High Falls, New York

The Eastern half of Devil's Path has four major summits: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf and Plateau. Each summit is a straight climb up and down, then back up to as much as 3,900 ft. There are some sparse sections of level ground, but most is a steep descent uphill or steep slide downhill. Your ...

Devil's Path is roughly more than 24 miles long, althought it feels like an eternity of milage. Going thru the summits of Indian head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Hunter, and Westkill Mountains.Its brutal. Its painful, Its unique. Be prepared for anything and everything. You will encounter wild lif...

The DEC Parking lot, is located at the very end of a dead end, along Prediger Rd. Start at the trail head to the right of the trail kiosk and sign in sheet. The trail starts out very easy going as you approach the base of Twin. At mile 0.25, you’ll hit a junction where you’ll turn RIGHT towards T...

This is a 4.5 mile hike that is great for hikers of all skill levels. Because it is short and not overly difficult, beginners will enjoy this hike. There are some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, though, and a stunning payoff is waiting for you at the end.From the trailhead, follo...

Begin by parking at the end of Mink Road in Elka Park (GPS:N42 08.593, W74 09.479). It will be a .7 mile hike to camp. Follow the rocky woods road to the junction where there is a SPRING sign. Continuing straight will take you to the water source. If you do not need water, turn left when you see ...

Trail is currently closed. Get updates at parks.ny.gov.  Sugarloaf Mountain is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, along with Breakneck Ridge, Bull Hill, and Mt Beacon. Though the views are just as impressive as its sister trails, it is never as crowded and it's one of my favorite spots in ...

This loop hike form the Notch Trail northern trailhead on Route 9D.  There is enough parking at this trailhead for about 5-6 cars.  The Notch Trail is identified with blue trail markers.  It is well maintained and plenty of markers to guide your way.  This is important because there are m...

The Breakneck Ridge to Sugar Loaf Loop gives rise to various bypasses that offer hikers moderate to advanced terrain and multiple rock scrambles. The loop entails a total elevation gain of 1,670 feet and a total distance of 5.5 miles. The start of the trail begins at the (white blazes) at the no...

This loop hike starts at the northern trailhead of the park where the Stillman Trail begins.  The parking area has enough space for only 6 or 7 cars.  Start off on a wide maintained carriage road.  After about a half mile, the Stillman Trail (yellow markers) breaks of to the left.  However, stay ...

There is three different trailheads to access the North Point Loop.  I chose the trailhead that would give me the longest hike.  That would be the Butter Hill parking area on Route 9W north.  From the parking lot, start on the connector trail designated with white markers.  Follow this for about ...

This is an easy, yet very rewarding hike with a lot of viewpoints on the way up. Technically you scale up two mountains, Butter Hill and Storm King, but most people just describe it as Storm King Mountain. This is a great hike for families with younger kids, those who don't have much time but wan...

Schunnemunk Mountain State Park is one of my favorite parks.  It offers many trails and possibilities for different loops.  The attraction of Schunnemunk Mountain is the long double ridges running parallel to each other and amazing views in all directions.This hike starts at the Taylor Road parki...

This is a difficult loop hike that has several different starting points.  I chose to start at the Washburn Trail Head, which is the lowest starting point you can select.  Nearly on the Hudson River, the trail ascends immediately along a well maintained road designated by white disc markers.  Aft...

This loop is a great option to avoid crowds on the west side of the Washburn trail.  Start at the same trailhead for the Washburn Trail.  The Cornish Trail is on the left and there is an obvious sign at the trail split a few feet from the parking area.  The Cornish Trail is an old road from about...

Please be respectful if visiting this local swimming hole. Pack out what you pack in, carry out others' trash, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles.  Hidden in the Catskill Mountains is one of the coolest cliff jumping locations I have ever been to. The first time I went was a...

The Wethersfield Estate is a beautiful estate and property located less than 2 hours north of New York City. The gardens are expansive and extremely beautiful, open to the public each day from noon to 5pm (COVID-19 hours). Additionally, there are trails for horseback rides, carriage rides, dog-wa...