Hiking in the Catskills is considered among the “coolest” of activities among the nearly 500,000 people who visit the region each year. Thousands of scenic vistas and diverse trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
The most popular trails in the region can be really crowded. During summer weekends and holidays, the Kaaterskill Falls area can average 1,850 visitors on a weekend day, with peak days reaching up to 3,000 visitors. But a step off the well-beaten path, whether hiking inside the “blue line” or in Catskill forests outside of the preserve area, can yield some exceptional outdoor experiences that feel a little more personal and intimate.
Sue Hall, a retired kindergarten teacher in the region didn’t really start hiking until she turned 50. But once she started, she couldn’t stop. Hall completed the Catskill 3500 challenge, climbing 33 specific peaks that rise more than 3,500 feet, then reclimbing four designated peaks between Dec. 21 and March 21 for the winter certification.
Like Forest Gump, Hall just kept going, completing the CMC Catskill 420 Grid, Devil in a Day three times (at ages 55, 58 and 62) the ADK 46, Saranac Lake 6, Tupper Triad, Lake Placid 9, Mission Trails 5 Peak Challenge (San Diego), and The San Diego Six Pack. She is currently working on the NH48. She has also completed the Northville Placid Trail, Vermont Long Trail, The Wonderland Trail, The Enchantments, and will finish the John Muir Trail in September.
Looking at the five Catskill counties around her, Sue shared her three favorite hikes.
“I’ll start by saying there are no bad hikes in the Catskills or anywhere else in my opinion,” said Hall. “It’s not easy recommending one over the others as they all have their individual beauty.”
Pushed to make a choice for an easy trail, Hall chose Vroman’s Nose, in Middleburgh, Schoharie County.
There is very little elevation gain, and it’s relatively short,” said Hall. She noted the gorgeous view at the top and the fact that it’s family friendly.
“This is a great hike for someone coming off the couch and wanting to experience hiking without feeling like they just ran a marathon,” Hall said, adding “It’s also a worthwhile hike for someone who’s already in good physical shape.”
Hall suggests doing it on a cool, autumn day when the colors are in all their glory. Pack a lunch to eat at the top.
A good intermediate trail was harder for Hall to pick.
“This is the toughest one to choose,” she said, “There are soooo.....many!”
Hall singled out the Blackhead Range in the Windham area of Greene County. Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole combine for what Hall says, are “some beautiful views but also some of the most dense, lovely forest areas in the Catskills.”
In an area that offered up inspiration for some of the greatest American artists to ever live, Hall suggests hikers “sprinkle in some ‘intermediate’ rock scrambles,” for a “fun day of hiking without killing yourself but knowing you had a great hike afterwards.”
As her favorite hike in the most challenging category, Hall turned again to Greene County, choosing The Devil’s Path in the Catskill Park towns of Hunter and Lexington. Even the name serves as a warning to hikers. Hall says, “Read any article about some of the toughest hikes in the Northeast and even some articles about the toughest hikes in the U.S., and you’ll find the Devil’s Path on that list.”
For Hall, “It’s an excellent day of hiking that leaves you feeling like you are truly a badass hiker! And then there are the beautiful views from each of the six Catskill High Peaks you trek over. The trail spans more than 24 miles with more than 8,000 feet of vertical gain. The steep, rugged terrain traverses major high peaks including Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, and West Kill, each offering breathtaking views.
Whether the choice is easy, intermediate or challenging, Hall says a good Catskill hike will have “your body saying ‘now that was a good workout!’”
