Hiking the Catskills: The Best Trails in Greene and Ulster Counties

The Catskill Mountains contain over 700,000 acres of protected land and more than 35 peaks above 3,500 feet. Within that expanse, Greene and Ulster Counties offer some of the best hiking trails in the Catskills.

This guide covers the trails worth knowing across both counties, organized by what makes each one distinct. Whether you’re after summit views, waterfall drama, fire tower history, or a walk that doesn’t require a full day, there’s a trail here worth putting on the list.

Greene County: High Peaks, Escarpment Views, and the Devil’s Path

Greene County is home to the highest peaks in the Catskills, including Hunter Mountain at 4,040 feet — the second highest summit in the range. The terrain here tends toward the dramatic, and several of the region’s most iconic trails sit within its borders.

Devil’s Path — Expert
The most demanding trail in the Catskills and one of the most challenging on the East Coast. The Devil’s Path runs 24 miles across Greene County through the towns of Hunter and Lexington, summiting six peaks — West Kill, Hunter, Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin, and Indian Head — with nearly 9,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Most experienced hikers tackle it as a multi-day backpacking route rather than a day hike. The trailheads are at Prediger Road to the east and Spruceton Road to the west. Not for beginners — and worth every step for those ready for it.

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower — Moderate to Difficult
New York’s highest-elevation fire tower sits at 4,040 feet on Hunter Mountain, with views stretching into Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut on a clear day. The most accessible route is via the Colonel’s Chair Trail from the Hunter Mountain Skyride base — 1.1 miles to the junction with the Spruceton Trail, then one mile uphill to the tower. The Skyride charges a fee for access from that side; the Becker Hollow Trail off Route 214 provides a free but significantly steeper alternative. Allow 3–4 hours round trip.

Burnt Knob and Acra Point — Moderate
A quieter alternative to the Escarpment’s more crowded sections. From the Big Hollow parking area, follow the red trail 1.1 miles toward Burnt Knob, then connect to the blue Escarpment Trail. Turn left for Burnt Knob or right for Acra Point — both vistas offer sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and the Blackhead Range. Allow around 3 hours. A strong choice for those who want Escarpment-quality views without the North-South Lake crowds.

North Point at North-South Lake — Easy to Moderate
One of the most family-accessible hikes in Greene County, with a variety of trail lengths to suit different abilities. Short routes lead to the historic site of the Catskill Mountain House — the legendary 19th-century resort that perched on the escarpment before burning in 1963 — where the views of the Hudson Valley on a clear day reach five states. A moderate extension continues to Boulder Rock and Sunset Park. The campground charges a day-use fee in season. The nearby Ashley Falls, reached via Mary’s Glen Trail, adds a quiet waterfall to the morning.

Dibbles Quarry via Pecoy Notch — Easy to Moderate
A lesser-known trail that earns its keep. From the Roaring Kill parking area, follow the yellow trail a quarter mile before joining the blue trail toward Pecoy Notch. At 0.9 miles you reach Dibbles Quarry — the remnants of a 19th-century bluestone operation complete with stone chairs and spiral staircases carved from the rock after the quarry closed. A genuinely unusual destination that rewards hikers with something more than views.

Ulster County: Reservoir Views, Fire Towers, and the High Peaks

Ulster County holds the Catskills’ highest summit — Slide Mountain at 4,180 feet — along with some of the most varied terrain in the range, from the open ledges of Giant Ledge to the accessible flat walking of the Ashokan Rail Trail.

Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain — Moderate
Consistently cited as one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the Catskills. Giant Ledge offers multiple scenic overlooks of the surrounding mountain range, particularly stunning in spring when the trees are coming into leaf. Most hikers take the Giant Ledge loop as a standalone; extending to Panther Mountain’s summit adds views of Panther Pond and the wider Seward range. The trail is rocky in sections and parking fills on weekends — arrive early. Trailhead off Route 47 in Oliverea.

Slide Mountain — Moderate to Difficult
The highest peak in the Catskills at 4,180 feet and a natural bucket-list destination for serious hikers visiting the region. The 5.6-mile out-and-back follows red trail markers from the trailhead on Oliverea Road, with a moderately steep but sustained climb to the summit. Views from the top extend over the Borough Range and down to the Ashokan Reservoir. Allow 4–5 hours and expect company on peak weekends — Slide is one of the most popular summits in the range.

Overlook Mountain — Moderate
Located outside Woodstock, Overlook Mountain is a strong choice for hikers who want summit rewards without extreme difficulty. The 5-mile round trip climbs 1,400 feet to a fire tower at 3,150 feet, passing the dramatic ruins of the Overlook Mountain House — a never-completed 1920s hotel now being reclaimed by the forest. The fire tower offers views of the Hudson River, Ashokan Reservoir, and on clear days, five states. A spur trail leads to a ledge with one of the best views of the reservoir in the Catskills. Trailhead on Meads Mountain Road in Woodstock. Parking fills fast on weekends.

Ashokan Rail Trail — Easy
The most accessible trail in Ulster County and one of the more underrated walks in the region. The Ashokan Rail Trail runs 11.5 miles along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir on a compacted crushed stone surface, fully ADA compliant, open year-round. No elevation gain — just the reservoir, the mountains, and room to move at whatever pace suits the day. The trailhead is on Route 28, three miles west of the Kingston Thruway exit. A strong choice for families with young children, trail runners, or anyone who wants a long flat walk with sustained views.

A Note on Proximity

All of these trails sit within reasonable driving distance of Hilltop Horizons in Cornwallville — a six-bedroom property that sleeps 12, with panoramic Catskill mountain views and enough space for a group to relax and reset after a long day on the trail. Greene County trails like Burnt Knob, Hunter Mountain, and North Point are within 20–30 minutes. Ulster County trails including Giant Ledge, Slide, and Overlook are 45–60 minutes south.

Book direct at artisanstays.us — no platform fees, and availability for spring and early summer is still open.

Related Reading:
The Catskills in Spring: What to Do Near Windham, NY
River Towns or Mountain Retreats: How to Choose Your Hudson Valley Getaway