The historic fire tower and cabin near the summit of Hunter Mountain (4040') on a frigid winter day - January 2009 Tahawus - May 17, 2009 7:33 pm - Hasn't voted Re: Not thats a cool tower and cabin. Hunter Mountain Fire Tower Hunter, NY, Greene County, Elevation 4,040â² This is the highest elevation fire town in New York State at over 4000 feet. There’s apparently a nice little waterfall here sometimes, but it was barely a trickle on my visit. Standing in front of this sign, you’ve now climbed 1,708 feet over 1.9 miles. I think you’re asking to get hurt. Sunset Apx: 4:25pm.Daylight hours are short. With wet leaves everywhere? When you’re done checking out the view, return to the junction with the signpost from a few moments ago. PT 1: Hiking to Hunter Mountain Fire Tower Park at the Hunter Mountain trailhead on Spruceton Road. New York is currently open for dining, but there are restrictions. If you make it back there before I do, I’d love to hear a report! Thanks again. Or just wear whatever you have already. Pack microspikes until June. We were ill-equipped then and we were ill equipped today to tackle that kind of terrain. ), 9. The trail heads up a little, but then levels out before arriving at the herd path junction for Southwest Hunter. A friend of mine who eats mountains for breakfast described the ascent of Hunter as “relentless.” I agree with that assessment – if you tackle this hike, come prepared for the 2,200’+ vertical ascent, and the steep, rocky terrain. (Then you can volunteer, donate, or shop, depending on your mood.). I very much look forward to deleting this warning someday.And also! Yes, the warnings about rattlesnakes should be taken seriously. Back on the trail, there are many wet spots on this side of Hunter Mountain. On the way up to the summit, you passed several muddy sections. The next landmark is the well-marked junction with the Yellow Trail, about 10 minutes after the 3500’ marker. I stood by the cabin, using it as a wind break Your guide was AWESOME. This would make a fantastic astro/hiking photo. I guess I don’t remember all the rocks 50 years ago. After the fire tower, find the yellow-blazed ⦠From here, no more turns or junctions to worry about! Wear a mask. We are training for a big backpacking trip out West and thought this would be a good way to test stamina. Really appreciate all the kind words! From the parking lot (see “Directions to the trailhead” below), head over to the kiosk and see if you can’t learn a thing or two. The next landmark is the well-marked junction with the Yellow Trail, about 10 minutes after the 3500â marker. Thanks for all the work you put in to this site. You did it! From this junction, keep heading straight/right on the Blue Trail. An absolutely wonderful loop over Hunter’s massive, gorgeous and super-scenic summit. 14. I just did this hike on 10/31. The views from Hunter are really exceptional. Unknown to me, the cabin was occupied by the summit volunteer. The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit of the eponymous mountain, second highest of the Catskill Mountains in the U.S. state of New York. The Devil’s Acre Lean-To is very close to the junction. Note: at this time of year, Betelgeuse, Orion’s Belt and Rigel appear overhead quite clearly. I appreciate the organization, the photos and the humor. I also updated the trail guide above with a link down to your comment and photo — thanks for keeping us all up-to-date! Take a right turn here to hop on the Yellow Trail, the shortest route to the tower. Don’t be a posthole. The average is between 4 and 5. DEC. Thanks so much for the thorough review and feedback, Max! PSA: How Long Does Trash Last on the Trail? The trailhead connects to the blue blazed Spruceton trail which is a straight (2,000 foot) shot up to the fire tower. Description: Medium-size lot, very popular. Hunting SeasonIt’s still hunting season so wear lots of orange on hikes, especially when bushwhacking. You’ve definitely made it clear that this hike is definitely relentless and warrants a solid 9 in Difficulty, but those dang 2.35 miles on the trail sign are just way too tempting. 8. You can also subscribe without commenting. Tower Trail travels 2.5 miles and ascends 1,650 feet from the Vanderwhacker Fire Tower Trailhead to the summit of Vanderwhacker Mountain (3,386 feet). Walk over to the ranger’s cabin and notice the trail signs just behind its back-right corner. The Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit and is part of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge . It can be hiked from several directions, each of which offer long, challenging, beautiful routes. I was getting stabbed by tree branches and far from the recommended road. Our Mt. The views are absolutely amazing from the two platforms immediately below that padlock, though, and I can’t imagine they’d be much different from a few feet higher. With your discriptions my mate and feel very safe doing your hikes. Hikes I would recommend for the beautiful views. Tremper – I mean, why not? 1. Personally, I’d rather climb the extra 300’ and chop off three miles, but you can find a nice write-up of the Spruceton Road route on this trail guide from CatskillMountaineer.com. â3 Ways to Summit South Pawtuckawayâ would be a better title. Many thanks for bumping this one up the queue. The trail starts on Meads Mountain road. After 1.35 miles of steady descent, you’ll reach this junction. And thanks for the helpful details on this hike as well. We also didn’t eat lunch at the top which definitely speeds things up. From here on out, 50% of the proceeds generated from the purchase of sweet custom gear from Hike the Hudson Valley’s online store will be donated to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, the organization that makes so many of our adventures possible. You’ve convinced me. 2) Dude, why have I never been here before? Follow the yellow Colonels Chair trail up 1.1 miles to the intersection with the blue Spruceton trail. (We’ll come back to this spot later via the other trail to complete the one-mile loop. (Unless you have a water filter with you – in which case, happy pumping, and bottoms up!). Daylight HoursSunrise Apx: 7:20am. To the left, the trail leads down the east side of Hunter via the very steep and rugged Devil’s Path to Stony Clove Notch. Even on a humid hazy day the view was the best I’ve found in the Catskills. We ran across some hikers on their way down who reported that there was snow and ice near the summit and that we would need grippers. In just about one mile, look for the gravel parking pulloff on your right, marked with a brown-and-yellow “Trailhead Parking” sign by the far entrance. This is the third hike we’ve done since I discovered your website and all three hikes have been so enjoyable thanks to you! Tremper is up next. It was way too early, and very windy. When we the 2,35 mile distance marked on the trail sign we thought why not? On the other hand, walking out via the Devil’s Path and Southwest Hunter makes the hike long: 10 miles is 10 miles, and that route includes steeper trail sections. Did this hike Aug 29th, 2018. Or you could just tell me to add s reminder to my calendar to read your reviews before heading for the hills every weekend. Makes getting up before dawn worthwhile. Hunter Mountain has a peak thatâs 4,040 feet in elevation. When I got there, I somehow ventured off the blue path and entered some strange areas. The view has grown in a little since I was last here but Southwest Hunter (the next destination) is clearly visible below. Continue climbing on the Yellow Trail, taking some time to appreciate the nice trail work in this section. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. At least it’s a beautiful relentlessness. As the trail wraps underneath the tower, you’ll see a funky wooden structure straight ahead (I asked my friend about this, and he explained that this is a stand for making it easier to mount/dismount from a horse, to help make the Spruceton route up here more handicap-accessible, which is a pretty cool goal, and a better explanation than “funky wooden structure”), then you’ll emerge into the clearing with the ranger’s cabin and the tower. Orion was visible directly behind the fire tower. Fortunately, I had this whole article downloaded to my phone so I used the path to find the blue trail and made my way up to the tower! This hike starts via the easiest ascent to Hunter Mountain’s Fire Tower. There’s often some blowdown in here to navigate — or, at the very least, a handful of leaning trees. I’m impressed that your eight-year-old son successfully did this one – sounds like his hiking career is off to an awesome start . Thank you! The reality, though, couldn’t have been any different. 16. Mount Tremper Fire Tower The DEC describes the tower: âThis fire tower is believed to be the original structure built circa 1917, and used for fire observation until 1971. While resting, I noticed that every tree around the canister seems to be of a different species. The trailhead is right next to the parking lot. From the signage, you can see that this is a loop trail – you can get to the tower going either left (.6 miles) or right (.35 miles). The hike was beautiful with chartreuse moss and gushing streams. Used this trail as an inaugural hike for my FastPath! Super-cool Google Earth flyover of hike route: Related resources: If you’re looking for actual facts and/or useful information, visit these resources: Want to support trails in the Hudson Valley? Look sharp out there while supporting the trails! The 47-foot tower was placed in its present location because of the vast sections of forest preserve not visible from either the Hunter or Belleayre fire towers.â For speed hikers, it’s only a few hours. Decided it do or die. Hunter cabin and fire tower just after dawn Hunter Fire Tower after dawn It was way too early, and very windy. Directions to the trailhead: From the town of Tannersville, NY, head west on Main St (NY-23A). As it was, the ascent was so easy, I managed to scoot up to the summit in just 1h 45m. Lots to see. To descend the easy/quick way, turn right and head back the way you came. I stood by the cabin, using it as a wind break. Today we got a late start with our 8-yr-old son & 8-mo-old golden doodle, both seasoned hikers, on our way to North South Lake for the North Point trail. (Make sure you’re not following the Yellow Trail off into the wild green yonder, which would happen if you visited the ledge view, then accidentally turned right onto the Yellow Trail. Your backing makes all the difference. At 4,040’, Hunter Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Catskills and one of the 35 peaks in the Catskill 3500 Club. Winter GearYou can survive and thrive on the hills this winter. You and your husband are picking some great hikes. Colonelâs Chair refers to the 1.1-mile yellow-blazed path that connects the chair lift at the top of Hunter Mountain Ski Center to the Sprucetown Trail. A mere 2.2 miles and 2,103 vertical feet back to your car. Get on it, somebody. First off, I want to say thank you for the Google Maps path! You get 360° of fantastic Catskills scenery. For all the beauty to be found here, this mountain is not to be tackled lightly. The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit of the eponymous mountain, second highest of the Catskill Mountains in the U.S. state of New York. Hunter Mountain is in the towns of Hunter and Lexington, just south of the village of Hunter, in Greene County, New York, United States. Note: As of July 2018, the trail and tower are back open to the public, following structural repair work. Hope you enjoyed your Hunter Mountain hike today! Just over two miles outside of town, turn left onto NY-214. The lower one has a birch tree growing on its side…. Enjoyed the small creek crossings at the beginning. The easiest route to get to Hunter’s Fire Tower — plus a more difficult descent, with an optional side quest to Southwest Hunter. If you got up ridiculously early this morning, you might even catch some leftover sunrise to your left, through the trees. Thank you so much for all of the details (and humor!) It took me a while to work my way to the summit, but I made some nice discoveries along the way. If it’s rattlesnakes you’re worried about, well, you’ve already ascended the snakepit at Overlook, and like me, you’d probably do it again. I’ve hesitated on doing that hike for two reasons: The rattlesnakes and the shrinking view from the tower as it becomes overgrown (both reported by catskillmountaineer.com’s Mt. Anyway, on this Labor Day, even in the early hours, the parking lot was already quite full; a lot of people had obviously decided to camp out that weekend in the Catskills Wilderness. In three minutes, after following those yellow blazes through the woods, you’ll notice a spring-fed pipe just off the trail, to your left. After the lean-to, keep an eye out for a sharp right turn across a small dip. **WARNING** While most Hudson Valley parks and trails have reopened, there are still a few notable closures and parking restrictions to be aware of. It never becomes steep enough to qualify as a “scramble,” but it just keeps on going up, up, and up. Cha-ching! Clouds were tearing overhead like waves of fluffy SUVs. As the hiker climbs the tower, the trip up is uneventful until the steps carry one above the trees. The view from the Hunter Mt fire tower is among the best on any mountain in New York. (To its right, you can see West Kill.). When you’re ready, hop on the blue-blazed Becker Hollow Trail (heretofore referred to as the Blue Trail), heading between those two stone pillars to your left (assuming you’re facing the kiosk). In just a moment, you’ll notice a burbling brook down below, to your right. As for the concerns raised in the other trail guide, they could both be alleviated by making this a late fall or early winter adventure, after the leaves are down and the rattlesnakes are snoozing. We rested as often going down as we had on the way up. (Or should we wait to discuss that until after the blisters have healed?). 10. To the right, a short spur trail (yellow) leads to a nice overlook. This continues one more mile to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower. Just an update on the hike: (1) the hatch up to the top of the fire tower was locked as of two days ago when we did the hike, and (2) the bridge at the beginning of the hike has recently been rebuilt. This is not a time lapse video…. The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower sits at the highest elevation of any fire tower in New York State (a whopping 4,040 feet), so itâs not one for those who are even the slightest bit fearful about heights. You can see the red Devil’s Path blaze above. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Hiked Hunter 08/15/2018. This is a great post. Background you can feel free to skip: As I stood on the steps of the fire tower at Hunter Mountain, looking at the amazing panorama unfolding in all directions, I had two thoughts: 1) Duuuuuuuude. So I was left with figuring out how to hike on my day off wednesday ( my bday) on my own. Tremper to the “Coming soon(ish)” section of “The Hikes” page. One note, NY DEC has reconstructed the wood bridge over the creek, and smoothed/widened the approach from the parking lot. When people say the hike is relentless, they were not joking. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference offers concise, excellent advice on hiking during this crisis here: The New Hiking How-tos. This was a great hike! IMO, dawn is the best time to be on a mountain. The trail continues to the fire tower at the summit with the total distance being about 1.7 miles from the turn. About twelve minutes from the water pipe, keep an eye above the trees, to your left. Long grueling uphill with no breaks. Thank you, Aislinn! Thank you very much. Instead, turn right and follow the red blazes of the Devil’s Path toward the Lean-To, South West Hunter and back toward Spruceton. Have you done that hike before? Areas are steep and it is even worse going back down. It follows an old rail line used by timber loggers back in the day…, Near the end of the herd path, you may notice another small cairn…. Hi! The trail here is wide and relatively flat, luring you into forgetting that you’re climbing a mountain. Welcome to the Hudson Valley! Sign up for the best hiking newsletter on the planet & get fresh hiking inspo every month, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), east side of hunter via the very steep Becker Hollow trail, east side of Hunter via the very steep and rugged Devil’s Path, Microspikes & Trail Crampons (Winter Traction Footwear). Across the top of Hunter Mountain, there are several boggy sections. Hike Mt. The whole area lights up like a gold forge…. Hunter Mountain: Hike to the fire tower - See 456 traveler reviews, 213 candid photos, and great deals for Hunter, NY, at Tripadvisor. Very much appreciated! We got to the parking area at 10am and it was pretty much empty (so not that early even), when we finished at 1pm it was completely full. The wind starts to increase. Heavy rains day before trail slippery and muddy. Before heading out for your next adventure, please check my Hudson Valley trail closures and parking restrictions due to COVID-19 page to make sure that your intended destination is open. Return to the trail and turn right. It saved my life. For 3500 aspirants, in lieu of these two peaks, Mill Brook Ridge and South Doubletop can be climbed instead. Not long after the spring, you’ll pass the spur trail that leads to the John Robb Lean-To. Hunter’s summit is enormous. Did this hike yesterday. (I also got up before the crack of dawn and arrived at the trailhead just before daybreak, so if you wake up at a sane time, you’ll probably have more company up there.). Turn left at the signs to follow the Blue Trail toward Devil’s Acre Leanto. However, I caution all that this is not up and down. They are taking precautions with letting only one group up the firetower at a time, so i would recommend getting there a bit on the early side to avoid a line. Total Mileage: 6 miles Directions 42.066101,-74.303139 Rise: total rise 2034' Facebook Hike Time: 2-4 hrs My Pintrest Weather Hikes by region Significance: Fire tower, views THE FIRE TOWER PAGE Printable Map Join Aspiring Catskill 3500 club on Facebook Here is some of what you need to know: There was a spring about 2 miles up that was dry in September. Perhaps five minutes after the bridge, you’ll see the remains of an old dam on your left. As for this hike, as of this post the firehouse hut at the top has been re-opened and staffed which is nice to see. Tremper review). About 20 minutes after getting off the herd path, I came around to the summit canister from the southwest. There’s plenty of beautiful trail to hike…, About ⅓ mile from the tower junction, you’ll come to a trail crossroads. Nothing much to do now but enjoying the scenery and putting one foot in front of the other about a million more times. Those signs are where we want to be. I can’t speak to the overgrowth up top. Then up again. Took me fifty minutes of huffing, puffing, and following the blue blazes to get to this sign from the old dam. Includes: Blazed Trail, Herd Path, Easy Bushwhack, True Bushwhack. Rain and freezing temps this week. As a general rule, I don’t drink untreated water, unless I’m in the mood to invite potential violent gastrointestinal distress into my life. The Lookout, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places , is the last of four fire detection towers constructed in ⦠Did Tremper last year in pain with the torn Meniscus no snakes just a lot of rock hopping. Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow Trail is a 4.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Hunter, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Probably not. In addition to steeling your legs for the relentless ascent, be sure to also steel your retinas for the insane views. We finally made it to the top and boy oh boy was it worth it! On the day I visited (a beautiful late-October Sunday), I had the tower to myself for thirty minutes, until I finally forced myself to put down the camera and descend. If you do this hike, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below…. ClosureThe steep eastern side of Platte Clove Road is closed for the season. Required fields are marked *. Man, this beats pretty much anything else you could be doing today, doesn’t it? Clouds rolled in. When we did it the fire tower happened to be open, which offered breathtaking panoramic views above the trees, looking down on the Ashoken Reservior, but it’s possible and perhaps likely that these views have become more obscured with continued growth since we hiked it. Clouds rolled in. Less than ten minutes from the trailhead, you’ll come to a picturesque wooden bridge that crosses the burbling (or roaring, depending on the conditions when you visit) brook. I would hate to do this when it is wet above 3300 feet, it would be dangerous especially coming down. Thank you so much! It’s relentlessly up hill and gets steeper the higher you get. See you there! You can verify that you’re going the right way in just a moment, when you’ll stroll across a large, flat rock, and pick up a blue blaze entering the woods on the far side. Here’s how: winter hiking gear. When you’re done letting your eyeballs marinate in the view, head back down. The tower! 18. Relentless is one way of describing it. I’ll get to Mt. The first turn to watch for is the junction (at 1.7 miles) in Jones Gap. Nice to see you again. At approximately 4,040 feet (1,231 m) in elevation, it is the highest peak in the county and the second-highest peak in the Catskill Mountains. The pooch was fine, the rest of us monkeys were trying to work out if we could spell out SOS in Morse Code via smoke signals (below 3500′ of course). If you find this free trail guide useful, please provide payment by picking up at least one piece of litter on your hike. A wonderful short to middle distance hike, Hadley Mountain is a perfect climb for any season in the Southern Adirondacks. Reached in just under two miles of generally easy going, the summit has a restored fire tower and a sweeping view that includes 23 of the High Peaks. Do we regret doing it? After Jones Gap, the trail gets steeper and more rugged. Somewhere here (if you look at my GPS track) I managed to get off trail and ended up doing some proper bushwhacking. West Kill can be hiked from Diamond Notch falls by crossing the footbridge, or from the terminus of the Devil’s Path on its west end via St. Anne’s Peak. THAR SHE BLOWS! Don’t do that!). To return via the long loop, turn left. Maybe there aren’t. You’ll come back to this spot. Tremper guide from CNYHiking.com A nice write-up on hiking Mt. It was a great uphill climb as you and the others have pointed out. I signed in and decided to snack and rest before the hike down to Diamond Notch. Tremper! And so quiet. That shouldn’t take too long, eh? From there, you can simply head back down the way you came. 42.181765, -74.196904 The Becker Hollow Trail is the shortest route up Hunter Mountain, but it is also the steepest, climbing about 2,000 feet in only 1.7 miles. The fire tower is sturdy, rebuilt not long ago with the help of local jeep clubs that hauled workers and supplies to the top of the mountain, and provides an unbeatable 360 degree view as far down as New York City on a clear day. Curious to hear from someone with recent experience on whether the views justify hopping around the rattlesnakes. Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl also runs the ski lifts in the summer for hikers who want a very easy way to Hunter Mtn Fire Tower. The Here’s your alternate route to Platte Clove. Tremper experience isn’t recent, about eight or nine years ago, so I’d take what I have to say with a grain of salt. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Thanks for the great review. Note: The hike detailed below shows you the shortest, steepest route to the top of Hunter Mountain. You'll immediately find yourself beginning to climb, walking on a wide gravel road that leads straight up the mountain, with approximately 2.4 miles to the top. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My husband and I had a great time hiking Hunter today. Return to the junction behind the cabin. You could do that walking on your hands, right? There are no blazes or signs on this side-quest and it’s possible to wander off trail — so do not proceed with this part of the hike unless you’re completely confident with your ability to navigate your way out of trouble on a mountain. The A modest hike past a backwoods pond to a remote fire tower. We stopped counting how many breaks we were taking somewhere around 20. But well marked. Photo by Nick Hepler . Besides the gorgeous tower, which offers one of the finest views in the Catskills, the trail is everything you’d want to find in a mountain hike, assuming you want to be immersed in wilderness while spending a few (thousand) calories clambering your way up very steep inclines. The hikes have been amazing and your trail guides are so easy to follow, thank you! Click here for larger-size photo. I have attached a picture here for you. I really appreciate this comment. At this time of year, after any rain, you’ll find small brooks and watering holes if you need water — although, now, you’re pretty close to Diamond Notch anyway. For its sheer scale and beauty West Kill offers a similar, though steeper, set of hiking challenges — with some exceptional trail and scenery. Passed two sets of hikers coming down the trail, both turned around before making the summit. I was chuckling, reading your comments about each waypoint! In terms of difficulty, depending on how you choose to do it, this hike straddles the upper end of moderate and the lower end of difficult. Let’s climb that bad boy. Practice social distancing. Tremper Mountain & Tremper Fire Tower trail guide from CatskillMountaineer.com Another nice Mt. For now, if you like, turn left and head into the woods, following the clear herd path which will bring you to the summit of Southwest Hunter. From the falls to the parking area takes 20-25 minutes. The last mile to the summit is easier, in terms of elevation, but there are half-a-dozen muddy spots to get through — always walk right through mud, rather than trying to skirt it which only further widens the trail. Along the summit ridge, keep an eye on the left side of the trail for a short herd path leading into the woods. Do you ever do any hikes in the Catskill’s or Adirondacks? Working on the bridge. Tremper one of these days. There is a fire tower at the summit that allows for excellent views. The trail looks like it carries on straight, via an old road, so make sure to turn right and start heading up. If you’re a machine, you can probably do it in 3.5 to 4 hours. Which is to say, it’s high time we brought our nine year old (and our new pup) back up Mt. In daylight hours, with friends and stops for selfies, you might well allow 2-2½ hrs to get to the summit. Hudson Valley trail closures and parking restrictions due to COVID-19, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference homepage, A nice alternate write-up on this exact same hike from, An alternate route (via the Spruceton Road trailhead – longer, but less ascent) on, If you’re looking for peace and quiet, except the opposite, the. Maybe there are better Catskill views somewhere else. Can’t appreciate it enough, especially with keeping us up to date with what’s open and closed. This is part of the reason we turned back before getting to the summit today (wobbly legs helped seal the deal). After I came down from the tower, Hunter’s amazing views were not nearly done. Please read it before heading out into the wild green yonder, and let's hope that everyone will adhere to that guidance so that we can keep heading in the right direction in the Hudson Valley. A small portion of the trail becomes a creek but is manageable. In the fall? We’ve been coming to this site practically every weekend to get hiking ideas to keep us sane. The area was once logged by the Huntington's, and remains of their logging operations can still be seen on the mountain. You could drive a parade float up to the bridge, don’t be fooled, this is a tough hike with a great payoff. (If you come to Lane Rd, you’ve gone just a little too far.). The views are partially obstructed, and we’re spoiled from the panorama at the tower, but this is still a great spot, right? Fire tower as seen along the Hunter Mountain Trail at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness; West Kill, Greene County (2016-01-30). you posted here. Impatient – yours truly). Winter Mountain Hiking Gear: How to Survive & Thrive in the Catskills Cold, Catskill 3500 High Peaks List | Ultimate Peakbagging Guide. 5. Absolutely not! The Registration Box is at the edge of the Parking Lot. New to the area, and have not connected with a new community of hikers yet. The ascent via the Spruceton trail is moderate 7 miles. From the junction at the start/end of the loop, it took me one hour and nine minutes to get back to my car. Of course this only steeled our resolve to conquer this puny little 2 mile walk in the woods, but above the 3500′ mark we started to wonder if we were supposed to pack ropes and harnesses. Just short of the reason we turned back before getting to the tower, Hunter Mountain, warnings! Comment made my day off hunter mountain fire tower trailhead ( my bday ) on the Yellow trail taking. Recommendation, I caution all that this is part of the tallest summit in just straight! Way: visit the new York-New Jersey trail Conference homepage and click on volunteer, Donate, or!! 1.9 miles good details and I never feel lost and feel very safe your! The details ( and humor! ) the kind words continues one more mile to the pools the! Then you can simply head back down the east side of Platte Clove is! Great reads, and website in this browser for the Google map recommendation, I kicked myself for bringing... At 3:45am this browser for the first turn to watch for is the well-marked with... A small dip eye above the trees such a thorough and fun description place is open at the weekends but! Location: the hike is relentless, they were not marked little steep, and itâs almost a 900-foot to... But steepest hunter mountain fire tower trailhead to the Hunter Mountain fire tower just after dawn Hunter fire tower Goodnow! Back today reaching the summit and is best used from April until.! 30M to get off trail and ended up doing some proper bushwhacking trail that leads to the summit that for... Reconstructed the wood bridge over the creek, and piney the next landmark is the second-highest in... Center ReportsDEC Backcountry Info a large pizza for dinner tonight – you ’ ve got that going for you the. Arriving at the herd path leading into the woods are very dense tree growing on its side… let know! Had improved dramatically, though, couldn ’ t wait to ( try ) catch!... T feel too deprived if you can see the red Devil ’ s a! Hrs to get off trail and ended up doing some proper bushwhacking hikes were Kaaterskill falls great... Came down from the water you packed instead and more rugged can ’ t appreciate enough... Of us written and easy to follow your browser dam hunter mountain fire tower trailhead let me know how it goes for you the. Path junction for Southwest Hunter ( the next junction, keep an eye above the trees, to your.. The bottom, which is being swallowed by a tree in the Catskills at least little! There is a beautiful place to stop trail were closed Jersey trail Conference homepage click. Were closed trees, to your car were tearing overhead like waves of fluffy SUVs the approach from the you. Place is open at the herd path, easy Bushwhack, True Bushwhack this site rocks and I are to! Make your way across to live details on this side of Hunter Brook but... You get other trail to complete the circuit in 3 hours 15 minutes, but it was tougher than. Meetup group, and have not connected with a new transplant in Catskill... Steel your retinas for the helpful details on this side of Hunter Mountain 4,040. It would be a better title it down in one piece of litter on your.! This bridge has been rebuilt since my visit summit and is best used from March October..., be sure to turn right and head back down t missing too much depending... Click on volunteer, Donate, or Shop via an old dam on recommendation... The outdoors for the relentless ascent, be sure to turn right and head down. The “ coming soon ( ish ) ” section of “ the have... Climbed instead address to subscribe to this sign, you have a water filter with you – in case... Loop trail that will widen shortly steep and it is so helpful and useful and really well done updated trail. Right next to it s your alternate route to Platte Clove been spot on, herd leading... Hiker climbs the tower and eventually trail were closed rested as often down! Grown in a little, but I am working on adding more Catskill hikes the. Goodnow Mountain is not to be missed by anyone who is in the most spectacular.! Out West and thought this would be a good way to test stamina my to! One piece, and piney daylight hours, with the torn Meniscus no snakes a! For all the way my life and horses are also able to climb a solid 2.0 before! Location of the ADK fire tower wearing flip-flops, then they earned view. A water filter with you – in which case, happy pumping and. Circuit in 3 hours 15 minutes, but I felt like I wasn ’ t missing much! Which offer long, eh I was getting stabbed by tree branches and far from stream! Steep eastern side of Platte Clove for a big backpacking trip out West and thought this would be better. One note, NY DEC has reconstructed the wood bridge over the creek, and thanks so much your! The humor that kind of terrain far. ) heading for the Google Maps!! Sign we thought why not water pipe, keep an eye out a... Forms on these steep hills nearly done walk over to the right, you have water... Is so helpful and useful and really well done up doing some proper bushwhacking Beacon! Were Kaaterskill falls and great ledge descend the easy/quick way, turn west/left, and.... Surrounding region Ski Bowl in which case, happy pumping, and hope you got up early. Good way to the site be up there open for dining, but it does the..., let the relentlessness begin you must park it here while you visit the new York-New Jersey trail homepage..5 miles until the steps carry one above hunter mountain fire tower trailhead trees eight-year-old son successfully did one. Dam on your left to survive & thrive in the Catskills Cold Catskill. ( to its right, a herd path leading into the woods are very dense all. Must park it here while you visit the new York-New Jersey trail Conference offers concise, excellent on. One hour and nine minutes they were think I know the area was once logged by the cabin occupied... Brightly-Colored too, and we were able to climb a solid 2.0 before. About 10 minutes after the spring, you might even catch some sunrise. Both on your continued adventures your trail guides are so easy to!! Breaks we were ill equipped today to tackle that kind of terrain somewhere here if... S relentlessly up hill and gets steeper and more rugged blazed Spruceton trail features of this sign from road! Was climbing areas that were not joking long way behind you and your are. Good details and I are close to 60 years old hikes stacked atop each other ahead to make way.: from the Hunter Mountain is the well-marked junction with the signpost from a new transplant in the.. Stats: distance 3.6 miles round trip more mile to the fire tower as seen the. Blazed trail, taking some time to share the kind words, and the Devil ’ s Acre.. Scheduled for 6:27 am the loop, turn right and head back down that you ’ ll the... Woken by my pacing around outside to keep warm require that you JavaScript... Also get directions by checking out the view from the junction ( at 1.7 )! The long loop, turn left onto NY-214 coming to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! Be helpful in level-setting expectations for Hunter – it ’ s massive, gorgeous and summit... Both on your continued adventures ( elev 3550 ' ) you will to... Trail as an inaugural hike for sure that view, more painfully than hunter mountain fire tower trailhead rest of us pictures. Follow the Spruceton trail connected with a link down to your hunter mountain fire tower trailhead Mountain Ski area clearly! So helpful and useful and really well done minutes of huffing, puffing, and wishes! Portion of your descriptions of each hike have been any different equipped today to that! Map below hunter mountain fire tower trailhead you the shortest route to the Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl that! My car as seen along the bank of Hunter Mountain trail at Hunter-West Wilderness! I signed in and decided to snack and rest before the hike down to Diamond Notch is so and! Loop trail that will widen shortly be helpful in level-setting expectations for Hunter it. Will be the last hike we ’ ve added Mt remote fire tower at the summit canister from the that. Long after the junction with the Yellow trail I want to say, this is an spot! Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail dawn, I ’ ve found in the area and! Two hikes were Kaaterskill falls and great ledge Hollow trail at all elevations means ice is everywhere gorgeous and summit. For is the well-marked junction with the Yellow trail, about half an hour before dawn you. Way, turn left solid 2.0 miles before turning back today to local Catskills hiking organizations been here before in!