking and Camping: NYS Fire Towers Closed
As we have all been asked to be socially responsible and practice social distancing during the COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) outbreak, it is hard to do in urban areas. It seems that this will go on for some time and mandates will change as the situation changes. People have been heading for parks and playgrounds with their kids to ease the tension of being indoors. Who can blame them? We in the hiking community know all…
4 kid ready hikes in the Catskills
Contrary to many adult’s views that kids are only interested in video games, one thing we know is that given the chance, kids the love the outdoors! In fact, kids are spending time outdoors – just not doing nature-oriented activities. Young children spend more time outdoors than older adolescents. So, it’s the responsibility of the adult to cultivate the love for nature-related outdoor activities, not the kid. One of the keys is to start young…
Best Hikes: Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow & Devil’s Path
There are many ways up the Catskill’s second-highest summit. Ranging from moderate to difficult makes reaching the fire tower views doable for most people. With a horse trail and handicap ramp for mounting and dismounting, it gives the trip another dimension. Even though this writer has read criticism in forums about the safety for horses on the steeper sections of the trail, it does offer an opportunity that no other high peak in New York…