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…
Best Hikes: Devil’s Path Backpacking Traverse
One of the Catskill’s most visited and dramatic trails is Devil’s Path. It can make an unforgettable multi-day backpacking experience. It can also be broken down into loops for several nice overnight trips using connector/access trails. The name can be traced to early settlers who thought the Catskill’s were host to the devil. The Devil’s Path mountains were said to be formed by the devil slapping its tail and creating the steep gaps between peaks.…
Great Hikes: Hunter Mountain Spruceton Trail
The Spruceton Trail is a very popular approach to Hunter’s summit and with a return on Devil’s Path makes a great circuit hike. The Spruceton Trail follows the old jeep road that serviced the fire tower. This is a well-graded trail and has a few moderately steep sections. You can hike an out-and-back on the Spruceton Trail or extend your day on Devil’s Path and make it a wonderful, but more challenging loop. The trail…
Lean-tos in the Hunter Mountain area
Lean-tos in the Hunter – West Kill Wilderness and Rusk Mountain Wild Forest are included in this description. These lean-tos make for a great overnight or weekend-long outings to explore the surrounding area. These are also located close enough to trailheads to make for a nice first camping experience. Beware that these are popular lean-tos especially on the weekends and holidays. One can find tent spots near each one. There are three lean-tos in the…
Catskill Fire Tower Hikes & Challenge
Hiking in the Catskills is challenging and fun!. Add some fire tower steps and this boosts the experience. Every now and then climbing a fire tower is as exhilarating as the hike itself. As one starts up the wide stairway at the tower base well below the canopy the ascent quickly becomes more narrow and the treetops get closer. As the visitor ascends near or above the canopy fantastic views begin to show and the…