Wittenberg and Cornell Mountain hike from Woodland Valley
Naming of the Burroughs Range Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains are a main part of the dramatic Burroughs Range in the Catskill’s Slide Mountain Wilderness. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names associates the Burroughs Range with Slide, Cornell and Wittenberg mountains as it was petitioned in 1986 by the John Burroughs Natural History Society and former Senator Daniel Moynihan. During the naming process, the petitioners were questioned whether a broader range would be acceptable as the…
Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Woodland Valley Loop
This hike is arguably one of the hardest and most beautiful outings in the Catskills. It is one of our favorite three-day backpacking loops. Simply day hiking Wittenberg and Cornell is outstanding! Getting the ADK trail guide for the Catskills and NYNJTC Map set or NatGeo Catskill Map will help plan your trip. Starting at the Woodland Valley campground and looping over the Burroughs Range and returning via the Phoenicia East Branch Trail will surely…
Slide Mountain Catskills – The Tallest One of All
Slide Mountain is an icon among Catskill mountain peaks. It greets tens of thousands of hikers each year. During the “in season” hiking months (mid spring to mid fall) on average, it is not uncommon to share this peak with 40-50 people. This wonderful peak holds the lofty status of being the highest in the Catskills. Place among the 35: 1st Elevation: 4190 feet above sea level. Summit Coordinates: 41° 59.92’N, 74° 23.18’W Interesting Features:…
Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains
It was a long time coming. Since the 1990’s. At that time I started my Catskill 3500 journey with my oldest son which we finished in 1999. This July I had the joy of completing my second 3500 adventure with my younger son finishing on a three-day trip up the Neversink and out over Slide Mountain. Balsam Cap, Friday, Dink, and out over Slide Mountain In the southern Catskills, just south of Slide Mountain sits…
Burroughs Range & Phoenicia Trail Loop; A Backpacking or Day Trip
This is one of the toughest loops in the Catskills. With awe-inspired views, extensive first growth and subalpine forests, lean-tos, designated campsites, and mountain springs with sparkling chilled water this trip has something for everyone. Just the Burroughs Range alone is a thigh buster but add to it the ascent to the col between Giant Ledge and Little Slide Mountain and then the descent to Woodland Valley State Campground your body will be screaming for some…