Catskill 3500 Club
Section: Northern Peaks | Central Peaks | Southern Peaks | Off Trail & Winter | Hiking Resources
Backpacking in the Catskills
Backpackers
at trailhead
Extended backpacking trips abound in the Catskills and provide the backpacker the opportunity to experience the heights of the high peaks many times in a setting of solitude.
These extended trips can be made with good planning and can take in the combination of trail side camping, lean-tos or any of the state run campgrounds that are spread out in the region.
These trips can range from long ridgeline rambles to extreme rugged terrain such as along the grueling Devil's Path. Long multiday trips can be made or short one to two night trips abound and make for perfect quick weekends get-a-ways.
Whatever trail the backpacker picks he or she will be ensured a great experience! Remember follow all NYSDEC Rules for Camping!
Note: camping opportunities listed are at lean-tos and may not be located directly on the trail listed (you may have to hike use side trails to reach them). Please see the rules for camping regarding other opportunities. These do not include designated campsites. See trail guides for complete information.
Sample trips
The Devil's Path:
25.15 miles
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #41
3500 Summits:
-
On the trail: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, West Kill.
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Access to: Hunter (via spur trail), SW Hunter (bushwhack), Rusk (bushwhack), North Dome (bushwhack), Sherrill (bushwhack).
Camping Opportunities: Devil's Kitchen Lean-to, Mink Hollow Lean-to, Devil's Acre Lean-to, Devil's Tombstone State Campground, Diamond Notch Lean-to
Escarpment Trail:
23.90 Miles
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #41
3500 Summits:
-
On the trail: Blackhead, Windham High Peak.
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Access to: Black Dome (via trail), Thomas Cole (via trail).
Camping Opportunities: North - South Lake State Campground, Batavia Kill Lean-to, Elm Ridge Lean-to
The Long Path:
97.25 Miles
See The Long Path Guide, Published by NY-NJ Trail Conference
3500 Summits:
-
On the trail: Peekamoose, Table, Slide, Cornell, Wittenberg, Plateau, Sugarloaf, Twin, Indian Head, Blackhead, Windham High Peak.
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Access to: Lone (bushwhack), Rocky (bushwhack), Balsam Cap (bushwhack), Friday (bushwhack), Kaaterskill High Peak (unmaintained trail), Black Dome (via trail), Thomas Cole (via trail).
Camping Opportunities: Sundown Primitive Camp Site, Bouton Memorial Lean-to, Terrace Mountain Lean-to, Woodland Valley State Campground, Baldwin Memorial Lean-to, Mount Tremper Lean-to, Devil's Tombstone Campground, Mink Hollow Lean-to, Devil's Kitchen lean-to, North - South Lake State Campground, Batavia Kill Lean-to, Elm Ridge Lean-to
The Dry Brook Ridge Trail:
13.70 Miles
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #42
3500 Summits:
-
On the trail: None.
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Access to: Balsam Lake Mountain (via spur trail), Graham Mountain (unmaintained path)
Camping Opportunities: Balsam Lake Mountain Lean-to, Dry Brook Lean-to, German Hollow Lean-to
Pine Hill - West Branch Trail:
14.90 Miles
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #42
3500 Summits:
-
On the trail: Eagle Mountain, Balsam Mountain.
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Access to: Fir (bushwhack), Doubletop (bushwhack), Big Indian (herd path)
Camping Opportunities: Biscuit Brook Lean-to, Shandaken Brook Lean-to, McKenley Hollow Lean-to, Rider Hollow Lean-to, Hirschland Lean-to, Belleayre Mtn. Lean-to
Also, see links page for campgrounds
Photo credit: Scott Larson