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Popular Hiking Trails in the Catskill Mountains

Eric Greenfield

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Bookkeeping Manhattan’s principal and lead consultant, Eric Greenfield performs accounting and other money management functions for many established clients. For enjoyment, Eric Greenfield hikes New York State’s Catskill Mountains.

A short drive from many Northeastern cities, the Catskills encompass a variety of terrain, such as lakes, wetlands, hills, and meadows. Other attractions include five restored fire towers that visitors can climb.
Thousands of miles of trails crisscross the Catskills. Four of the most popular provide a small representative sampling.

Offering an easy hike is the Utsayantha Fire Tower Trail. Featuring foot or car access, the two-mile traverse rises 680 feet. Spectacular tower-top sunsets highlight this experience.

A moderate 3.75-mile hike, the Giant Ledge Trail accesses five spectacular stone platforms where overnight camping is permitted. The trail rises 975 feet in an out-and-back route.
The North Mountain Trail tours lush forests and waterfalls. Also moderate in difficulty, it features expansive views east to the Hudson River, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The six-mile out-and-back and loop path rises 855 feet.
With a hard degree of difficulty, Sam’s Point Trail rises 1,200 feet, rewarding hikers with views of the 180-foot Verkeerderkill Falls in the western Catskills. You will also encounter ice caves on this 7.4-mile out-and-back journey. Climbing ladders is required on this trek.