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…
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…
3 Things You Will Hate About Hiking Slide Mountain
Slide Mountain is King of the Catskills. Topping out at just below 4200′ it is the highest point of land between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the high peaks in West Virginia. It has a wonderful summit adorned with Balsam Fir and is full of Catskill history. So what’s wrong with Slide? Slide Mountain is crowded A resurgence in the love of outdoor fitness and hiking has more people on the trail. In the Catskills and Adirondacks…
Curtis – Ormsbee Trail – Catskills
The blue blazed Curtis – Ormsbee Trail is a short connector trail in the Slide Mountain Wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. It provides the hiker with a beautiful alternative to the “dog route” from the Slide Mountain Trail Head, or as part of the main approach coming from Denning. In its 1.65-mile length, the hiker will find fine views, first growth forest, and interesting trail-side scenery. History behind the Curtis – Ormsbee Trail The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail…