Fawns Leap Difficulty: Moderate (steep) 0.25 miles roundtrip 24 foot plunge drop waterfall Popular swimming hole Likely to be crowded It’s a challenging hike yet doable and fun for anyone that has hiked before and is also part of the Devil’s Path. "AMC's Best Day Hikes In The Catskills & Hudson Valley" is a practical "day trip" guide to varied and scenic terrains that range from Westchester County to Albany, showcasing sixty of the most scenic and spectacular of these trails which suited for anything from short family nature walks to day-long hikes with magnificent views. Alternatively, extend your hike by climbing Overlook Mountain (2.4 miles, moderate) and take in the view (elevation 3140 feet) from the Fire Tower. The Catskills are 2 and 1/2 hours north of New York City. From the top you can hike down in a big loop or continue along the top of the ridge to the Northeast Trail, from where there are lovely views of the Catskill Mountains. Best Short Family Hikes RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary - 3 miles of trails through the Hudson's largest tidal swamp Mountain Top Arboretum - 4 trail networks through meadows, forests, and glens Whether you’re seeking a leisurely summer stroll or a challenging expedition in the cold, the Catskill hiking trails are worthwhile, year-round. Just above the quarry is a designated campsite. Hurl down single track, summit one of the Catskills 35ers, and paddle on the shimmering lakes. 195 photos The falls are definitely one of the best hikes in the Catskills. Don’t forget to also check out my 8 Perfect Summer Activities in the Catskills with Kids. With over 425 miles of hiking trails and 98 mountains over 3000′ in elevation, the park features forested mountains, narrow, winding valleys, and rushing streams and rivers making it one of the most complex natural areas in the Eastern United States. It was again rebuilt with another wood structure in 1905. Angelina is a freelance writer based in New York City. Trust your gut, you know best what your family can handle. Best: Spring, Summer, Fall Shaupeneak Ridge in Esopus has several interconnected trails, all of which are easily some of the best Hudson Valley hikes. Although not with-in the blueline of the Catskill Park, the hike is definitely in Catskill territory. The five hikes selected by Kick take children to a trailside zoo, fire tower, cranberry bogs, lighthouse, and even a meteor crater. The hike up Pratt Rock is short but steep. 1,586' vertical climb. This country looks and feel wild, and the views from its many lookouts easily rival those from the more-crowded high peaks. 59. Please act responsibly during this stressful period. Get a Thrill: Fly above the Catskills while taking in breathtaking views at Hunter Mountain Skyride, sail on the largest zipline canopy tour in North America at New York Zipline Canopy Tours at Hunter Mountain (pictured), shred with the best of them at Windham Mountain Bike Park, slide down fast rides or relax on the lazy river at Zoom Flume Water Park, or kayak, canoe, and paddleboard at North-South Lake State … that will lead you to a small peak and the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower, offering views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains. 50 of the greatest hikes in the country, for all abilities and in all landscapes. Largely self-taught, he started painting portraits before turning to landscapes when he discovered the Catskills in 1825. Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold. Carry them when you must. Here are the area's best hikes. 5 Best Catskill Mountains Hikes The Catskill Mountains is a favourite of many hikers that take on its trails lined with natural beauty. One of the best family-friendly hikes in the Catskills, including for young kids and seniors, Frick Pond Loop travels through varied terrain, including forest, meadows, and wetlands. The white trail climbs from the lower parking lot fairly steeply up the ridge. It’s easy and flat along the edge of crystal clear Cooper Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Catskills. Best Places to Eat in the Catskills for Hikers 2020. This up-to-date list of the best Catskills cafes and restaurants will help make your next pre- or post-hike chow extra-awesome Best Catskills Eats I love Phoenicia Diner on Rte 28 for a glorious post-hike chow. 9 Best Hiking Trails Near NYC ... A moderately difficult climb up rock scrambles and varied terrain will reward you with breathtaking views of the Catskills. Kaaterskill Falls. Unlike anything you’ll find on a map, it’s one of the most breathtaking kid-friendly hikes in the Hudson Valley. Two of them could make nice winter snowshoe trips. Young Chris camping at Dibbles Quarry in the Catskills Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingTip: If you camp here find the small ledge just downhill from the campsite above the quarry to have breakfast as the sun rises over the Hudson Valley. Bring water shoes if you care for a dip in the water after working up a light sweat. Cooper Lake Reservoir is a gem hidden in plain sight! Part of the Devil's Path. Check out one of the guided hikes below, or use the itineraries to plan your own adventure. While boardwalks have been installed in particularly wet areas of the trail, this can be a muddy hike in spring or following heavy rain. Difficult. This trail is not named the Devil’s Path for no reason. These trails are full of adventure and miles of scenic landmarks. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers riding the trails on the upper section of Elm Ridge. The Catskills include 287,500 acres of state land (Forest Preserve) and are filled with endless opportunities for adventure, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, paddling, and snowmobiling. You may have to carry the little ones on some of the short climbs, but there is much to see along the way. The Elm Ridge Trail is most direct and easier. Either way a nice setting as a place to camp. Fun. Hit the trail this winter with these great hikes in New York state! 10/10, would go again. Northern Catskills (Greene County) From mountain biking, to hiking, to paddling, Greene County is an outdoor recreation hub. Here are two easy hikes for beginners in New York's Catskill Mountains which also allow dogs and … Twin and Sugarloaf Mountains (10/14) →. Please note changes in access and rules for hiking and camping in the Adirondacks and Catskills during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a great time to take a hike in the many trails of the Catskills area. Below, you’ll find a mix of hiking trails and routes that cross a variety of terrain. New York's Catskills have long been an outdoor playground for families escaping from the city. Some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Catskills, thrilling stream crossings, and a moderately difficult ascent up the 3,602-foot Balsam Mountain make this 9.2-mile trail exciting for experienced hikers. ... so if your little ones are frightened of dogs this isn't the best option for them. Park at the little red house and walk 100 feet south of the King Post Bridge to find Old Mill Falls. Poet's Ledge 6.14 miles round trip - 4.5 hours round trip. The original structure was wood and ironically burnt down in 1901. Warm days, cool nights, and just the right amount of rain this year means the maple leaves are turning a deep scarlet, the yellows and oranges will be electric, and the wild apples are ripe (and plentiful). Now with two routes to choose from, you can go very easy or get a more wilderness feel on a new Cranberry Bog Trail. If you’re an experienced hiker up for the challenge, you’ll break a good sweat on this hike, and the views of Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River are certainly worth the sore muscles. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies, 5 family and kid friendly hikes in the Catskills, 10 Small Changes That Will Have A Huge Impact On Your Sleep in the Woods, 5 Winter Hiking Tips for Your First Time Out &…, At about 1-mile level walk from the trailhead (see videos), Diamond Notch Trailhead, Spruceton RD, Green County, Hunter – West Kill Wilderness Recreation Map, hike from Mine Kill State Park (read about the hike), Trailhead, State Route 30, Schoharie County, checking the forecast during your planning. West Kill Mountain - 6.40 mile trip - 4.50 hours. Difficult hike to summit of West Kill Mountain. It includes the perfect family-friendly guide to hikes, as well as beaches, farms, and horseback riding in the Catskills! While the Catskills have a reputation for rugged, steep terrain, the region also offers plenty of short, exciting jaunts with amazing views that kids can scale. Easier the better. Great for a day escape to the Catskills. Rushmore”. Some of the most popular places to visit and hike at this time of year are Sunset Rock, Palenville Overlook, and North-South Lake. The reward for all that effort are splendid views of the Hudson River and across to the Catskills. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. hiked around a lot of the Catskills but these are the trails we've returned to again and again because we all enjoy them. 1.5 miles round trip. At its peak, the trip is worth the view: an expansive overlook of the mountains and hills below. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Ave. Fun outdoor time in the Catskills - whine-free! - Use the links below to get the full reports for the Adirondacks and Catskills. The hike was easy – only .2 miles and the ascent was 80 feet making this one of our Top Picks of Easy Hikes in the Catskill Mountains! Best: Spring, Summer, Fall, Roaring Kill Trailhead, Green County NY (Google Maps), Indian Head Wilderness Recreation Map (DEC). The Catskills have a wide verity of natural attractions from waterfalls to scenic vistas and remote lakes. Catskill Mountain Guide by Appalachian Mountain Club Books, Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons by Carol and David White, Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, AMC High Peaks Trail Guide Map Pack by Adirondack Mtn Club, Catskill Region Waterfall Guide by Black Dome Press, Good Fishing in the Catskills: A Complete Angler’s Guide (Third Edition), Hunter-West Kill Wilderness and Rusk Mountain Wild Forest, Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and why to use them, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to the 10 Essentials. Best Hikes: The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail from Colgate Lake Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains The authors of this site are not responsible any damage, personal injuries or death as a result of the use of any advice, gear or techniques discussed on this blog. However, once they get too big to be toted around in this way you'll have to rely heavily on #2, choosing the right hike. Credit Jackaranga Getting There If you access the hike from street level—which involves finding parking along the winding Route 23—your end destination is a beautiful 231-foot waterfall. We have handpicked five hikes with varying degrees of difficulty and all about 1.5 to 2 miles round trip with lots of stuff to engage your kid. A popular trail near Beacon and a bit lengthy, Breakneck Ridge is one of the more strenuous hikes in the Catskill region. Mount Tremper. We have seen kids swimming, backpackers stopping on their way through to other places, painters and photographers and young families. Tip: No charge for admission to the park or pool. Our guide is Peter Kick, author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, now available in an expanded second edition. You can usually find her on a yoga mat, at the wine store, or off on a new adventure. Hurl down single track, summit one of the Catskills 35ers, and paddle on the shimmering lakes. Just a word of caution, the area around the falls can be very slippery and in winter the creek ices over but you can fall through. Here's a guidebook that shows you hikes that the whole family can do. 1,586' vertical climb. If you’re interested in taking a more strenuous hike and bagging one of the Catskill 3500’ summits in the process, you can continue along the trail straight up Panther Mountain, about two miles (and 1,000 vertical feet) one-way from the first ledge. At 4,040 feet, Hunter Mountain is the second tallest mountain in the Catskills. Very remote hike. Hikers can expect to climb over boulders, cliffs, and a river on this 8.6-mile trek. Whether hiking in peak summer season or adventuring to a frozen waterfall in the winter, this hike is enjoyable for all ages and skill levels. A moderately challenging hike on its own, offering panoramic views of the Catskill region from peaks that reach over 3,500 feet, the Sugarloaf Mountain Loop is a section of Devil's Path noted above. Best Hikes with Children in the Catskills and Hudson River Valley, 2nd Ed. Sometimes described as the most dangerous and challenging hiking trail in not just the Catskill region, but in all of the Tri-State area, Devil’s Path is a 23-mile hike through various peaks and summits, located near the town of Hunter. The Top 12 Places to Go Hiking in Georgia, The 10 Most Charming Towns in New York's Catskills, 20 Scenic Mountain Hikes in the United States, One Week in New York State: The Ultimate Itinerary. Best Hikes: Devil’s Path Backpacking Traverse; Best Hikes: Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Woodland Valley Loop; Best Hikes: The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail from Colgate Lake; Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains Part of the Devil's Path. Read more here! It has been called the "Best Bakery in the Catskills." A list of the top 5 Catskills Hikes For Kids. Here are the best hikes in the Catskill Mountains the entire family will love! Bugs, cool plants, frogs, caves, water, and some views. Say what? Balsam Mountain Loop Trail. It would be a great first “backcountry” camping experience for a young hiker. It’s sure to inspire any hiker at any age! With this exploration, they will learn how to hike and have fun. However, the rock carvings by Zadock Pratt and his life will surely keep any kid interested. Easy: Port Jervis Branch Trail Ready to go for a hike in the Catskills? Along the way, you’ll cross a couple of streams, find a small “cave” on your right (you’ll really need to look for it). includes games that will keep the kids engaged and enjoying the trails. But perhaps the best part of this hike is along the trail itself when you come across the ruins of the old Overlook Hotel, eerily erect but sans windows, roof, and most walls. The reward for your journey comes in the form of free cookies and water, courtesy of kind volunteers that sit watch at the top. Upstate New York offers some of the best fall foliage in the world (seriously), and this autumn looks to be best in almost 5 years. America’s Best Day Hikes is a beautifully illustrated, best-of compendium featuring the most memorable one- day hikes in every region of the United States.. What makes a hike great for young families? The Indian Head Mountain Loop in Greene County is a 5.9-mile hiking trail recommended for experienced hikers in boots (so leave your sneakers at home for this one). In the small hamlet of Prattsville, there is a gem of a hike. This is one of the best hikes in Hudson Valley and one of the most popular hikes in Mohonk Preserve. Very remote hike. For an easy hike, start at Josh Road (at the top of Platte Clove Road) in Hunter. You can even access the high peak of Kaaterskill Falls from this trail, which offers terrific 180-degree views, including the Hudson River. An amazing view as if one has climbed to a high summit! This is about as easy as they come. You can camp in the lean-to or in your tent at the designated area behind it. Perhaps best hiked during the warmer spring, summer, or early fall months, Vernooy Kill Falls is an easy 3.3-mile hike near Kerhonkson in Ulster County to a collection of waterfalls and rock pools. Best: Spring, Summer, Fall A mostly gentle climb, with some steep sections, that leads to sweeping views of surrounding farmland. Difficult. This is a favorite destination for many hikers and one of the most pretty falls in these mountains. Here's a guidebook that shows you hikes that the whole family can do. Catskill Mountain Best Hikes with Views: Twin Mountain - 6.02 mile trip - 4.50 hours. Advanced or “ass-kicker” hikes: Indian Head (11 miles), Slide Mountain (6.3 miles up the highest peak in the Catskills) Where to eat and drink in the Catskills. From the designated sites behind the Elm Ridge Lean-to Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe Elm Ridge Lean-to is a favorite destination for camping and makes a great “basecamp” for young hikers climbing Windham High Peak. Okay: Winter, Diamond Notch Trailhead, Spruceton RD, Green County (Google Maps), Hunter – West Kill Wilderness Recreation Map (DEC site), Above Mine Kill Falls in the Fall Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking. The Best Catskills Hiking Trails & Hikes This hand-curated selection of the most rewarding hikes you can do in the Catskill Park combines the best of the High Peaks, the best of the lower peaks, the best hiking trails, the best bushwhacks, and the best views. Second highest mountain for… This is my favorite hike in the Catskills and I’ve done it several times. With beautiful foliage and wildflowers growing along the trail, the 4.3 miles will fly by as you make your way to the top of this loop, where yet another Catskill town Fire Tower will greet you at the top. The view from the upper reaches of the trail are excellent. The steep elevation changes in the eastern Devil's Path means we'll see a diverse range of foliage through different ecosystems along the trail. That’s your goal with your young family members. Many experienced hikers choose to backpack this trail and spread the entirety of it over a few days by camping along the route. What to Think About Before Using a Lean-To or Back-Country Shelter, Why Trail Guides Should Make You Question Everything, 5 Winter Hiking Tips for Your First Time Out & So You’ll Want to go Back, Sunrise – Sunset Times Catskill Mountains, Catskill Lean-tos and Primitive Campsites, Places to Camp on the Catskill’s Escarpment Trail, Best Hikes: Devil’s Path Backpacking Traverse, Best Hikes: Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Woodland Valley Loop, Best Hikes: The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail from Colgate Lake, Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains. The Catskills are full of endless beauty, and the best way to experience them is to hit the trails. Poet's Ledge 6.14 miles round trip - 4.5 hours round trip. The big payoff is the quarry and the view. Read More. However, the more they walk the more they will explore. Wondering what to do in the Catskills? Best: Spring, Summer, Fall, Trailhead for Pratt Rock, Prattsville, Green County, Camping Diamond Notch Falls Dibbles Quarry Elm Ridge Lean-to Lean-to Lean-tos Mine Kill Falls Mine Kill State Park Pratt Rock Waterfalls. At Dibbles Quarry Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe hike to Dibbles Quarry is fun but is the most difficult of the 5 hikes as it climbs 400 feet. 8 Of The Best Hotels In The Catskills And Hudson Valley ... there’s a 9-hole golf course, fly-fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. No really, small things. There are several options to choose from such as summiting the mountain, discovering hidden waterfalls, hiking through the woods and spotting Hikers can take in the beautiful foliage and wildflowers along this 6.6-mile hike, or stop and do some bird watching along the way. Okay: Winter, Peck Road Trailhead, Green County (Google Maps), Diamond Notch Falls Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking. Elm Ridge Wild Forest. Before you reach the quarry there are some impressive cliffs to view on Sugar Loaf Mountain’s Ridge. Please read the DEC info carefully. There’s nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City and filling your lungs with a big breath of mountain air... Catskill Mountain air, to be exact. This was the first fire tower in NY build in 1887. Austin Donisan - via Wikimedia Commons. - Please see the NYSDEC website for COVID recommendations on safe hiking. At about 1-mile level walk from the trailhead (see videos), it attracts people for all sorts of reasons. Best Hikes with Children in the Catskills and Hudson River Valley includes games that will keep the kids engaged and enjoying the trails. Kaaterskill Falls is a top hike in the Catskill region, located near the towns of Haines Falls and Tannersville. Sugarloaf Mountain (the one in New York) is located between Plateau Mountain and Twin Mountain near Elka Park. This 25-mile plus hike climbs six significant peaks in the northern Catskills, accumulating about 18,000 feet of elevation gain and loss in steep, rocky terrain. These easy Catskills scenic trails lead to amazing views of the Catskills. Well hiking in the Catskills, NY is a must & … The Catskill mountains are no exception, and between the changing autumn leaves and the many hiking trails, there’s a huge number of ways you can experience everything autumn in the Catskills at its very best. Moderate climb (15% for 1.9 miles). Burroughs Range, also called the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Mountain Trail, is a difficult 12.3-mile hike, yet arguably one of the most beautiful in the region. In our experience, it’s the small things. Roscoe Beer Company. Experienced hikers will brave cliffs, wildlife, and caves, and have the option to camp and backpack the trail for a few days. This tower was reconstructed 4 times with the current steel one built in 1930 and is 47 feet tall. 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Valley hikes will please most families blueline of the Mountains and hills below and scenic ride from more-crowded. In all landscapes store, or off on a New adventure recreation hub bikers riding the trails 've.