Kaaterskill High Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Along the way to the summit of this peak, hikers can admire Wildcat and Buttermilk Falls (both of which have great views), as well as the scenery from Kaaterskill High Peak, and Hurricane Ledge which has its own wide open beautiful viewpoint.

Crampons recommended in Winter.

From the hikers parking lot, turn right onto Route 23a and work your way along the road for .4 miles. You'll cross the bridge over Kaaterskill Creek and turn left on Malden Ave. Stay on the road and follow the blue marks that denote the Long Path: Section 22.

After .9 miles you'll see Freewood restaurant. Shortly turn right onto another short road. After a few feet, the trail turns onto a woods road and into the forest. From here, the road ascends. At 1.60 miles point trail turns right onto a singletrack trail. At 1.80 miles is Ella's Ledge. While still an accomplishment, the view from the ledge is overgrown. At point 3.1 miles there is a .47 mile long trail leading to Poet's Ledge with beautiful views. Now the trail is almost flat for another 2 miles.

You'll see three waterfalls along your hike: Hillyer Falls (at 3.80 miles), Wildcat Falls (at 4.3 miles), and finally Buttermilk Falls (at 4.9 miles). Wildcat and Buttermilk Falls have nice views to the north. After the last falls, the trail turns south-southwest and begins to ascend again. Some of these ascents are steep and over rocky areas. The trail cuts back and forth to make the climb easier.

At 6.3 miles, leave the Long Path: Section 22 and turn to the right. You'll make your way a short distance up to the snowmobile trail that loops around Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top Mountain. Turn right on the loop trail. In just a short distance you'll see a herd path marked with a stone cairn on your left. This path is unmaintained, but travel on the trail is ok. Get ready for a short but steep climb up to the High Peak. Unfortunately, there is no view from the summit.

If you're hoping for better views, continue heading south .2 miles to Hurricane Ledge, which is wide open and shows beautiful views. From this vantage point, you'll see the Hudson river, as well as Indian Head and Twin mountains.