This area of the Catskills is really special with fantastic hiking opportunities for all levels. I think the most interesting part of this area is the rich history it has. In the 1800’s, Tannersville was well known for its hemlock tree tanneries and lumber mills and was a very wealthy town because of it. On certain hiking paths you can see the remnants of some of those long-gone mills. By 1890, those lumber mills had left barren mountains that only just after a few generations are now the plentiful tree-covered mountains we’ve come to know in the Great Northern Catskills. Below you’ll find my complete guide to the area. Check out a 3-day long weekend itinerary here.

Where to Stay

**Deer Mountain Inn**

**Tannersville, NY**

**Eastwind**

**Windham, NY**
**photo credit:** @hanuthedood

Where to Hike

The below recommendations require no technical knowledge, however, if you are going during the winter months please be prepared with the right footwear- bare boot is never recommended when there is snow or ice on the ground. Use spikes or snowshoes as needed. Don’t be a posthole! Your safety and everyone else’s should be top of mind!

Do not leave for your hike without the following
- Understanding your route
- Packed with provisions (at least 1L of water p.p. more in the summer months)
- Spikes or snowshoes for the winter months

When you get to the trailhead please register your group- understanding foot traffic helps secure more state funding to take care of the Catskills.
- and most importantly, LEAVE NO TRACE.

Diamond Notch Falls (Beginner)
Sunset Rock (Beginner/Intermediate)
Pratt Rock (Beginner)
Mountain Top Arboretum Loop (Beginner)
Check out my Best Hikes post for more inspiration and photos HERE!
If you are nervous to get out and hike, there are a few guides in the area that are great to work with! Check out Moe from Hike On Guides and Brian from Upstate Hiking- both are super nice and really knowledgeable guys who will help you get the perfect shot for the gram. They love to introduce people to the outdoors and share their love for the Catskills even more than I do!

Summer Adventures:

Devils kitchen pools and Plattekill Falls for some swimming

Winter Adventures:

Snowshoeing the Kaaterskill Rail Trail (moonlit snowshoe if you’re feeling adventurous) to see the frozen falls or North/South Lake, Snowshoeing to the Devils Kitchen Lean-To (pack some hot chocolate and enjoy the outdoors!)