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…
West Kill Mountain in the Catskills
West Kill Mountain is the tallest peak on Devil’s Path at 3898 feet. It’s closest higher neighbor is Hunter Mountain that is 3.13-miles away at a Bearing 77.6° True or 90.7° Magnetic. It’s Isolation Limit Point is 3-miles away just below Hunter’s Summit. West Kill’s Isolation Circle Area is a large 27.7 mi² (71.8 km²). It was heavily glaciated and has many ridges with cirques in which small glaciers carved the slopes of this massive…
5 family and kid friendly hikes in the Catskills
What makes a hike great for young families? In our experience, it’s the small things. No really, small things. Bugs, cool plants, frogs, caves, water, and some views. Easier the better. Small children don’t care about peak bagging. They’re into simple fun. One of the best things you can do for your young hiker is let them hike. Pick hikes that your child can walk on their own, at least part of the way. Carry them…
Diamond Notch Falls a great family hike
This short hike from a remote trailhead in the Catskill Mountains has it all. Diamond Notch Falls will give the young hiker a “wilderness” feel with a lot to see along the way. The reward after the 0.86-mile almost level walk is one of the prettiest waterfalls in these mountains. This short hike is popular and great for kids. You’ll share it waterfall enthusiasts, artists, day and through-hikers, swimmers, and more! View from the base…
Southwest Hunter Mountain aka Leavitt Peak
Southwest Hunter Mountain is also known as Leavitt Peak in honor of the Leavitt’s, two Catskill 3500 Club founders. However, in this writing I will refer to the mountain by it’s official name of Southwest Hunter Mountain to avoid confusion with maps. The peak was originally not part of the official Catskill 3500 requirement list as it was considered a spur ridge of Hunter Mountain. There was disagreement among the early club members and it…