Looking for the best hiking in the Catskills? This region is excellent for every hiker, regardless of your preferred level. You can hike from North-South Lake to the peak of Newman's Ledge or make the quick yet stunning hike to Pratt's Rock, known as the "Mount Rushmore of the East."
Here, you'll discover different hike options that match your skill level and fulfill your Catskills bucket list desires. You'll enjoy picturesque views of rugged cliffs carved by streams, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. The Catskills, located just two hours north of New York City, are a serene getaway for city dwellers seeking a break from the busy urban life to experience the beauty of nature.
Whether you want to take on the most challenging paths on the East Coast, leisurely explore the landscapes, or take photos of the highest waterfalls in the state, you'll see why locals and tourists love going for the best hiking in the Catskills.
Sam's Point is one of the best hiking in the Catskills. It offers not just one stunning destination but three! Once you reach the top of the smooth, paved path, you can stand on the level, bare ledge to witness the Shawangunk Ridge and Wallkill Valley unfolding beneath you.
When you keep moving forward through the forest of huckleberry and pitch pine trees, you'll reach the ice caves—a set of cold crevices where snow remains until July. Wooden planks and ladders outline the loop trail as it meanders among the rocks. The caves might be blocked off during late autumn to early spring, so make sure to stop by the visitor's center before starting your hike.
If you want to challenge yourself and visit the third location, you need to return to the markers for Verkeerderkill Falls. This 187-foot waterfall is most spectacular in the spring and early summer. You'll find a sign on the path that boldly states, "This is one of Earth's last great places," a claim that will be hard to disagree with.
Hiking on trails with waterfalls lets you trade peak sights for flowing rivers and streams. Surrounded by abundant forests, these magnificent natural views will leave you breathless and foster a stronger bond with nature.
Level: Moderate
Kaaterskill Falls is not just one of the highest waterfalls in New York but also one of the most well-known. Today, adventurers of all kinds, from outdoor painters to avid hikers with cameras, are drawn to the 260 ft waterfall as it is a beautiful subject, inspiring around 100,000 visitors annually.
Several wooded pathways, starting from the Laurel House Road, allow hikers to choose their preferred outdoor experience. For a brief, family-friendly walk, you can go to the upper waterfalls viewing deck and join the continuous flow of people waiting to take pictures. To view both, you must descend 200 steps to reach the base of the lower falls. From this point, you can traverse the river rocks until you come across a stable platform to appreciate the view.
Kaaterskill Falls is also considered one of the top places for swimming in the Catskills. During summer days, the boldest adventurers can cool down in the rejuvenating swimming spot beneath the upper falls. But during winter, make sure to avoid the slippery descent and view the frost-covered scenery from the observation deck above instead. During the peak of autumn in the Catskills, you can expect to come across bigger crowds, but witnessing the stunning natural beauty makes it a worthwhile experience.
Level: Easy
Plattekill Creek flows through the Platte Clove area, the origin of numerous well-liked waterfalls in the Catskills. If you're only looking for an easy hike, start at Josh Road at the top of Platte Clove Road in Hunter. Then, drive to the small red house and walk 100 feet south of the King Post Bridge to reach Old Mill Falls.
Old Mill Falls is named after a former mill located downstream from the falls during the 1800s. Although it is not very tall, it is quite wide. These falls reach their peak beauty when the water is high and cascades gracefully over the 16-foot height of the creek bed. Visit during springtime or after intense rainfall for the best views.
Level: Easy
Looking for a picture-perfect waterfall? Cascading through a small opening at the top of a sheer cliff, Plattekill Falls won't disappoint you!
To locate the falls, you should park on Josh Road near the small red house and walk about a quarter mile along Plattekill Creek, which meanders past Old Mill Falls and through lush wooded areas.
Plattekill Falls will leave you breathless as it cascades 70 feet before plunging back into the creek below. The moss-covered rock faces surrounding it give off a mystical vibe, while the stream it flows into offers plenty of rock hopping opportunities. Gather the entire family and enjoy a day nestled in a beautiful Catskill mountains retreat!
Level: Easy to Moderate
Ready to up your game? Those looking for a more challenging experience will enjoy the four-mile loop trail to Diamond Notch Falls, also called West Kill Falls, accessible via the path at Diamond Notch Road in Lanesville. Hike along well-kept paths in the verdant Catskills wilderness to reach this stunning 10-foot waterfall. Marvel at the picturesque scenery from the bridge at the top of the waterfall or hike down to the shallow pool beneath. If the destination is more important than the journey, you can also take a .7-mile hike from the parking area on Spruceton Road.
Level: Difficult
If you're looking for a more thrilling adventure and ready for a long day of hiking, venture to East Kill Falls. The picturesque trail, measuring 7.2 miles round trip, begins at a parking area at the end of Stork Nest Road, just off Maple Lawn Road. Around .3 miles in, you will encounter a DEC trail register. Remember to log in! Although the path doesn't lead directly to the waterfall, it does get close within 100 - 200 feet, and you can easily navigate through the bushes to reach it once you hear the stream. Apart from the waterfalls, this path is famous for spotting wildlife, too, so keep an eye on the lookout!
Mohonk Preserve spans over 8,000 acres in southeastern Catskills and boasts almost 70 miles of trails. Choosing the best hike for you may be tricky, but it's much easier than the path to Bonticou Crag.
This trail has an unassuming start, but be aware! Fields of tall grasses stretch out to the side of the gravel road that meanders through serene forests. The difficulty level significantly rises once you arrive at the Bonticou Ascent Path, indicated by yellow markers. Here, the cliff rises above the line of trees, and hikers must ascend a short yet intense rock pile to reach the summit.
Bold hikers reap big rewards here: the white quartz-and-sandstone peak provides panoramic views of the area. Sit back, take it all in on one of the ledges, and have a light snack before starting the descent.
Fortunately, you do not need to backtrack the same path. You can follow the yellow arrows near the climbing area to walk down the rear side of the mountain. But if you think this quick loop is too easy, you can add more miles by walking to Table Rocks, a peaceful cliffside spot that doesn't involve climbing.
The steep gravel path up Overlook Mountain may not resemble the picturesque trail from a John Muir fantasy, but this trek above Woodstock is not just about the journey—it's about reaching the end.
From the 3140ft peak, you can observe the Ashokan Reservoir in the south and the Hudson River Valley spreading east. If the views from this location aren't impressive enough, you can climb the 60ft fire tower to change your mind.
Make sure to check out Karma Triyana Dharmachakra before you start your hike! It's a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As you continue walking, you will inevitably come across the remains of a century-old hotel, the Overlook Mountain House, that used to accommodate guests.
Hikers usually use the steps here to rest before their final push to the top. But more than that, the ruins also tempt many to explore further—strolling through the hall, peering into the side rooms, or posing for photos on a stunning staircase that looks straight out of Hogwarts. Although you probably won't encounter ghosts from the hotel's past in the empty rooms, be on the lookout for timber rattlesnakes that sometimes move along the trail.
West Coast climbers familiar with the challenging Rocky Mountains trails will find most New York trails easy. But not until they take on the Devil's Path! Considered the most challenging hike on the East Coast, this trail features six peaks that surpass 14,000ft in elevation.
The challenging journey is not suitable for the weak-willed. Bold adventurers who brave the trail typically camp for three days in lean-tos and purify their water from streams as they hike along the east-to-west path. Here, you can expect challenging climbs, unforeseeable weather, and encounters with black bears.
However risky it may be, the Devil's Path is unquestionably like paradise. Throughout most of the hike, you will be far from civilization, allowing you to appreciate numerous untamed waterfalls, dense forests, and picturesque views. If you think the reward isn't worth it, consider taking a day trip on shorter parts of the trail, such as the 7-mile Indian Head Loop Trail or the route to Plateau Mountain.
Looking to experience the beauty of the Catskill region without committing to a long hike? Try exploring the area near Livingston Manor. Upward Brewing Company, a small brewery loved by local beer enthusiasts, offers craft beers and hiking opportunities. Follow the sign near the chalet-style pub to ascend the property's aptly named Beer Mountain.
Here, the trail begins with a steep climb through a peaceful forest and continues along a rocky path to a grassy field surrounded by gentle hills. This trail does not offer the same level of intensity as the other hikes mentioned, but that's the point. It provides the same opportunity to marvel at the best hiking in the Catskills without exerting too much effort. Not to mention, it's a great excuse to have a good beer!
Visit Willowemoc Campgrounds for the best outdoor experience, with trails wide underfoot. If you're new to hiking, you can choose simpler trails in the Wild Forest, where you'll enjoy a scenic experience resembling vibrant postcards. For those who seek thrilling adventures, you can try the challenge of Burnt Knob's slopes, which offer steeper climbs and picturesque views that make it worth every breath!
Here, you are surrounded by nature's beauty and grandeur. You can spend your days fishing in pristine waters or strolling through trails with stunning sights. At night, you can light a campfire under the starry sky—a great time to share stories and bond with your family and friends.
Whether seeking thrills or tranquility, Willowemoc Campgrounds in the Catskills offers a memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.