The Best Single Mountain Hike in the Catskills
Fantastic terrain, epic views, a beloved cliff climb, a long boreal summit, and an easy walk out through beautiful woods — this is my absolute favorite single-mountain hike in the Catskills.
Although Indian Head is the smallest (and easiest) mountain on the infamous Devil’s Path hiking trail, it’s also the most delightful. The other five peaks are wonderful too, of course, each in their own way — the scale! the drama! the views! — but hiking Indian Head is always a special, intimate, and rewarding experience.
For a start, there’s an abundance of very large and very old hemlock trees; the eastern side, at least, was untouched by the tanning industry of the 1800’s.
But the whole mountain feels primordial, and is completely wonderful to hike.
This 60ft cliff on the trail looks crazy, but it’s actually quite do-able—and it’s a big hiking highlight for anyone who climbs it. You can do it.
Hiking off the west side of the summit, you’ll come down around this enormous boulder without realizing, at first, how big it is. The rock is almost always wet and, in the fall, glaze ice and icicles slowly encase it in the most fantastic ways.
Read my full hike report for Indian Head which is extremely detailed—lots more pics, trailhead and hike route info, even cell service notes.
There’s also lots of info on the site for other mountain hiking trails in the Catskills. You can also learn how to hike safely, including the three best ways to not die in the Catskills, yay!
Thanks for reading.
Live happily!
