Catskill 3500 Club
Section: Northern Peaks | Central Peaks | Southern Peaks | Off Trail & Winter | Hiking Resources
Big Indian Mountain 3700'
Signing in at the summit log on Big Indian Mountain
USGS Map: Shandaken
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map: #42/142 & #43/143
Order of Height: 19th at 3700'
Access: Via short bushwhack from Pine Hill-West Branch Trail
Description: Named for the Big Indian of the legend "Winnisook", Big Indian Mountain is the central peak in the range that rises west of the Esopus Creek. While there are no views from its wooded summit, it is an easy bushwhack off the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail.
Frequently done in conjunction with either Fir Mountain or Eagle Mountain, there are many access points. Big Indian is most commonly climbed from the south via the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail from Biscuit Brook or from the north and west via the Seager-Big Indian Trail and the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail from Seager. Be sure to sign in at the summit canister.
Links for Big Indian Mountain
NYSDEC Interactive Locator Map
Big Indian Wilderness - NYSDEC
Legend of Big Indian (halfway down page)
Photo credit: Scott Larson