Seeking to do the Overlook Mountain hike within the Catskills Area of New York?
Then you definately’re in the suitable place!
The Catskills is thought for its refreshing bucolic environment, tiny artist cities, and provoking strolls via the woods.
Wandering via the Catskills has been a supply of inspiration for painters, writers, and photographers alike for hundreds of years. Traditionally, this area has been a infamous house for artist retreats and an escape from metropolis life.
The outdated mountains listed here are iconic to southern New York and the Hudson Valley, with the Catskills Area that includes 5,892 sq. miles of protected forest showcasing greater than 30 peaks that stretch over 3,500 toes excessive, making it heaven-on-earth for hikers.
Professional tip:
To essentially really feel such as you’ve stepped out of a Thomas Cole portray, gaze out towards the Catskill Escarpment vary, which types a shocking silhouette of glaciated mountains begining on the western fringe of the Hudson River.
When it comes to location, you’ll find the rolling hills and towering mountains of the Catskills about 100 miles from New York Metropolis and 40 miles from Albany within the well-known city of Woodstock, which sits on the base of Overlook Mountain and is the proper location to get outdoors for the weekend.
One thing else neat:
The Catskills are stuffed with unusual secrets and techniques. From the legend of Rip Van Winkle to the stays of a aircraft crash close to the Kaaterskill Excessive Peak Path, treks within the Catskills supply a myriad of surprises.
Overlook Mountain delivers on the weird easter eggs left for hikers to discover outdoors of hen watching.
Able to lace up your boots and hit the path? Learn on to study extra about climbing Overlook Mountain!
Desk of Contents
- What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- Overlook Mountain Hike Fast Info
- Woodstock Location + Overlook Mountain Path Map
- Overlook Mountain Hike: What To Anticipate
- Overlook Mountain Home Ruins
- Gorgeous Overlook Mountain Views
- Views From The Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower
- Exploring Woodstock, New York
- Ideas For Climbing Overlook Mountain Woodstock
- The place To Keep In Woodstock, New York
- Excursions In The Catskills
- Renting A Automotive In The Catskills
- Different Nice New York Hikes:
- New York Journey Insurance coverage
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we dive into our Overlook Mountain Catskills information, I wish to share a free persona quiz I feel you’ll love.
It’s referred to as “What kind of hiker are you?” and it’ll enable you to uncover your climbing persona. Bonus: Your outcomes additionally share path options based mostly in your quiz responses!
On that notice, let’s dive into take pleasure in one of many greatest hikes on this planet!
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
Overlook Mountain Hike Fast Info
Under, I’ll be sharing my riveting hike of Overlook Mountain — among the finest hikes in Upstate New York and a must-mention in any Catskills journey information.
However, first, listed here are some fast info concerning the hike so that you don’t go wandering off into the forest aimlessly and get picked up by the fairy folks. Hey, there may be some bizarre stuff within the woods once you go off the path:
Value: Free
Path Problem: Reasonable
Path Size: 4.6 miles round-trip 2.3 miles one-way
Trailhead: Take the Overlook Spur Path from Meads Mountain Highway. The official tackle of the hike is 353 Meads Mountain Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498.
Overlook Mountain Path Highlights:
- Exploring the fantastic thing about the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest
- Seeing the historic Overlook Mountain Home ruins
- A surprising valley and mountain view on the finish of the Overlook Mountain path
- An excellent larger view from the highest of the Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower
Getting To Overlook Mountain From NYC: By automotive, Overlook Mountain is a two-hour drive from New York Metropolis on I-87 N freeway. In case you don’t have a automotive, you may take the Metro-North as much as the Poughkeepsie practice station and take the Z-WBZ Common 2020 bus to Woodstock. Or you can begin warming up now and stroll for 36 hours. No matter is most handy for you.
When To Hike Overlook Mountain: The path is open year-round. Anytime from April-November gives you superb views of untamed flowers and/or foliage. That being mentioned, you may completely snowshoe this path in winter, as you’ll see from among the images beneath. It’s actually some of the enjoyable issues to do within the Catskills in winter.
Extending Your Hike: A well-liked addition to this hike is to proceed on to Echo Lake (a part of the Indian Head Wilderness), which might convey this trek to about 8.5 miles round-trip.
Tenting: Whereas there are not any designated campsites within the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, primitive tenting is allowed. Many individuals take pleasure in tenting close to Echo Lake.
Woodstock Location + Overlook Mountain Path Map
Woodstock is positioned within the Catskills Area of New York State. Extra particularly, it resides throughout the northern a part of Ulster County close to different nice locations like Kingston, Mount Tremper, and Phoenicia. These all make for excellent solo, household, group, and even romantic getaways in Upstate New York.
You’ll even be close to epic climbing trails like Slide Mountain, Large Ledge hike, and, after all, Overlook Mountain.
Talking of Overlook, above is an Overlook Mountain path map that will help you keep on observe. Click on right here for an interactive model.
Overlook Mountain Hike: What To Anticipate
Now that the logistics are out of the way in which, let’s dive into what you may count on when climbing Overlooking Mountain.
I grew up within the Hudson Valley however in some way by no means managed to discover the enduring hikes of the Catskills till I left.
Final spring, when the pandemic hit my adopted residence of Brooklyn, my accomplice and I impulsively determined to quarantine on a sheep farm proper outdoors of the Catskills. What was deliberate to be a two-week keep morphed into six months.
Because the world started to heat with lockdowns nonetheless enforced, we would have liked a strategy to get out of our tiny cabin with out respiration on anybody else.
And so, on a wet April day, we determined to drive south for an hour to Woodstock and hike the 4.5-mile out and again trek of Overlook Mountain.
Idyllic surroundings within the Catskills, New York. Photograph through Adrien Behn.
As soon as we received into Woodstock, we drove up the serpentine Meads Mountain street, which was dripping with spring. Dogwoods, magnolias, and crab apples had been in full bloom. Heavy white and pink blossoms draped over branches like doilies.
After driving at an incline for 10 minutes, we had been welcomed by the trailhead — and a Buddha statue.
Subsequent to the car parking zone and close to the Overlook Mountain trailhead is Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery proper in Woodstock.
The skin house was lined with multicolor Tibetan prayer flags, matching the wildflowers that had been beginning to get up after an extended winter slumber. For a second, you couldn’t persuade me we weren’t in Tibet as a chilly spring wind wrapped round us. We bowed in respect and hit the path.
On Meads Mountain Highway, we adopted the crimson marked Overlook Spur Path path in direction of the Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower, our aim vacation spot.
Luckily, as a result of climate, there have been hardly any automobiles within the car parking zone; nonetheless, know that when it’s good out it does refill rapidly, and in the event you park outdoors of the lot you may get a ticket. You’ve gotten been warned.
A moss patch or a gnome grove? Photograph through Adrien Behn.
The trail as much as the highest is an extended and vast gravel street — not the pastoral skipping via the woods most would count on. That’s the factor with the Overlook Mountain path; you’re actually working for the reward on the high.
I swatted a mighty mosquito on my accomplice’s neck. They had been out early this 12 months and thirsty. We trudged alongside the inclining street and noticed energy traces criss-crossed over crimson maple and balsam fir bushes.
The trail is simply straight up, no switchbacks or tight curves. Once more, you’ll wish to maintain your eyes on the prize — as in, the view on the high!
Observe that in the event you’re bringing your pup canine do must be saved on a leash — although that didn’t cease one man and his black lab from leaping in a small pool near the doorway. In case you do resolve to step off the trail for a second, one can find that fairytale land of mossy boulders and miniature ponds.
Overlook Mountain Hike surroundings. Photograph through Adrien Behn.
Overlook Mountain Home Ruins
We continued strolling uphill and inhaling the air misted with recent rain, and after about 1.7 miles we got here to the stays of the Overlook Mountain Home Lodge.
The property was constructed within the 1800s when quite a few resorts and luxurious motels had been constructed to capitalize on rich New Yorkers touring north for respite and rest. Hey, not a lot has modified.
However the Overlook Mountain Lodge by no means had an opportunity. Though the views are jaw-dropping, getting there was a battle for folks on account of its distant uphill location.
After 100 years, two fires, gradual enterprise, and one final haphazard reconstruction, the lodge was offered to New York State.
Overlook Mountain Home Lodge ruins. Photograph through Glarkin53/Wikimedia Commons.
The irony is with so many guests climbing the path, the dilapidated Overlook Mountain Home Lodge will get extra motion now than it did when it was working.
Additionally it is one of many solely remaining websites that includes structure from that point since so most of the different luxurious resorts had been torn down and offered for scrap.
Immediately, hikers can take a breath earlier than the final push to the highest of the mountain and wander across the crumbling rooms. It’s some high-quality derelict surroundings.
Gorgeous Overlook Mountain Views
Though the trail isn’t mesmerizing and is an uphill problem, after we reached the highest we realized the work was price it.
The view — which you’ll absorb from a rock ledge accessed through a slender path behind an info cabin — is totally gorgeous, extending out over the Catskill Area towards the Ashokan Reservoir.
You possibly can see stretches of the Hudson Valley and the Hudson River itself flowing down from the Adirondacks and making its strategy to the Higher New York Bay.
Really, on a transparent day you may see as much as 5 totally different states from right here!
Overlook Mountain hike view. Photograph through Canva Professional.
Views From The Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower
If you need a fair larger view, muster no matter power you’ve got left and head to the highest of the Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower, one of many few public hearth towers within the Catskill Forest Protect.
The 60-foot climb is nothing in comparison with what you’ll have already got completed and the views open up with an expansive vista of the Hudson River Valley.
From 3,140 toes, you may see miles of crimson oaks and conifers, sweeping views over the the Hudson River Valley, the Ashokan Reservoir, the difficult Satan’s Path hking path, and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.
Truthfully, even the Hudson River seems swimmable at this distance — although I don’t advise leaping in to chill down!
Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower. Photograph through Niranjan Arminius/Wikimedia Commons. View from the Overlook Mountain Fireplace Tower. Photograph through Mister.ev/Wikimedia Commons. A view from Overlook Mountain in winter. Photograph through Jessie Festa.
For causes unknown to me, some days the hearth tower is locked, so simply pay attention to this.
If you wish to convey snacks and drinks there are a number of picnic tables to crack open no matter you schlepped up with you.
Observe: Whereas we didn’t see it on our hike, there may be apparently an Overlook Mountain aircraft crash web site if the place to look, no less than in accordance with AllTrails.
As we made our method again down, we tried to not let gravity overtake us as we talked concerning the burgers we had been going to devour after we received again into Woodstock.
A lot moss alongside the Overlook Mountain path. Photograph through Adrien Behn.
Exploring Woodstock, New York
Woodstock has a vigorous and walkable city heart with locally-owned boutiques, co-ops, bookstores, religious retailers, artwork galleries, eating places, bars, and cafes, making it a well-liked choice for these eager to discover New York State journey.
You’ll nonetheless see the occasional hippy who has seemingly been left behind by his buddies 52 years in the past, musing the streets and nonetheless singing Jimmy Hendricks.
Within the city heart there are additionally benches and picnic tables to collect and eat at, which is the place we chowed down on tasty burgers from Shindig.
Wandering the retailers of Woodstock, NY. Photograph through Jessie Festa.
Truthfully, although, this is only one of many nice eatery choices, a number of others of which embrace:
- The Mud Membership. Half cafe, half cocktail bar, there are a great deal of indoor and out of doors areas to take pleasure in your foods and drinks. With a great deal of big bushes, picket seats, and dangling fairy lights it has a magical really feel.
- Oriole 9. Their scrumptious breakfast and lunch dishes characteristic produce from the proprietor’s backyard. Avoiding meat or simply wish to strive one thing distinctive? Their Tempeh Reuben is scrumptious!
- SILVIA. The menu right here options scrumptious dishes made with native and sustainable substances. They’ve additionally received a artistic cocktail menu of drinks just like the “Orange Jalapeno Shrub Fizz” made with Denizen Aged Rum, cider vinegar, coriander, and membership soda.
After you eat, get an aura studying, peruse psychadelic items on the head retailers, or, if it’s the night, see a present on the well-known Levon Helm Studios, a enjoyable music venue owned by Levon Helm of The Band.
Ideas For Climbing Overlook Mountain Woodstock
Listed below are a number of extra ideas for climbing the Overlook Mountain path:
-New York is gorgeous and verdant, which additionally attracts pests of all types. Deliver bug spray to fight mosquitos and verify your self for ticks after.
-Whilst you’re on the hike, maintain an eye fixed out for Timber Rattlesnakes. These reptiles can stand up to 4 toes lengthy and are probably the most venomous snakes in New York State.
-Bringing a canine? Make sure that to maintain them on a leash — particularly if you wish to keep away from harm from one of many Overlook Mountain rattlesnakes I simply talked about, which aren’t unusual to see.
-Observe that whereas folks do usually discover the Overlook Mountain Lodge ruins, technically you aren’t presupposed to, in accordance with the Division of Environmental Conservation web site.
-All the time verify the Overlook Mountain Climate Forecast so that you’ve the suitable gear.
-As this can be a in style path, it may be one for these climbing solo. Verify right here for essential security ideas for climbing alone.
The place To Keep In Woodstock, New York
Click on right here for a full record of Woodstock NY motels!
Want self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
You may as well use this map to seek for native stays:
Excursions In The Catskills
- Woodstock NY Rock n’ Roll Tour (Woodstock)
- 3-Day Zip Lining & Waterfall Hike within the Catskill Mountains (Hunter)
- Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour (Hyde Park)
- Full-Day Walkway Over the Hudson and Vineyard Tour (Highland)
- Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise (Kingston)
Click on right here for a full record of Catskills excursions & activites!
Renting A Automotive In The Catskills
One of the best ways to discover all that The Catskills has to supply is by automotive, as many motels, trails, and sights aren’t inside strolling distance and public transportation isn’t a typical strategy to get round regionally.
Different Nice New York Hikes:
- Anthony’s Nostril Climbing Path. This average hike provides sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain State Park from the highest.
- Mount Marcy. This difficult hike takes you to the highest of the best peak in New York, Mount Marcy, at 5,344 toes! Warning: You’ll have to primarily climb towards the top, or no less than hike vertically, nevertheless it’s price it!
- Mount van Hoevenberg. This average however steep trek ends with panoramic views of the Adirondack Excessive Peaks Area.
- Bull Hill Full Loop. The views of the NYC skyline from the highest are unimaginable on this hike.
- Breakneck Ridge. A difficult hike with some vertical climbs that provides superb views alongside the way in which.
- Bear Mountain State Park. This in style park is stuffed with climbing choices in addition to areas for fishing, picnicking, and different out of doors actions. One in all my high solo climbing ideas can be to go right here, as you’ll discover loads of secure and populated trails.
- Slide Mountain Path. It is a nice choice in the event you’re in search of different Catskills climbing trails, as Slide Mountain is the best peak within the area.
- Large Ledge. One of the vital scenic hikes within the Catskills, as you absorb expansive views from a number of ledges.
Click on right here to take the free climbing persona quiz!