Baxter State Park, Maine

Anyone who climbs and hikes in the Northeast who hasn't heard of Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin must have had their head in the sand. It's an almost mythological destination with superlatives better suited to mountains in the western United States and a park bureaucracy that makes getting reservations almost as hard as having lunch with the Pope.

And for anyone that has made the pilgrimage to the park, you'll understand just why so many people are in love with the park.

Plus Baxter isn't just Mount Katahdin and the Knife Edge, there's a whole other set of mountains that are just as exciting and interesting throughout the park.

Where is Baxter State Park?

Maybe it's the fact that Baxter is located in the heart of Northern Maine that adds to the allure. It's a long way from everywhere, even from places in Maine! You'll spend about 3 ½ hours getting there from Augusta, somewhere around 4 hours from Portland and somewhere around 6 or 7 hours getting there from Boston, depending on traffic (heck, with Boston traffic, figure 10 hours).

The park is located just to the north of Millinocket, Maine - which is about a ½ an hour to the west of Interstate 95. There are two ways to access the park - the main entrance is the southern entrance just north of Millinocket, while a second northern access is open at the northern top of the park.

There are actually quite a few ways to get to the entrances, either on official state and local roads or via the timber company "paper" roads that crisscross the timber company lands outside of the park. A good map of the area is a must if you're planning on trying any of these more "rustic" trips to the park.

Getting into the Park can be a challenge...

You either need reservations or need to be incredibly lucky to get into Baxter. Bother overnight and day-use is strictly regulated in the park with caps on the number of people that can be in the park at any one time.

Getting reservations can sometimes be like getting Willa Wonka's golden ticket. It used to be that you'd send in your request the week between Christmas and New Years and if it got to the Baxter offices that week, you stood a chance of getting something, but probably not what you originally requested. Sometime in January the park would call you collect and you'd haggle over reservations and eventually end up with something. The only other way to get the reservations was to wait in line that same week at the park headquarters and get a reservation in person. I remember living in Maine and this would be a big news story - the lines of people in Millinocket, waiting for Baxter reservations.

Reservations now, instead of all the reservations for the year going in at the beginning, are rolling. Basically you make reservations 4 months in advance - so you need to plan ahead and get your reservations in at the right time.

For day-use activities, unless you're at the park gate at about 5:30 in the morning (the gate opens at 6), it's not likely you'll get to go to the area you want. There are three major access points for day hikes on Mount Katahdin and Knife Edge (Abol Slide, Katahdin Stream and Roaring Brook) and all three fill up very fast. Once a certain number of people has been reached, the park will not allow other people to go to those lots. Don't think you can sneak in either after saying you're going somewhere else. You must display a day-use pass in your window and it clearly says which parking lot you are supposed to be in. Access points for other parts of the park beyond Katahdin don't fill up as fast, so if your heart isn't set on climbing Mount Katahdin, it's not quite so hard to get into the park for a day.

It's also important to realize that Maine residents get first dibs on both overnight reservations and day-use in the park. A certain number of overnight slots are saved for residents and generally a Maine resident will have an easier time getting into the park for the day. Plus Maine residents pay a reduced day-use or overnight fee in the park.

There are gate fees, day-use fees and fees for overnight reservations, so be prepared to pay. The fees all stay within the park, as the park is a self-sufficient entity that doesn't get its money from the State. The park is completely run off of fees and the income from the trust that Percival Baxter set up when he donated the park to the State.

What you'll find inside the park

There are two major areas in the park. The southern portion of the park contains the Mount Katahdin massif. This is where you'll find Baxter Peak (the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail), the Knife Edge (a mile long hike along a ridge that in places is only 3 to 4 feet wide), the Great Basin, North Basin, the Tablelands and the Northwest Basin. In the northern portion of the park you'll find somewhat less impressive mountains that are nevertheless, still impressive in their own right. You'll also find a lot more "quiet" areas in the northern portion of the park - it's significantly less crowded and beyond the mountains, there are many stream valleys, lakes, ponds and bogs to explore.

Mount Katahdin

To be honest, Mount Katahdin is the reason that probably 90% of park visitors are in Baxter. The mountain is the highest mountain in Maine, it has a huge area of alpine tundra, the knife edge ridge is like nowhere else in the eastern United States and the North Basin was home to the east coast's last permanent snowfield (it finally melted in the 1800s).

There are several different access points for Mount Katahdin. Day trippers and overnight campers alike can climb to Chimney Pond from Roaring Brook and make a loop out of the mountain. There's day-hiking access up very steep trails from Abol Slide and Katahdin Stream and for campers, a several day trip around Katahdin and up through the Northwest Basin is one of the most amazing trips anywhere in the Northeast.

Most campers book a few nights at Chimney Pond campground (located in the Great Basin, directly beneath the summit of Mount Katahdin and the Knife Edge) and use it as a base camp to hike the Knife Edge and explore the other areas nearby (the Tablelands, Hamlin Ridge, and the North Basin).

The day trips from the other areas are long and steep and don't set themselves up for loops as much as a trip through Chimney Pond would, but they are shorter (7 or 8 miles versus 14 miles for a day-trip loop through Chimney Pond).

The Knife Edge

No trip to Baxter would be complete without a traverse of the Knife Edge. This ridge, located between the summit of Mount Katahdin (Baxter Peak) and Pamola Peak is a mile long, narrow ridge, that in places goes down to about 3 feet wide. At it's narrowest point, an almost sheer cliff drops down into the Great Basin a Chimney Pond for a few thousand feet (it's a bit dizzying).

The ridge is barren, exposed and above tree-line and will test just about anyone. In bad weather (high winds or icing), the park will close the route (they will also close other exposed trails) but even in good weather, the route can be intimidating for some.

Honestly on my first trip across, while I didn't crawl on my hands and knees, I tried to stay as close to the ground as possible and when I got to the narrow section, I was pretty freaked out. It took a lot of nerves to make it that first time and even to this day, I still get a bit weak kneed going across in places. Of course, I've also seen people that literally have thrown themselves against the rocks and are screaming "I can't go on," so I guess I'm not that bad.

The Northern Portion of Baxter State Park

For anyone who's gone to Mount Katahdin, a trip to the northern part of the park is a completely different experience. Forget the over-protective (and zelous) park rangers around Mount Katahdin and the "we need to know where you are at all times attitude," things are more laid back in the north. There are a few major campgrounds and a few overnight backcountry areas. The majority of the mountains and other areas can all be reached by day-trips, including one spectacular mountain called Doubletop.

Unlike almost any other mountain I've been on - Doubletop is, as the name suggests, a mountain with two tops. The two summits are connected by a narrow ridge. Nowhere near as narrow as the Knife Edge, still the ridge is an incredible walk and ends on the northerly summit where it seems like you're standing on the edge of the world - the mountain's summit ends in a large cliff that gives you an expansive view of the entire park.

There are also the Brothers which give you a close-up view of Mount Katahdin, the Traverler, a large, partially trailless peak and several other smaller mountains that are all interesting in their own right.

Beyond the mountains there are several lakes and ponds to explore and for you geology buffs out there, the very northern portion of the park is home to some of the earliest fish fossils ever found. Though don't remove anything if you find it - fossils are protected in the park.

My Park Experiences

I've been in the park several times for both camping trips and day trips (living in Maine had its advantages) and I still love every time I get to go to this park. Mount Katahdin is so intriguing - I would stop take a look whenever I was driving by for work and I still get all excited when I'm coming up from Millinocket to the turn in the road where the Katahdin massif seems to rise from the plain.

While I hate the over-regulated nature of the park, I realize for such a popular place, it's probably the only way to manage the use. You'll still run into crowds, but the park does not seem overused and beat out like other areas in New Hampshire or in the Adirondacks. Baxter has something special and their main goal is to protect that, which is admirable.

There's no "right way" to climb Katahdin or explore the park. No matter where you go or what you climb, I'm willing to be you'll not only enjoy it, you'll be wanting to come back for more.

The Park throughout the seasons

In the late spring, summer and early fall, the entire park is open for overnight and day users. In the wintertime select campgrounds are open.

There is a bunkhouse available at Chimney Pond for winter use, but any parties attempting to climb Katahdin in the winter, you must prove to the park authorities that you are equipped and experienced enough to handle the mountain. There are also extensive rules and regulations for winter camping that should be reviewed before you even considering visiting in the wintertime.

Also in the winter the main access road (from the North Gate to the South Gate) is open to snowmobiles, but the access road from the South Gate to Roaring Brook Campground is only open to skiers and snowshoers (which makes for a very long approach to Chimney Pond).

For More Information

The park maintains a comprehensive website that includes information on reservations, day-use, park regulations, maps, and more. Anyone considering visiting should take the time to check out the site beforehand.

You can also check out the Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine Mountain Guide for the most complete guide and map set to trails in the Park.  National Geographic also publishes a Trails Illustrated Map for Baxter State Park.

Final Thoughts

Baxter State Park is one of those places that everyone should get to experience at some time. You may not be able to make it across the Knife Edge, or get to explore every nook and cranny of the park, but just being there is really an experience. Mount Katahdin is unlike any other mountain in the Northeast and the rest of the park is just as engaging.

Plan well ahead to get into the park and no one will be disappointed by what they'll find once they are inside.

Maine Mountain Guide

Maine Mountain Guide - Guide To All of Maine's Trails 

Much like AMC’s guide for New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Maine Mountain Guide is an extensive and exhaustive review of hiking trails open to the public throughout the entire State of Maine. 

I’ll admit it, after two years of being here in Massachusetts, I do long to go back and live in Maine. Not only did you have coast with places like Acadia, but then there were the rivers and finally the great north woods with it’s various mountain ranges. From the Rangeley area in the west to mountains surrounding Moosehead Lake and finally to the majesty of Katahdin – Maine offers an awful lot of varied hiking opportunities. 

The Maine Mountain Guide covers all of these areas, from the coast to the mountains. Areas covered include: 

Katahdin Area 
Aroostook 
Piscataquis Mountains 
East of the Penobscot 
Camden Hills 
Southwestern Maine 
Oxford Hills 
Grafton Notch and Mahoosuc Range Areas 
Weld Region 
Rangeley and Stratton Area 
Kennebec Valley 
Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park

The book also includes a key to the included maps, an introduction to hiking in Maine, along with a glossary, a sample accident report should you need it, an extensive index and finally information on the Appalachian Mountain Club, who publish the book. 

Each area is first introduced in the chapter, then each trail description goes into almost minute detail about the hike you will have on that trail. Major features along the trail are described; as are steep pitches, trail junctions, side trails and more. It is as if the descriptions were written as someone was walking the trails, they are that accurate and detailed. The descriptions also contain information on the vertical elevation you will be gaining and losing on the hike, the mileage for each trail and an estimated trip time for that trail. 

Seven maps are included with the book and they cover all of the regions that are discovered and show all the trails described in the text. The maps are of a small scale, clear and easy to read and use. They also fold up small enough to fit in your pocket. 

The book is fairly small and can easily be packed in your backpack or kept in a glove compartment in a car should the urge to go hiking grab you. 

As with other AMC titles, the Maine Mountain Guide has one of the best indexes I’ve ever seen. This index is indispensable for finding various trails and mountains. Have a mountain name but no trail name, no problem, have part of a trail name, no problem. The index literally references everything in this book. 

Who Needs This Book 

Anyone hiking further than the parking lot around the car would be well off to get himself or herself a copy of this book. Just about every trail in Maine is described, as are all the important hiking areas. The book is both an excellent introduction to hiking in Maine and a trustworthy reference for experienced hikers. 

Originally published on Epinions

Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine

$21.13 on Amazon

And Hiking Maine Makes 281 Miles Out Of 2100!

Covering what is arguably the most remote section of the Appalachian Trail, the Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine is the ultimate guide for anyone who is looking to strike across Maine’s wilderness from the New Hampshire border to Mount Katahdin on the Appalachian Trail. 

The Appalachian Trail stretches roughly 2,100 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia, along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains to the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine. Along the way the trail travels over some of the roughest terrain of the Appalachians and explores the last vestiges of wilderness that are left along the eastern coast of the United States. The trail itself is a National Scenic Trail and is owned by the National Park Service and managed by the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC). ATC publishes guidebooks for each state that the trail travels through. 

What’s in a Appalachian Trail Guidebook? 

Each guidebook is similar and provides thru-hikers (people who complete the entire Appalachian Trail on one long hike), backpackers and daytrippers and excellent resource for any size trip along the Appalachian Trail. 

The Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine covers the entire 281-mile length of the trail in Maine. From the Mahoosuc Range in the south to the windswept and tundra covered summit of Mount Katahdin. 

The book includes 7 separate maps that cover the entire length of the Trail in Maine. The chapters in the book are keyed to these maps to make it easier to find the trail descriptions or maps of the section that you are considering hiking. The maps are printed on tear-proof and waterproof paper and are of excellent quality. In addition to a topographic map with the trail route shown, you are also given a vertical relief map (to show you how much you have to go up and down along your route) and on the back of each map, a quick guide to the trail that is broken down by the mileage from landmark to landmark. This makes it unnecessary to carry the book with you when hiking, the map has all the information that you will need. Because they are waterproof and tear-proof, they are very easy to fold up and slip into your pocket without having to worry about damaging the maps. Should you want the security of the entire book, it is fairly small and can easily be packed in your backpack 

Each section is first introduced by an overview of the entire section that corresponds to the map. Then the trail descriptions for each sub-section of trail (generally broken up by road crossings) are given. The book begins at Katahdin and works its way south to the Maine-New Hampshire border. The descriptions include information on the location of the section, it’s length, the estimated hiking time, any elevation gain or loss, lean-tos and campsites that are available in that section, road access to the section, side trails, any points of interest along that section and suggestions for further reading should you want to know more about an area. 

The trail descriptions for each section go into some detail about the hike you will have on that trail. Major features along the trail are described; as are steep pitches, trail junctions, side trails and more. The descriptions are accurate and detailed and easy to follow. 

In addition to the trail descriptions, the Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine also includes several different chapters that cover basic information about the development and management of the Appalachian Trail, what hikers should be bringing when on the trail, a natural history of the Trail in Maine, a complete index that makes finding sections easier and an accident report form should the worse happen you or a hiking partner when out on the trail. 

Who Needs This Book 

Anyone who is considering hiking different sections, or the entire Appalachian Trail through Maine should get their hands on this book. The Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine provides the ultimate reference guides for hikers by providing quality trail descriptions and high quality maps that make planning your trip and carrying it out as easy as possible. 

The book is both an excellent introduction to the Appalachian Trail in general and especially for the Trail in Maine. 

Guide to Adirondack Trails, High Peaks Region

Find Your Way in the High Peaks

Part of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s (ADK) guide to the trails of the Adirondack Mountain region in New York State, the High Peaks Region is a comprehensive guide to the trails and peaks in the High Peaks area. 

The Adirondacks and the High Peaks 

The Adirondack Mountains are located in Northern New York, to the east of Lake Ontario, the west of Lake Champlain and north of Glens Falls region. The mountains are protected within the Adirondack State Park, which at 6 million acres (a mix of public and private lands), makes it one of the largest parks in the continental United States. Mountains in the Adirondacks range from small rolling hills, to the summits of the High Peaks that reach above treeline. In the lower elevations, the entire region is dotted with innumerable lakes and rivers and the High Peaks are also where the Hudson River begins its journey to the sea.

The High Peaks of the Adirondacks are the region of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks. The summits include Mount Marcy, at 5344 feet is the highest mountain in New York State and rises over 800 feet above treeline. There are also several other high summits through the region. The High Peaks region also includes the towns of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Keene. Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and the 1980 Winter Olympics and Whiteface Mountain, another of the high peaks, hosted the skiing events.

While Mount Marcy is the highest of the mountains, others in the region are quite high and many of these peaks reach above treeline (the altitude at which trees stop growing) and all are exposed to the full force of the weather. Weather in the High Peaks is variable and harsh conditions can occur throughout the year. Winds on some peaks can reach well over 100 miles per hour and conditions with windchills in the wintertime can often rival the conditions on Antarctica (while the temperatures are more mild, when windchills are factored in, conditions can be at times equivalent). These conditions can occur during any month of the year, but are most likely to occur in late fall, winter and early spring. Conditions can change quickly and without warning and anyone hiking in the region should be prepared for the worst.

What You’ll Find in the Book 

ADK’s Guide to Adirondack Trails, High Peak Region provides comprehensive descriptions of the trails, peaks and destinations throughout the High Peak Region.

Starting off with a general overview of the natural and human history of the Adirondacks, followed by advice for novice hikers and climbers new to the area. In addition the introduction reviews regulations, along with other information pertinent to the area.

Following the Introduction, the different major areas in the High Peaks regions break down the trail descriptions into different chapters. These chapters include:

- Keene Valley
- St. Huberts
- Heart Lake
- Northern
- Eastern
- Southern

I know that sounds pretty basic – but that covers all of the major areas within the High Peaks region. The majority of the trails are focused in the Keene Valley, St. Huberts and Heart Lake areas, as these are the areas with the highest mountains and the most public interest and thus the most trails.

Each trail description goes into detail about the hike and the trail. The major features along the trail are described; as are steep pitches, trail junctions, side trails and more. The descriptions also contain information on the vertical elevation you will be gaining and losing on the hike, the mileage for each trail and an estimated trip time for that trail. In general the descriptions are accurate and appear to have been field checked – but I have run across a few errors here and there that have been fairly minor and shouldn’t affect any less experienced hikers.

The book doesn’t come with separate maps, however maps are provided within the text illustrating the different areas covered in the book. The maps aren’t that detailed and generally show the location of the trail and its route. Little other information is given. In general, they probably aren’t detailed enough for anyone to use while actually hiking. For that, you would be better off spending a few dollars to get a high quality USGS topographic map or one of the color trail/topographic maps published for the different regions of the Adirondacks.

Following the trail descriptions, the book contains several different appendices. These include a glossary, a list of the 100 highest peaks, a table of short hikes, opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the outdoors, the different lean-tos available in the High Peak region, a list of State Campgrounds and finally an index to the trails and peaks covered in the rest of the book. These appendices can be quite helpful and provide plenty of interesting and useful information.

Who Needs This Book? 

If you plan on hiking in the High Peaks, then you should have a copy of this book since there really are no equals to the detail, quality and thoroughness of ADK’s guidebooks for the Adirondack region – they seem to have developed a monopoly on the information rich, detail orientated guidebooks for the Adirondacks – much like AMC has done in New Hampshire.

So if you already hike, or are planning on hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks and want the guide, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of the Guide to Adirondack Trails, High Peak Region, you won’t be disappointed.

Originally published on Epinions

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower - Catskill Mountains, NY

The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is located on the eastern edge of the Catskills Mountains and in that location, it offers a great view of the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires and Taconic Mountains to the east, the Adirondacks to the north and the Hudson Highlands and Shawangunks to the south. On a clear day you can literally see several different states including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Read the full review of the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower in the Catskill Mountains


For More Information on Catskill Hiking and The Outdoors
Need a map for the Catskills?  The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference publishes the Catskills Trails Map Set, which is the best set of maps available for hiking in the Catskills. How about a guidebook?  Both AMC and ADK publish Trail Guides to the Catskill Region

Guide to Kaaterskill Falls - Catskill State Park, NY

Kaaterskill Falls is one of those not quite on the beaten path destinations in New York State. The 260-foot, two-tiered waterfall is the highest in New York and is tucked away within one of the many cloves that form the eastern escarpment of the Catskill Mountains.  The hike into Kaaterskill Falls, either from the top or the bottom is well worth the effort. You are rewarded with a wild look at one of the most spectacular sights in the Catskills.

Read the full review and guide to Kaaterskill Falls

Need More Information on Hiking and  Planning your Outdoor 
Adventures in the Catskill Mountains and the Catskill Park?

Check out the Catskill Mountain Information Page from Adventures in the Outdoors for hikes, advice, travel and planning information.  Need a hiking map for your hikes in the Catskills?  We recommend the Catskills Trails 6-Map Set.  These maps are some of the best available for hiking and outdoor adventures in the Catskills and the Catskill Park.  How about a guidebook?  Both AMC and ADK publish trail guides to the Catskill Region and the Adventures in the Outdoors Bookstore carries many more books and maps for hiking and exploring the Catskill Mountain region.

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower - Hunter Mountain - Catskill Park, Hunter, NY

While a bit more remote than some other Fire Towers in the Catskills, a trip to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is well worth your time and effort as its provides some amazing views. The tower is located near the summit of Hunter Mountain at just under 4,040 feet in elevation. The sixty feet of tower bring you close to 4,100 feet and from here, you are well above the trees of Hunter Mountain and you have a view that's only limited by the conditions.

As with the other Fire Towers in the area, the only access to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is via hiking trails, or in the case of one trail, a hiking trail that also functions as a horse trail. There are several different trails that make different approaches to the mountain at various levels of difficulties.

Read my full review of the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower in the Catskill Park on Epinions

Tremper Mountain Fire Tower - Phoenicia, New York

Looking for a pleasant hike that culminates with a great view on top of a mountain in the Catskills?

The Tremper Mountain Fire Tower, located on the summit of Tremper Mountain does just that.

This Fire Tower, originally built in the early 1900's gives you a great 360 degree view of the Catskills including its highest peaks and some of its most undeveloped areas. To the north you can see the Devil's Path Range to the east is the Ashokan Reservoir, more to the south is Slide Mountain, the Catskills highest peak and to the west you can see the Catskills continuing off into the distance.

Read the rest of my review of the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower in the Catskill State Park on Epinions

Hiking in New York State's Catskill Mountains

Want to hike in the Catskill Mountains of New York State?

There are plenty of options and plenty of things to consider with all of the options that the Catskills have to offer. If you'd like, there are hikes that will only last a few hours. For the more adventurous, there are multi-day hikes that will take you across some really rugged, yet beautiful terrain.

Continue reading Hiking in New York State's Catskill Mountains

For More Information on Catskill Hiking and The Outdoors
Need a map for the Catskills?  The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference publishes the Catskills Trails Map Set, which is the best set of maps available for hiking in the Catskills. How about a guidebook?  Both AMC and ADK publish Trail Guides to the Catskill Region

Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area - Catskill Mountains, New York

Looking for a wild and challenging hiking destination in the Catskills?

The Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area might just be the place for you.

With over 19,000 acres of wilderness, the Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area boasts some of the most rugged and wildest terrain in the Catskills. Not only is that, but a good portion of this wilderness area is remote and trailless.

Read my full review of the Westkill Mountain Wilderness Area in the Catskill Mountains on Epinions

Charles River, Massachusetts

One of the best resources for outdoor enthusiasts west of Boston is the Army Corp of Engineers’ Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area. This area of protected land surrounds the Charles River, almost from its beginning downstream through a number of different Towns and ends just before it reaches the more urban end of the river in the greater Boston area.

This land protects the river and provides natural areas for the river to flood into during periods of high water, thus protecting other properties that might have been flooded if the valley area had also been developed. The Natural Valley Storage Area doesn’t only provide flood protection though, it provides an almost continuous natural path for the Charles River as it makes its way through the area west of Boston.

Read my full review of the Charles River in Massachusetts on Epinions

Camden Hills State Park, Maine

If you want the charm and allure of the Maine coast without the hustle and bustle of a place like Acadia National Park, consider spending some time exploring Camden Hills State Park. The park is located on the Maine along the central portion of the Maine coast, just north of town of Camden and Rockland and south of Belfast.

Camden Hills SP is easy to get to, Route 1 (the main coastal road in Maine) goes right through the park and the park is about a half an hour away from Interstate 95. The park offers a campground, hiking trails, a picnic area and rocky ocean shoreline to explore – all without the crowds you’ll find at Maine’s more famous coastal park, Acadia National Park.

Read my full review of Camden Hills State Park in Maine on Epinions

Hunter Mountain Wild Forest Area - Catskill Mountains, New York

If you’re planning a hike in the Catskills or are simply looking for a destination that offers the challenge of a wild area, then you should consider planning a hike or a ski into the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest Area. With six mountain peaks, miles of trails and thousands of acres of trail-less areas to explore, this area has something for everyone, no matter the season or the activity.

Part of the larger Catskill State Park and Forest Preserve, the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest Area encompasses over 11,000 acres of forests, mountains, streams and a historical fire tower on the summit of Hunter Mountain.

Read my full review of the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest Area in the Catskill Park of New York