Catskills -- Central
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Park Overview:
Includes a short hike from the south to Panther Mountain -- one of the Catskill 3500 Club’s “must climb” peaks -- with great views along the way at Giant Ledge. [TC Catskill Trail Map 142]
Park Description:
Central Catskills Region
Most of the peaks in the Central Catskills are not as high as those in the Northeastern area of the region. Nevertheless, the lands in Ulster County's western corner and nearby Delaware County and northern Sullivan County offer many hiking opportunities. Several of the major peaks have superb views; this table lists them in order of elevation. A fuller description of each peak can be found by clicking on the “Catskill 3500 Club” link below, follow the “Peaks” tab.
|
Mountain |
Elevation |
TC Map |
Grid |
|
Graham ● |
3868 |
142 |
H7 |
|
Doubletop ● ■ |
3860 |
142 |
H7 |
|
Balsam Lake |
3723 |
142 |
G6 |
|
Panther |
3720 |
142 |
J7 |
|
Big Indian ● ■ |
3700 |
142 |
I6 |
|
Fir ● ■ |
3620 |
142 |
I7 |
|
North Dome ● ■ |
3610 |
142 |
K5 |
|
Eagle |
3600 |
142 |
H6 |
|
Balsam |
3600 |
142 |
I6 |
|
Sherrill ● ■ |
3540 |
142 |
K5 |
|
Halcott ● ■ |
3537 |
142 |
I5 |
● Does not have maintained trail to summit
■ Register box on summit maintained by Catskill 3500 Club
Resources:
Trails Overview:
Catskills – Central has 15 trails ranging in length from 14+ miles down to one mile; they total 90 miles. These trails are displayed on NY-NJ Trail Conference “Central Catskill Trails” Map 142. The map’s reverse provides information about trailheads and turning points tied to mileage.
New trail added in mid-2014: A 9-mile stretch of the Long Path in the Slide Mountain Wilderness area now links the Village of Phoenicia to Catskill High Peaks. The new trail section replaces 5 miles of road walk and 2.8 miles of Burroughs Range Trail with a beautiful, rugged route over Cross Mountain, Mount Pleasant, and Romer Mountain, offering viewpoints along the way.
- Access is either from Lane Street in Phoenicia or the Woodland Valley State Campground parking area. [TC 2013 Catskills “Central” Map 142, grid K6 or K7]. The trail appears as a dotted line “Under Construction” on this map.
- A map of the new trail, now officially designated as an extension of the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail, can be downloaded from here.
Two major north-south trail systems connect NY 28 with County 47 [Slide Mountain Road or West Branch Road]. Although both of these trails are suitable for backpacking, day hikers, who hike sections of these trails to reach their destination, most often use them.
- Pine Hill-West Branch Trail [14.1 miles, blue blaze, map grid locations I5/I7, trail map designation PW]. Although this trail has few viewpoints, it nevertheless offers an appealing wilderness sojourn, running mostly through first-growth forest and reaching [or nearly reaching] three major summits. Several lean-tos on or near the trail make it attractive for backpacking, and a network of side trails branching down to the valleys affords excellent day-hiking opportunities.
- The trail's southern terminus is just opposite the Biscuit Brook parking area, on County 47, 12.8 miles south of its junction with NY 28 in the hamlet of Big Indian [this is displayed on TC Map 143]. Its northern terminus is on the outskirts of Pine Hill, along NY 28.
- Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail [7.5 miles, blue blaze, map grid J6/J7, trail designation GP]. This trail provides access to the 3,720-foot Panther Mountain from both the north and south. The shorter southern approach [at 3.3 miles] which traverses Giant Ledge on the way to the summit of Panther, is very popular with hikers. Fewer hikers choose to approach Panther from the north, and although this route is longer [4.9 miles], it offers greater seclusion and several attractive vistas from a series of false summits.
- To reach the southern end, hikers should use the parking area at a hairpin turn on County 47, 7.4 miles south of the hamlet of Big Indian and a mile north of Winnisook Lake. Follow the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail [yellow] 0.7 mile to the trailhead. Its northern terminus is at a parking area on Fox Hollow Road, 1.6 miles south of NY 28 near Allaben.
Other notable trails include:
- Dry Brook Ridge Trail [13.6 miles, blue blaze, map grid F6/G7. trail designation DB]. The Dry Brook Ridge Trail can be divided into two distinct sections. The northern section is a nine-mile traverse of the ridge for which the trail is named. It is lightly used and does not go over or near any major peaks. The trail section south of Mill Brook Road is a woods road which provides access to Balsam Lake Mountain and a fire tower [via Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, red blaze, map grid G7] and is used more extensively.
- The northern terminus is reached by turning south off NY 28, 0.4 mile southwest of the traffic light at Margaretville, and going 0.1 mile to South Side Road, which parallels NY 28. The parking area along Mill Brook Road [off County 49, Dry Brook Road], provides access to the southern section of the trail.
- Mill Brook Ridge Trail [5.9 miles, yellow blaze, map grid F7/G7, trail designation MB]. Mill Brook Ridge Trail is the longest route to the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain, but it is lightly used and provides a delightful approach to the peak. It also provides a link between the trails in the western Catskills and those in the central Catskills.
- The trail's western terminus is at the eastern end of Alder Lake. The Alder Lake Loop Trail [1.6 miles, red blaze], which encircles the lake, provides access from the parking area at its western end, and is reached by following County 54 north from Turnwood.
See Map Tab above with parking areas identified for these trails.
Synopsis of trails not mentioned above:
- Belleayre Ridge Trail [14.1 miles, red blaze, map grid H5/I6, designation BR]: Trail begins at top of Chairlift #1 and summit ski lodge of Belleayre Ski Center.
- Cathedral Glen Trail [1.7m, blue, I5/H5, CG]: Trail begins on an abandoned railroad right-of-way, near Belleayre Ski Center snowmaking reservoir, and ascends moderately along east side of Cathedral Brook through hemlock and hardwoods.
- German Hollow Trail [1.6m, yellow, F5/G5, GH]: Trail begins at junction with blue-blazed Dry Brook Trail, 2.6m from its trailhead near Margaretville.
- Huckleberry Loop Trail [10.3 miles, red, F5/G6, HL]: Trail begins at junction with blue-blazed Dry Brook Ridge Trail, 3.55m south of Margaretville.
- Lost Cove Trail [1.3 miles, red, I6, LC]: Trail begins on Lost Cove Road 1.4m west of County Rt. 47. Trail ascends into woods, climbing ridge of Belleayre Mtn.
- Mine Hollow Trail [1.0m, yellow, I6/H6, MN]: Trail begins at junction with blue-blazed Pine Hill – West Branch Trail, 0.9m south of Belleayre Mtn. summit, and heads down [south then east] through Mine Hollow, paralleling stream’s north bank.
- Oliverea-Mapledale Trail [3.7m, red, I6/H6, OM]: Trail begins at parking area on McKinley Hollow Road, 1.0m west of County 47, near Mountain Gate Lodge. Continue west along road for 0.1m, then turn left and follow red markers along brook.
- Phoenicia-East Branch Trail [5.3m, yellow, K7/J7, PE]: Trail begins at parking area near end of Woodland Valley Road, at entrance to Woodland Valley State Campground [parking fee in season]. Follow yellow markers to steps at rear of parking area, then continue ascent to shoulder of Fork Ridge.
- Seager-Big Indian Trail [3.0m. yellow, H7/I7, SE]: Trail begins at covered bridge near Seager, 9.5m from Arkville via Dry Brook Road. Parking area is 150’ beyond [not over] bridge. Trail proceeds upstream, following old road.
State Lands Outside the Blue Line
- Bearpen Mountain. The 3,600-foot summit at Bearpen Mountain is the highest in New York outside the Catskill Park Boundary. Several decades ago, it was developed as a ski area, leaving it with both an easily walked road to the summit and two wide, cleared swaths that provide views to the north.
- Ski Run Road, [TC Map 145, no blaze, I3] the easiest access to the peak, leaves County 2 about three miles south of its junction with NY 23 just west of Prattsville. [For approximate location, Google Maps: "Ski Run Road, Prattsville, NY"]
- Huntersfield Mountain. A little-used section of the Long Path [aqua blaze, this segment not included in the Catskills map set] allows hikers to climb this impressive peak, Scholarie County's highest at 3,423 feet.
- The trailhead is located near where Huntersmark and Macomber Road enter state forest lands, north of Red Falls. The Long Path's aqua blazes cross the road where it forks at a state forest sign and gate.
- Mount Utsayantha. Towering over the Town of Stamford, this 3,214-foot peak stands at the northwest corner of the range. Its main attraction is the fire tower that stands on the summit [also not included in TC map set].
- Access to the summit is via an old road which begins at Mountain Avenue, just south of NY 23 in Stamford. It is an easy walk of just over a mile to the summit.
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Various towns /Delaware/ GreeneIncludes a short hike from the south to Panther Mountain -- one of the Catskill 3500 Club’s “must climb” peaks -- with great views along the way at Giant Ledge. [TC Catskill Trail Map 142]
Central Catskills Region
Most of the peaks in the Central Catskills are not as high as those in the Northeastern area of the region. Nevertheless, the lands in Ulster County's western corner and nearby Delaware County and northern Sullivan County offer many hiking opportunities. Several of the major peaks have superb views; this table lists them in order of elevation. A fuller...
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Various towns /Delaware/ GreeneContact Information
Web Link:
NYS, Department of Environmental ConservationPhone:
Not availableFees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs off leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Trailhead locations of featured trails are above.
General driving directions:
Take the NYS Thruway, I-87, to Exit 19, Kingston/NY-28 (from the south this is roughly 60 miles from where NJ-17 and I-287/87 merge). Turn onto NY-28 West, Onterora Trail. Route 28W passes by Phoenicia, on the eastern side of the Central Catskills to Margaretville on its western side. Margaretville is a little short of 45 miles from Exit 19.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
The Adirondack, Pine Hill, New York Trailways bus company provides service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street, to towns along NY-28 in the Central Catskills [TC Map 142 identifies the location of these bus stops].
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