Hike Giant Ledges and Panther Mountain

This trail is suitable for experienced hikers or beginners looking for a challenge. This trail can be very popular on weekends, and the parking lot can become entirely filled. If you prefer not to park on the side of the road, getting to the trailhead early is recommended.From the DEC parking lot, you will want to cross route 47 to the Panther Mountain/Giant Ledge trail head, which rolls flat for a short period of time. There is a DEC registration box on the left hand side of the trail; take the time to fill your information out. It might save your life, and helps the DEC keep the trail in good shape.At .17 miles, you will reach a bridge. This crosses the West Kill/Buttermilk Falls. Continue up the mountain, following the yellow trail. This area is rocky and steep, so be mindful of your footing. At .74 miles, you will reach a trail junction. Head left onto the Giant Ledge and Panther mountain trail, which is marked with blue disks or dots.The trail will remain flat for some time, but begin to climb in elevation again. Be wary, after rain storms, this area of the hike becomes extremely wet and muddy. Wear appropriate footwear. At a little over a mile, there will be a sign on the left pointing to a spring. Check it out, and head back onto the blue trail.About a quarter of a mile after the spring, there will be the first Giant Ledge view on your right. Continuing up the trail, there will be several other ledges, all with similar views. You can see all throughout the Woodland Valley and Catskill Park. On the left you can see the Slide-Cornell-Wittenberg mountain range. Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills.After enjoying the ledge views, continue on the blue trail to Panther Mountain. You will begin to drop elevation into a col, but once again start a steep ascent to the summit of Panther. It may be necessary to use both your hands to climb rocky passages.Around 3 miles in, you will reach a 3500 foot elevation sign. Continue up the incline for about .22 miles, where you will reach a large rock. This has a nice view, and is a very popular place for people to take a break. Continue past the rock about 150 feet, and you will reach the summit of Panther Mountain. Currently, there is no sign marking the summit. However, you have climbed to the top of the Catskill's 17th highest peak, around 3725 feet in elevation. The view from the summit is slightly blocked by pine trees, but is still an enjoyable place to rest.From this point, you can continue a quarter of a mile for another view point. Remember, this is an out-and-back trail, so heading farther up the trail will take you out to route 28. So make sure to return and descend the direction you came.