Greene County Hiking Guide

Hiking Guide

of GREENE COUNTY

HikeInTheCatskills.com

WELCOME

Welcome to the Great Northern Catskills.

Just 2 1/2 hours from New York City, timeless forests, dramatic peaks, and cascading waterfalls await—a hiker’s paradise like no other. Here, every step on the trails takes you deeper into the heart of the Catskills’ wild beauty, where the air is fresher, the views more expansive, and the connection to nature profound.

From the iconic cliffs of Kaaterskill Falls to hidden, moss-lined paths through hemlock groves, the Catskills deliver both challenge and serenity. It’s where American wilderness meets cultural history—where Hudson River School painters once found their muse and where today’s explorers find adventure and awe. Whether you’re a seasoned summitseeker or a weekend wanderer, this guide will help you uncover the trails that make the Great Northern Catskills the ultimate destination for hiking in Upstate New York.

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Leave No Trace Preserving the Catskills’ natural beauty requires everyone to do their part. By following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles during your hikes, you help protect the land, wildlife, and experience for future generations of explorers.

1. Know Before You Go. Research the area’s terrain, weather, and regulations. Bring the right gear, maps, and supplies to stay safe and avoid getting lost. Don’t depend on having cell service on the trail.

2. Stick to Trails & Camp Overnight Right. Always stay on marked trails and use established campsites. Avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing natural areas.

3. Trash Your Trash. Pack out all trash and leftover food.

When bathrooms or outhouses are not available, bury waste 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet (about 70 big steps) away from water sources and trails.

4. Leave What You Find. Help preserve the Catskills’ history and ecology. Leave rocks, plants, and cultural artifacts as you found them.

5. Be Careful with Fire. Use a camp stove for cooking when possible. If fires are allowed, use existing fire rings, keep fires small, and only burn dead and downed wood. Most importantly, make sure your fire is fully extinguished before vacating your campsite.

6. Keep Wildlife Wild. Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Store food securely to prevent attracting wildlife.

7. Be Considerate of Others. Yield to other hikers, keep pets under control, and minimize noise to let nature’s sounds prevail.

CAUTION: Outdoor recreation activities are by their very nature potentially hazardous and contain risks. All participants in such activities must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety.

The outdoors are forever changing. Greene County cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions, or for changes in the details in this publication or for the consequences of any reliance on the information contained herein for the safety of people in the outdoors. greatnortherncatskills.com

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WATERFALL HIKES

Kaaterskill Falls Waterfall Height: 260 ft ➤ Haines Falls, NY

Begin your 3.7-mile round trip hike from behind the Mountain Length: 1.7 mi Top Historical Society’s Parking Elevation Gain: 390ft Lot or start a 1.7-mile roundEstimated Time: 54 min trip hike from the Laurel House Access: 5132 NY-23A or 189 Laurel House Rd, Haines Falls Road Parking area. This hike descends gently through the forest before reaching a dramatic, steep staircase alongside Kaaterskill Falls. The trail offers stunning views, misty air, and the thunderous sound of cascading water. While the scenery is breathtaking, the return climb is steep and can be hazardously slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with good tread to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this iconic Great Northern Catskills destination.

Ashley Falls Waterfall Height: 43 ft ➤ Haines Falls, NY

Tucked away in a serene forest near Haines Falls, Ashley Falls is a hidden gem featuring a graceful cascade over mossy rocks. The waterfall flows best in spring or after heavy rain. Access the trail from the large parking area at North Lake. You’ll want to stop at the scenic Artists Rock and a small rock overhang known as Badman’s Cave, where the Rock Shelter and Escarpment Trail join.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Length: 4.9 mi Elevation Gain: 931 ft Estimated time: 2 to 3 hrs Access: County Rte 18, Haines Falls

Glen Falls Waterfall Height: 30 ft ➤ Round Top, NY

Glen Falls is a lovely threetiered waterfall accessible via an easy, family-friendly trail. Take a refreshing dip in Length: 0.7 mi Elevation Gain: mostly level swimming holes near the base Estimated Time: 30 min of two cascades. Access the trail Access: 230 Winter at Glen Falls House, a hotel, Clove Rd, Round Top tavern, and restaurant. Check in at the front desk for directions. The direct route to the falls is mostly level and dog-friendly. Other trail options on the inn’s property are easy to moderate in difficulty.

Diamond Notch Falls

Diamond Notch Waterfall Height: 25 ft ➤ Hunter, NY

Twin cascades tumble along the West Kill, accessible via a moderate 2.2 round-trip outand-back hike on the Diamond Notch Trail. Start at Spruceton Road in the Hunter-West Kill Length/Type: 2.2 mi Elevation Gain: 223 ft Wilderness located in West Estimated Time: 43 min Kill. The forested path follows Access: near end of an old carriage road and is Spruceton Rd, Hunter dog friendly. Spring and early summer offer the best flow and lush scenery.

CATSKILL WATERFALLS Scan QR code to learn more about waterfalls in the Great Northern Catskills. greatnortherncatskills.com

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SCENIC OVERLOOK HIKES

Hunter Fire Tower Summit Hunter Mountain and then go even higher by climbing NY’s highest fire tower—set at 4,040 feet atop Hunter Mountain. Follow the steep Becker Hollow Trail through the forest and alongside a stream.

The 60‑ft steel tower rewards climbers with sweeping 360° views—from the Hudson Valley to the Berkshires and beyond.

Length: 4.4 mi Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft Estimated Time: 2.5 hrs Access: Route 214, Becker Hollow Trailhead parking lot, Hunter

Windham High Peak via Elm Ridge Trail This out-and-back hike is one of the Catskills’ most approachable high peaks. The route follows the Elm Ridge and Escarpment trails through hardwood and Length: 6 mi spruce forests, boggy sections, Elevation Gain: 1,545 ft and past a lean-to before Estimated Time: 4 hrs reaching the 3,524-foot summit.

Access: 189 Peck Rd, Maplecrest Balancing accessibility with natural beauty, it’s a favorite choice for both first-time Catskills hikers and those seeking a scenic overlook and a rewarding yet manageable climb.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Scenic overlook at Hunter Mountain summit.

Escarpment Trail Overlook at North–South Lake State Campground Step onto the ledges above North– South Lake for a breathtaking, 4.8‑mile out‑and‑back hike along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

Rated moderate, the route leads to Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point—dramatic cliffs with panoramic views over Kaaterskill Clove, the Hudson Valley, and Catskill peaks. The best time to hike is spring through fall.

Length: 4.8 mi Elevation Gain: 2,150 ft Estimated Time: 2-3 hrs round-trip Access: Scutt Rd or South Lake parking lot, Haines Falls

Rip’s Rock Embark on a moderate 5-mile loop from Winter Clove Inn in Round Top to this legendary perch where Rip Van Winkle supposedly slumbered for twenty years. Ascend 1,000 feet through mixed woodland, crossing streams and passing Length: 5 mi Indian Lookout before reaching a Elevation Gain: 1,017 ft Estimated Time: 3 hrs dramatic cliff ledge with sweeping Access: 557 Winter Clove Rd, Hudson Valley views. Along the Round Top way, explore old quarry ruins and glacier-polished bedrock—melding literary lore, geological wonder, and panoramic beauty. greatnortherncatskills.com

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Photo: @newjerseyhiker

SHORT FAMILY HIKES

Plattekill Falls Discover a magical hike through Platte Clove Preserve to the 60–70 ft Plattekill Falls. Rated Length: .5 mi Elevation Gain: 111 ft easy to moderate, the wellEstimated Time: 30 min marked waterfall trail leads Access: Platte Clove Rd, past a charming “Little Red DEC parking lot, 0.2 mi east of Preserve, Elka Park House,” through a forested gorge, and down stone steps to a stunning plunge pool. A gentle adventure perfect for families—accessible year-round (winter can be icy)—with parking and a $5 day-use donation at the kiosk. In addition to this short trek down to the falls, the Catskill Center’s 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve features two additional trails–the overlook trail and nature trail. Parking on Platte Clove Road is very limited.

Cohotate Preserve Wander a gentle 1.3-mile loop through a diverse forest, tidal wetlands, and riverfront at the Cohotate Preserve.

Rated easy and perfect for Length: 1.3 mi Elevation Gain: 203 ft families, this self-guided Estimated Time: 35 min trail offers interpretive Access: 450 NY-385, Catskill signage, picnic spots by an old ice-house foundation, and several platforms ideal for spotting bald eagles and great blue herons. Open year‑round from dawn to dusk with on-site parking off Route 385.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Photo: @newjerseyhiker

Hannacroix Creek Preserve and Hudson River Interpretive Trail Discover a serene 1.4-mile roundtrip hike through 113 acres of woodland along Hannacroix Creek in New Baltimore. Rated easy to moderate, the trail begins with a gentle climb, then levels into shaded gravel paths that lead past a charming waterfall and historic Length: 0.8 mi Elevation Gain: 36 ft paper mill with creekside views.

Estimated Time: 16 min Extend your visit with the nearby Access: Rte 144, west Hudson River Interpretive Trail—a side, New Baltimore, just south of county line .75-mile family-friendly loop featuring a boardwalk through tidal wetlands and the nation’s first recycled plastic milk carton bridge, built by volunteers using 68,000 jugs.

Hud son River Interpretive

Trail

Pecoy Notch Trail to Dibbles Quarry The Pecoy Notch Trail to Dibble’s Quarry is a moderately easy ascent from the Roaring Kill Trailhead. Along the way, families can enjoy a bit of creek hopping and playful if at times muddy terrain before arriving at the old quarry.

There you’ll discover leftover bluestone slabs fashioned into Length: 1.9 mi huge stone “thrones” that kids Elevation Gain: 400 ft can climb while parents enjoy Estimated Time: 1 hr Access: Roaring Kill Trailhead, sweeping views of Twin Mountain Elka Park Rd, Elka Park and Kaaterskill High Peak. greatnortherncatskills.com

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COUNTY TRAILS

Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Halcott Center

HALCOTT

Bearpen 3,600

Vly 3,529

PRATTSVILLE

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Prattsville

Gilboa

av

ia

K ill

West Kill

Mosquito Point

Jewett

Jewett Center

West Jewett

Ashland

JEWETT

Rusk

Spruceton 3,680

South Jewett

18

Maplecrest

Tannersville

20

Blackhead 3,940

Haines Falls

Black Dome 3,980

East Jewett

Onteora Park

6

South Durham

Windham High Peak 3,524

Thomas Cole 3,940

East Durham

Hervey Street

Durso Corner

Cornwallville

DURHAM

22

East Windham

P A R K

Hunter

Hensonville

Brooksburg

WINDHAM

Windham

North Settlement

C A T S K I L L

Lexington

North Lexington

Ba t

Red Falls

ASHLAND

West Settlement

West Durham

Durham

Woodstock

North-South Lake

12

3 Ledgewood Park

17

Result

Surprise

Cairo Junction

South Cairo

Gayhead

Kiskatom

CATSKILL

Lawrenceville

Cairo

Purling

2

Round Top

CAIRO

Acra

8

14

Sunside

East Greenville

Greenville Center

Greenville

GREENVILLE

Freehold

Norton Hill West Greenville Grapeville

Catskill

Jefferson Heights

Cauterskill

Leeds

Limestreet

Roberts Hill

Climax

Paradise Hill

COXSACKIE

Earlton

Medway

NEW BALTIMORE

15

YORK

Oak Hill

NEW

Cooksburg

10 Hamburg

Athens

West Athens

11

West Coxsackie

Coxsackie

/ 0

Otter Hook

New Baltimore Hannacroix

ATHENS

THRU WA Y

Newrys

Deans Mill

STATE

Coeymans Ravena

River

Hudson

Hudson

10

Halcott 3,537

North Dome 3,610

Phoenicia

Chichester

4

LEXINGTON

West Kill 3,880

Rusk

Spruceton 3,680

Hunter 4,040

12 Mary’s Glen and Ashley Falls

8 Rip’s Rock

4 Diamond Notch Falls

11 Hannacroix Creek Preserve and Hudson River Interpretive Trail

7 Escarpment Trail Overlook at NorthSouth Lake State Campground

2 Ashley Falls

3 Glen Falls

SHORT FAMILY HIKES

Plateau 3,840

HUNTER

Sugarloaf 3,800

Elka Park

Tannersville

20

Onteora Park

9 Plattekill Falls 10 Cohotate Preserve

Lanesville

5

Edgewood

Hunter

P A R K

Southwest Hunter 3,740

South Jewett

6 Windham High Peak

SCENIC OVERLOOK HIKES

Shandaken

Bushnellsville

Sherrill 3,540

West Kill

C A T S K I L L

5 Hunter Fire Tower

WATERFALL HIKES

Halcott Center

HALCOTT

1 Kaaterskill Falls

greatnortherncatskills.com

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21

13

Platte Clove

Kaaterskill High Peak 3,655

1

HISTORY HIKES

Indian Head 3,573

9

7 Palenville

North-South Lake

16 Pratt Rock

15 Hudson River Skywalk Preserve and Hudson River Interpretive Trail

14 Inspiration Point and Hotel Kaaterskill

Alsen

Cementon

FALL HIKES

Saugerties

High Falls

Kiskatom

CATSKILL

0

0

20 Mountain Top Arboretum

19 RamsHornLivingston Sanctuary

100 KM

Buffalo

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100 Miles

Binghamton

Syracuse

Utica

Philadelphia 205 mi.

PA

Catskill Park

Troy

VT

MA

Newark City

NH

185 mi.

Boston

RI

100 Mile Radius

NJ New York Huntington

Danbury

Poughkeepsie Hartford

CT

Springfield

Pittsfield

Bennington

Rutland

Catskill Kingston

Albany

Middletown

Oneonta

Glens Falls

Montreal

22 Escarpment Trail (Windham Trailhead Segment)

21 Devil’s Path (Eastern Section via Hunter)

WEEKEND WARRIOR HIKES

Catskill

Cauterskill

Jefferson Heights

18 The Windham Path

17 Artist Falls

Ledgewood Park

2

13 Catskill Mountain House

Twin 3,640

Twilight Park

Haines Falls

14

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Lawrenceville

HISTORY HIKES Hudson River Skywalk

Hudson River Skywalk

Length: 5.8 mi

Step into art history on this Elevation Gain: 679 ft scenic 5.8-mile walk linking Estimated Time: 2hr 22min Access: 2185 Spring St, Catskill Thomas Cole’s home in Catskill to Frederic Church’s Olana in Hudson. Traversing the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, stop at three interpretive decks featuring signage about the bridge’s 1935 roots and the 19th-century Hudson River School artists who shaped American landscape painting. With sweeping Catskills and river vistas, the paved path is accessible year‑round — free, safe, and steeped in cultural legacy.

Catskill Mountain House Tread where 19th-century elite—presidents, painters, and writers—once strolled. This easy .5-mile walk from North– Length: .5 mi Elevation Gain: 184 ft South Lake State Campground Estimated Time: 25 min follows the Escarpment Trail Access: County Rte 18, to the ruins and twin pillars Haines Falls of the famed 1824 Catskill Mountain House. Discover carvings by early visitors, panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, and a tangible slice of the Hudson River School art movement’s legacy.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Inspiration Point and Hotel Kaaterskill Embark on a 5‑mile loop along the Escarpment Trail from Scutt Road in Haines Falls, traversing rugged forest Length: 4.2 mi Elevation Gain: 951 ft paths to the breathtaking Estimated Time: 2hr 12min overlook for Inspiration Access: Scutt Rd, Point. Discover century‑old Haines Falls carvings and the ruins of the grand 19th‑century Hotel Kaaterskill and Layman’s Monument before descending back along the historic carriage-road. Enjoy a compelling journey through Catskills’ scenic and storied past.

Pratt Rock

Pratt Rock

Step into 19th-century history on this 3.1-mile round-trip hike in Prattsville. Follow the path that leads to sculpted cliff carvings from the mid1800s—dubbed “New York’s Length: 3.1 mi Mount Rushmore”—that Elevation Gain: 639 ft chronicle Zadock Pratt’s Estimated Time: 1hr 15min Access: Rte 23E, just life, from his tannery to south of Prattsville his son’s memorial. The moderately steep trail ascends about 900 ft, offering both stunning Schoharie Valley overlooks and deeply personal historic art. Begin at the Route 23 trailhead and follow interpretive signs to uncover this remarkable cultural landmark. greatnortherncatskills.com

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Photo: @billbirnbryer

FALL HIKES The Windham Path

The Windham Path The Windham Path offers a gentle, Length: 1.5 mi Elevation Gain: 60 ft scenic loop perfect for a leisurely Estimated Time: 50 min fall stroll. Winding through Access: 4982 NY-23, open meadows, woodlands, and Windham alongside the Batavia Kill, the 1.5-mile trail showcases vibrant foliage and sweeping mountain views. With easy access, wide gravel paths, and benches along the way, it’s ideal for families, cyclists, and anyone seeking Catskills beauty without the climb.

Artist Falls

Arti st Fall s

Length: under 0.1 mi Elevation Gain: 30 ft Estimated Time: 5 min Access: 557 Winter Clove Rd, Round Top 14

Embrace autumn’s magic on a short, enchanting walk to Artist Falls in Round Top. Just minutes from Winter Clove Inn, both the covered bridge above and the brookside viewpoint below are easily reached via two brief forest paths. In fall, fiery foliage frames the 25-ft cascade, creating a poetic scene ideal for crisp-weather exploration.

Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Photo: @billbirnbryer

RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary Explore a serene 2-mile loop through a vast freshwater tidal swamp—part of the Hudson River’s largest—on winding gravel trails and Length: 2 mi boardwalks. Pause at a 28-ft Elevation Gain: 121 ft observation tower overlooking Estimated Time: 45 min Access: Dubois Rd, Catskill RamsHorn Creek located in Catskill, launch a canoe or join an Audubon-guided paddle, and spot wildlife like bald eagles, great blue herons, muskrats, river otters, shad, and bass. Open year‑round, dawn to dusk.

Mountain Top Arboretum Wander four connected trails through 200 acres of meadows, wetlands, and forest at a 2,400 feet elevation—all accessible via trails and boardwalks.

Easy loops (30–45 minutes Length: 2.6 mi Elevation Gain: 298 ft each) showcase native plants, Estimated Time: 1hr 3min interpretive signs, and Access: 4 Maude Adams Rd, Devonian bedrock. Located in Tannersville Tannersville, the Arboretum is open dawn to dusk daily. Ideal for peaceful autumn strolls, birding, and soaking in the color of the Catskills.

greatnortherncatskills.com

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WEEKEND WARRIOR HIKES

The Devil’s Path Hunter Mountain Loop delivers raw, adrenaline-fueled climbs and rugged panoramas, while the Escarpment Trail balances wilderness challenge with rewarding views and a slightly gentler pace. Whether you’re scrambling over dramatic chutes or strolling scenic ridgelines, both demand respect—prepare thoroughly, pack smart, and leave the trail cleaner than you found it.

Length: 12 mi Elevation Gain: 3625 ft Estimated Time: 7 hr 16 min Access: Notch Lake off NY-214, Stony Clove Notch

Devil’s Path to Hunter Mountain Loop This challenging loop ascends steeply via the Devil’s Path, climbs Hunter Mountain, and circles back by way of Diamond Notch Falls. Along the way, the route leads through rugged terrain— rocky slopes, wooded ridges, and a scenic waterfall descent.

A strenuous but rewarding loop experience with around 3,600 feet of elevation gain, it’s best tackled by experienced hikers prepared for demanding terrain and variable trail conditions.

Experience & Highlights ●D iverse terrain: Combines steep climbs, forested ridges,

and the refreshing descent past Diamond Notch Falls. ●N ature immersion: Expect deep woods,

rugged trail surfaces, and the raw beauty of Catskill landscapes throughout the hike.

Safety & Logistics: ●T rail difficulty: Rated hard—rocky, steep, and requiring

steady footing, especially on the Devil’s Path segments. ●N avigation: This is a loop combining multiple

trails and junctions—download a map or GPX file, and pay close attention to blazes and signs. ●W ater access: Carry adequate water, especially during summer. ●T iming tips: Start early to ensure you complete it before dusk.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Windham High Peak via Escarpment Trail Just south of town, the Windham High Peak portion of the Escarpment Trail offers a dramatic 6.8 mile round trip hike from the Route 23/Elm Ridge parking area in Windham, up to the ridge (3,524 ft at Windham High Peak), and back via the Elm Ridge connector.

For longer, more rigorous Escarpment Trail hike options visit GreatNorthernCatskills.com.

Experience & Highlights ●M ixed forest terrain transitioning into spruce-fir

near the summit; rewards include sweeping views from several ridge ledges and summit vistas of the Blackhead Mountain Range and Hudson Valley.

Safety & Logistics ●M oderate-to-strenuous:

Devil’s Path

Photo: @justin.joah

1800 feet elevation gain, muddy or icy in the spring and fall. ●T rail blazes: Blue trail Length: 6.8 mi ●P lan ahead: Elevation Gain: 1,751 ft - Trekking poles and sturdy, Estimated Time: 3 hr 48 min Access: Elm Ridge parking water-resistant boots area, Rte 23, Windham strongly recommended.

- Water sources are limited.

Pack extra hydration.

- Visit one of our local outfitters, Camp Catskill or Windham Mountain Outfitters, for up-to-date information on trail conditions and insider knowledge on how to be prepared.

- Tell someone your route, check the weather, and be ready for quick changes above the tree line.

greatnortherncatskills.com

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THINGS TO DO Treetopia Cam pground

Camp Here More than 1,000 private and public campsites are available in the Great Northern Catskills, from family-friendly campgrounds for tents and RVs, to cabins, glamping accommodations and backcountry primitive spots. Many offer access to trails, swimming, paddling and other amenities.

Greene County

Be verage Trail

Wet Your Whistle Here Discover Greene County’s vibrant craft beverage trail: from farmhouse ales to fairytale surroundings, sample farmto-table brews, crisp ciders, and experimental sips. With scenic taprooms, seasonal events, and locally sourced ingredients, every stop offers something uniquely Catskills.

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County

Dine Here Greene County’s dining scene blends Catskills warmth with Hudson Valley finesse, spotlighting farm-to-table dishes, scenic settings, and craft beverages. From cozy mountain cafés and valley diners to waterfront restaurants and fine dining. A region rooted in tradition yet boldly innovative, each meal reflects the diverse Mountain, Valley, and River Regions.

Mamm a’s Boy

Babbler s Re sta

Burgers

urant & Bar

Stay Here Greene County offers an inviting mix of places to stay—from boutique inns and historic B&Bs to iconic Catskills family resorts, glamping, cabins, tiny homes, and mountain lodges. Guests can wake up to mountain vistas, unwind by creekside firepits, or stay in upscale boutique hotels.

Wherever you choose to stay, a warm welcome and breathtaking scenery await.

The Perch, East Windham

greatnortherncatskills.com

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Stop by our NEW Visitor Center!

Exit 21 off the NYS Thruway, 705 Route 23B, Leeds, NY 12451

GreatNorthernCatskills.com 1.800.355.CATS

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Great Northern Catskills of Greene County