Catskill 3500 Club
Section: Northern Peaks | Central Peaks | Southern Peaks | Off Trail & Winter | Hiking Resources
Kaaterskill High Peak 3655'
Kaaterskill High Peak from Dibbles Quarry
USGS Quad: Kaaterskill
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map: #41
Order of Height: 22
Access: Via the old Twilight Park Trail
Description: Kaaterskill High Peak was once thought to be the highest
mountain in the Catskills, as it was the highest peak that could be seen by
the early settlers from the Hudson River and is abutted by deep valleys
called "cloves" on two sides. Later surveys showed that many other peaks
were higher, although it is still the easternmost of the Catskill High
Peaks.
Still, its unique profile and location made it a favorite
subject of
Thomas Cole and other Hudson River School painters, and for a long time
its distinctive profile symbolized the Catskills. It still does for many
visitors even today.
Most of them are likely to do so from afar, rather than up close. Those who
do climb it find that Kaaterskill is a hiker's delight, a fine peak
surrounded on three sides with great vistas. Just south of
the summit, there is a wonderful open viewpoint on the top of the ledge at
an area known as Hurricane Ledge. This ultimate lunch spot affords a great view of the Devil's Path range to
the south.
The area also boasts two old plane wrecks, many waterfalls on the north side
and interesting side trip possibilities in Roundtop and an area known as
Huckleberry Point, which boasts a fine view of the Hudson Valley.
Access is usually from the High Peak snowmobile trail system, which is also
a part of the Long Path. From the snowmobile trail northwest of the peak, it
is possible to follow the old blue-marked Twilight Park Trail to the summit.
It is also possible to follow the blue markers steeply up the south side
from Josh Road. This southern route should be used only by the most
experienced climbers as there are some steep ledges to get over. It should
also be noted that this blue-blazed trail is unofficial, and both summit
approaches may be difficult to follow.
Most hikers begin from the south, where the snowmobile trail leaves Platte
Clove Road. The route up Kaaterskill Clove on the north side begins at
Palenville and is more scenic but requires a climb of almost 3,000 vertical
feet to reach the summit.
Kaaterskill High Peak Wild Forest Map (opens in new window)
Links for Kaaterskill High Peak
NYSDEC Interactive Locator Map
Wikipedia - Kaaterskill High Peak
Photo credit: Wikipedia (Daniel Case)