Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Table of contents
- The Gunks: World-Class Trad Climbing at Your Fingertips
- Stunning Hudson Highlands Hikes: Your Essential Guide
- Overlook Mountain: Breathtaking Beauty and Tranquility Awaits
- Overlook Mountain (Hudson Highlands)
- Scenic Trail (Catskills)
- Shawangunk Ridge Trail (Gunks)
- Lake Placid (Adirondacks)
- In Summary
- FAQs
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Hiking in the Catskills is an amazing activity. There are many places to go hiking. You can climb mountains, see waterfalls, and enjoy nature.
If going on a long challenging hike, hikers should be prepared before going out into the wilderness so be sure to take lots of supplies, such as food, water, and clothing.
The Catskill Mountains are beautiful places to hike. There are many trails available for hiking enthusiasts. You can go on short hikes or longer treks.
The Gunks: World-Class Trad Climbing at Your Fingertips
Calling all climbers! The Gunks, short for Shawangunks, is a legendary climbing destination in New York State that shouldn’t be missed. This world-class area, just a short drive from the bustling NYC metro area, boasts some of the best trad climbing in the entire country.
The unique quartz conglomerate rock offers a haven for exhilarating climbs with features like roofs, jugs, exciting traverses, and stunning exposure. Whether you’re a seasoned trad climber or a beginner looking for some moderate trad challenges, The Gunks has something to offer everyone. So lace up your climbing shoes,rack up your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable climbing experience!
Climbing the Gunks is a time-honored tradition. Climbers who climb up the Gunks often start out as beginners but eventually move on to harder climbs.
Climbers tend to be brave and have cool heads. Quartz rock on the Gunks makes it harder than other rocks. It’s a massive challenge climbing the Gunks and you need to be careful when you climb there.
Stunning Hudson Highlands Hikes: Your Essential Guide
Craving epic views and fresh air? Look no further than the Hudson Highlands State Park! This hiker’s dreamland overlooks the mighty Hudson River and boasts trails for all skill levels. Wanna push your limits? Tackle the challenging climbs of Breakneck Ridge. Feeling more chill? Take a relaxing stroll through the peaceful forests on the Anthony Nose Trail. Waterfalls, historical sites, and jaw-dropping vistas are around every corner.
Before you hit the trails, do a quick check on the park’s website for updates. Essentials like sturdy shoes, plenty of water,and snacks are a must. Plus, consider packing some cool hiking gadgets to level up your adventure. Think headlamp for those pre-dawn hikes or a portable charger to document those epic views!
Overlook Mountain: Breathtaking Beauty and Tranquility Awaits
Escape the hustle and bustle and discover the magic of Overlook Mountain. This scenic gem offers a diverse range of trails for hikers of all abilities. For breathtaking panoramas, conquer the challenging but rewarding Overlook Mountain Trail. It’s a 4.6-mile trail to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Catskills.
Feeling more relaxed? Opt for the leisurely family-friendly paths that meander through the lush forest.
Overlook Mountain also boasts excellent car-camping opportunities. Pitch your car camping tent under a blanket of stars and wake up to a nature symphony. For a hassle-free setup, consider an easy-up tent– perfect for those who prioritize convenience and comfort.
Insider Tip: Pack layers! Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can dip significantly at night., be sure to check the fire regulations before setting up a campfire.
Hudson Highlands is a very popular hiking region with trails that suit all abilities, even if you’re a beginner hiker.
You’ll find a list of trails in Hudson Highlands State park preserve.
These best hikes in the catskills are suitable for all ages. There are some short walks as well as longer ones. Some are easier than others but they’re all interesting. The park is located near Peekskill, New York.
The Adirondack region is fascinating to visit and steeped in history. The dome is a unique geographic feature. It is made up of ancient rock formations.
The Adirondacks are new mountains from old rocks and are the oldest mountains in New York State.
Let’s look at some popular hikes you can enjoy in these regions.
Overlook Mountain (Hudson Highlands)
The hike through Overlook mountain is located near Woodstock, New York, and near the Hudson River. You’ll find a parking lot at the trailhead.
Follow a dirt path for two miles until you reach the summit. There are some interesting ruins there. The fire tower is also worth climbing.
Tables are placed strategically throughout the park. There are also remnants of a plane crash found in the area.
The trail is best hiked during the spring and fall months. Hiking or trekking this trail requires some elevation gain, but it is pretty easy to complete, one of the best hikes in the catskills.
Hike, Camp, Chill: Hudson Highlands State Park Awaits
Craving some fresh air and epic views? Forget fancy gear and greetings – Hudson Highlands State Park is your chill outdoor escape. Hike alongside the mighty Hudson River, with trails for all levels. Feeling adventurous? Tackle Breakneck Ridge’s scrambles for bragging rights. Want a more relaxed vibe? Stroll through peaceful forests on family-friendly paths. Waterfalls, historical sites, and jaw-dropping vistas are around every bend.
Planning to camp? Score a spot under the stars at designated campgrounds (reservations recommended at Hudson Highlands).
Insider tip: Pack a headlamp for pre-dawn hikes and a portable charger to document your adventures. Leave no trace – pack out all your trash to keep this beauty spot pristine for everyone.
Scenic Trail (Catskills)
This trail is very easy to do for anyone. . It is flat and well-paved, and has many access points. You can ski, bike, and hike your way across this great trail of best hikes in the catskills. The numerous access points mean you could walk as little or as long as you want.
There are two ways to get to this trail: From the railroad trailhead in Stamford, take the train to Bloomville, then walk up the road leading to the trailhead.
Or, if you’re coming from the south, take the train to Great Barrington, then head west on Route 9S until you reach the trailhead. Either way, the trail is easy to follow. You’ll be following the yellow or blue octagonal signs along the way.
Shawangunk Ridge Trail (Gunks)
The Shawangunk Ridge Trail is a long hiking trail that goes up and down mountains. This trail was made by hikers who wanted to go up mountains and get some fresh air. The trail is mostly used by people who want to best hikes in the catskills.
The trail is also used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. There are lots of places to stop and rest on this trail because there are lots of hills.
People can take pictures or watch birds while walking on this trail. This trail starts off at the top of the mountain and goes all the way down to the bottom.
It takes you past some amazing scenery. You go by the falls and see them fall over. Then you get to the point where you can take a train up there.
Lake Placid (Adirondacks)
Hiking Trails in the Adirondack Mountains are great places to see nature. There are many different kinds of wildlife along these best hikes in the catskills.
However, you must be careful when you hike because there might be bears or other dangerous animals around.
The northern part of the trail is much more interesting than the southern part but it depends on what time of year you go.
Hiking the North Country Trail is a great activity to do during the summer and fall months. Snow can still be present in the mountains, but hiking is much more enjoyable when there isn’t any snow.
Hikers enjoy the cool weather and the lack of bugs. Fall colors make the trail a beautiful sight to see.
In Summary
The above is just a fraction of the hikes that you can do in the Catskills, Gunks, Adirondacks, and Hudson Highlands. They are well worth a visit and you will make precious memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
FAQs
The Catskills offer diverse trails, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities for hikers of all levels to explore the great outdoors.
Absolutely! The Catskills have plenty of trails perfect for beginners, offering easy terrains and beautiful landscapes.
Don’t miss iconic spots like Kaaterskill Falls and the summit of Slide Mountain for some of the best views and experiences.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
Join our Facebook Group – Outdoor Gear Reviews, Deals, Hacks & Advice- Backpacking, Hiking & Camping to get the latest reviews, deals, and discounts on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. Share tips, and advice and to show our love, we also give monthly gear giveaways.
