Rescue: Hey, it’s only the Catskills! 7/29/20
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights Many people think the Catskills are full of simple easy hikes to its highest peaks. These excerpts from the latest Rangers of rescue in the Catskills show otherwise. Enjoy! Greene County Kaaterskill Wild Forest Wilderness Rescue: On July 20 at 2:15 p.m., DEC’s Central Dispatch was notified that a 72-year-old man from Galloway, New Jersey, slipped on wet rocks near Kaaterskill Falls causing an ankle injury. Forest Rangers Breigle, Dawson,…
Catskill’s Giant Ledge in Winter
Giant Ledge is one of the most popular destinations for day hikers in the Catskills. For many, it is the turn around point, but for others, they pass over it to get to Panther Mountain. Giant ledge offers some of the finest views from a cliff line which is arguably the most stunning in these mountains. It is one of the Catskill 67. Please use caution when at the edge, one misstep would be your…
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:…
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…