Union Vale, New York

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...

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...

Arriving to the falls, parking is residential but don't worry everyone is friendly. Starting off the hike you will walk past a cool pond where you may be able to see some wildlife. Continuing on, you will follow the marked trail where it will take you further into the woods while gaining elevatio...

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 ...

This short hike is one of the most popular in the Catskills — and for good reason. From the Laurel House Road Trailhead, it’s less than a mile round trip to reach Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s tallest two-tiered waterfall, with a dramatic 260-foot drop into a rocky amphitheater. The trail itse...

Have you ever wanted to feel as if you were hiking two different locations at once? If so, then North Mountain is definitely somewhere to check out. Take the birch tree forests around Aspen, CO and pair it with the spruces/pines of the Adirondacks and you'll have this route in the Catskills. Par...

Looking for a great day hike in the Catskill region of NY? Then you should definitely look into and consider tackling Mt. Wittenberg then. A challenging climb up but a very rewarding summit view. Starting at Woodland Valley Campgrounds visitor registration house (where you can pay for parking fo...

At 1642 feet (with a total elevation gain of 720 feet), Squaw Peak is a great spot to see both Mt Greylock along the Vermont border, and the Catskills in New York. There are several trail options here to get to the summit, but no matter which combination you choose, you can keep your trip under ...

Parking is at the end of Barnum Road in the Seaside Park.  Though the lighthouse grounds are accessible the tower itself is not open to the public.  To access the island you must walk across the breakwater.  Please use caution as it is uneven footing and at times can be slippery.  From the isla...

If you are looking for a great campground up in the Catskill Mountains of New York then you definitely have to check out Woodland Valley Campgrounds. Located about 2 hours north of New York City, it is the perfect place to go to get off the grid. No service for about 30 minutes in any direction.T...

Sleeping Giant State Park is a place very close to my heart. I spent 4 years right across the street at Quinnipiac University and have hiked “The Giant” more times then I can count and at all different hours. There are a few different trails you can explore but my favorite one is up to the cliffs...

Since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed hiking the Giant. As Connecticut parks go, this terrain is some of the most challenging (and unfortunately, the most dangerous) in the state. The actual ridge is approximately 2.75 miles long by 1.75 miles wide, and offers approximately 24 miles of hiking ...

Sleeping Giant State Park does not just have great hiking, it also has great climbing and bouldering. Pick up the blue trail starting at the backside of the visitor center. This trail climbs pretty steadily but take note that as you hike up the cliff below you is a great spot to checkout for boul...

This trail is accessible year round and features water views of the Long Island Sound with beach access. The trail is a popular spot for walking, biking, fishing, and even bird watching. But if you’re not quite in the mood to get your steps in, you can use the small beach to sit and chat with a f...

Start from the Castle Craig road entrance. Walk until you're greeted by a beautiful reservoir. You'll notice the strange but beautiful Mine Island in the middle of all this. You'll also notice markers for White Trails and Yellow Trails. The White Trail is an easier/wider trail. The Yellow Trail C...

Giant Ledge is a great hike in the Catskills if you are looking for something short, with incredible views, and camping options. There are not many hikes with better views then this in the Catskills, so why not spend as much time as possible up there? There are a few camping spots you can grab wh...