Closure of Kaaterskill Falls Upper Viewing Platform due to COVID-19
Immediately the upper parking areas Molly Smith, Laurel House Road, and Scutt Road will be closed. The trails connecting to the upper viewing platform to the famed Kaaterskill Falls will be closed until further notice. Additionally, the DEC is blocking roads leading to N-S Lake State Campground. You can read the entire news release here. Take a virtual hike of Kaaterskill Falls If you want to enjoy the view of the falls from the upper…
Kaaterskill Falls hike in the Catskills (upper trailhead)
This is the upper section of what could be done as one awesome hike to the lower trailhead now that the NYSDEC has updated the trail system (2016) in this area. It is some of the best trail work in New York if not the whole universe – haha. However, for the purposes of this description, I will only review the trail from the upper parking area to the overlook platform. It may be the…
Escarpment Trail Hike from North Lake to North Point and Mary’s Glen Trail
This is the northern loop of the North-South Lake area which includes the most dramatic section of the Escarpment Trail. I can’t find words worthy to express its beauty. For many hikers, they will stop and return to the campground after reaching Lookout and Sunset Rocks, this is a mistake. The hike to North Point, even though a bit longer and somewhat rougher, is worth the effort and time. A return on the Mary’s Glen…
Best Hikes: The Kaaterskill Rail Trail In The Catskill Mountains
Winter is upon us. With several snowfalls already there are hopes of a good year for snow related sports. We’ll keep our fingers crossed! A great addition to the trail system in the Catskills for both beginner snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter mountain biking is The Kaaterskill Rail Trail. The trail is located just to the north of the Kaaterskill Wild Forest for most of its length. The Kaaterskill Rail Trail is currently a 1.5 mile…
Places to Camp on the Catskill’s Escarpment Trail
The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail has been a favorite for hikers for generations. It’s ruggedness and wilderness feel will appeal to almost any outdoor enthusiast. Along its 23-mile length, the trail winds over 7 mountains with a high point of 3,940′ at the summit of Blackhead Mountain – vistas are many and are awe-inspiring. With steep uphills, some precipitous drops, and relatively few water sources it is one of New York’s most challenging trails. Plan well and study…