854.82 m Up Hunter Mountain Wild Forest encompasses almost 11,000 acres in the northeast portion of the Catskill Park. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and To the right of Black Head is what is known as Arizona Peak and to its right is Stopple Point. Spam? From the summit, the hiker has two options for the descent back to the Spruceton Valley. It’s excellent to gaze at almost any time of the year. Hunter Mountain from Spruceton On Wednesday, April 1st I wanted to do a 3500 foot peak and had decided early in the week it would be Hunter. The wind starts to increase. A loop route can be, and frequently is, made by following the Spruceton Trail to the junction with the yellow-blazed Hunter Mountain Trail, descending to Devil's Acre for the bushwhack to Southwest Hunter, then returning to the Spruceton trailhead via a combination of the western portion of the Devil's Path to West Kill Falls and then the Diamond Notch Trail. • Go see what you came here for, the view! The thoroughfare from the north was part of an old wagon road used in the 1800s to provide a connection from Hunter to the Westkill Valley through Jones Gap. What to Think About Before Using a Lean-To or Back-Country Shelter, Why Trail Guides Should Make You Question Everything, 5 Winter Hiking Tips for Your First Time Out & So You’ll Want to go Back, Sunrise – Sunset Times Catskill Mountains, Catskill Lean-tos and Primitive Campsites, Places to Camp on the Catskill’s Escarpment Trail, Best Hikes: Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Woodland Valley Loop, Best Hikes: The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail from Colgate Lake, Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains, Town of Lexington and Hunter, Greene County and the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County. 8.1 km At 2.4 miles the trail passes the Colonel's Chair Trail that leads to the Hunter Mountain Ski Area. 8.8 km • "Tom, Anna, Yong Ae and myself hiked the classic loop of SW Hunter, Hunter, Rusk East and Rusk starting on the Spruceton trail and finishing with a short road walk. Behind them is Doubletop, Graham, Balsam Lake. Take the Devil's Path to Hunter Mountain route to complete a loop or just for more seclusion. • - Use the links below to get the full reports for the Adirondacks and Catskills. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. It ends at a junction with the red-blazed Devil's Path, also marked by a sign. At about 0.4-miles the trail swings left (northwest) to cross a wooden bridge. Go over the bridge and turn right onto the wide Spruceton Trail to get back to your car. The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit of the eponymous mountain, second highest of the Catskill Mountains in the U.S. state of New York.It was the first of 23 fire lookout towers built by the state in the region, and the next-to-last of the five still standing to be abandoned.. Today it remains a popular attraction for hikers climbing the mountain. The Spruceton Trail ends at 3.7-miles the Becker Hollow Trail junction. Diamond Notch Falls in Spring Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking, Click the map or here for an interactive version of the map, Becker Hollow Trail Catskill Fire Tower Project Devil's Path Diamond Notch Falls Diamond Notch Trail fire tower Geiger Point Hunter Mountain John Robb Lean-to Spruceton Trail. Look to your right as you ascend the trail after the hairpin for imposing views of West Kill. With each step, it seems to intensify exponentially. 1,719' Up 3 Reviews. Hunter is the second highest in the Catskills. We wondered who won? A loop route can be, and frequently is, made by following the Spruceton Trail to the junction with the yellow-blazed Hunter Mountain Trail, descending to Devil's Acre for the bushwhack to Southwest Hunter, then returning to the Spruceton trailhead via a combination of the western portion of the Devil's Path to West Kill Falls and then the Diamond Notch Trail. Hunter Mountain Trail (1.7 miles, ascent 530′ from Devil’s Path JNT to summit, yellow makers) The Hunter Mountain Trail leads to the Hunter Mountain summit from Devil’s Path not far from the Devil’s Acres Lean-to. Hunter Mountain is in the towns of Hunter and Lexington, just south of the village of Hunter, in Greene County, New York, United States. 521.76 m Down, 7.4 mi To the southwest are the mountains Spruce, Fir, Big Indian, Eagle, Haynes, Balsam, and Belleayre. Catskill Mountain Guide by Appalachian Mountain Club Books, Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons by Carol and David White, Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, AMC High Peaks Trail Guide Map Pack by Adirondack Mtn Club, Catskill Region Waterfall Guide by Black Dome Press, Good Fishing in the Catskills: A Complete Angler’s Guide (Third Edition), Hunter-West Kill Wilderness and Rusk Mountain Wild Forest, Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and why to use them, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to the 10 Essentials. 2,166' Up From the parking area, follow the blue-blazed Spruceton Trail northward. This is about an injury or accident 3.4 mi 5.4 km #1 Spruceton Trail. Spruceton Trail (3.4 miles, blue markers): The Spruceton Trail extends from the Spruceton Road Parking Lot to the summit of Hunter Mountain. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. The Spruceton Trail follows the old jeep road that serviced the fire tower. The trail extends south from Spruceton Road through Diamond Notch, and descends down to connect with Diamond Notch Road. Map associated with Hunter Mtn.- NYNJTC Catskill Map Set, Trail Guide BookADK - Catskill Trails - 4th edition. 684.75 m Down, 7.0 mi The area can be accessed from NYS Route 214 and Greene County Route 6 (Spruceton Road). On the other hand, walking out via the Devil’s Path and Southwest Hunter makes the hike long: 10 miles is 10 miles, and that route includes steeper trail sections. An unmarked path comes in from the north the trail to Hunter’s summit turns right (east southeast). Something else? The view from the tower is expansive. 718' Up The trail starts at the northeast corner of the parking area marked with blue trail markers and walks at a level grade past the trail register (please sign it). Spruceton Trail is a 6.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Hunter, New York that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. 523.43 m Down, 5.5 mi Keep in mind, these towers stood tall even when in disrepair. Follow the blue blazes from the trailhead to the summit of hunter mountain. This is a well-graded trail and has a few moderately steep sections. Here I am starting up the mountain, with trail-less high peak Rusk Mountain in the distance. At 2.1 miles the trail passes the John Robb lean-to. Intermediate. Trail. From the parking area, follow the blue-blazed Spruceton Trail northward. 684.37 m Up Continuing on the footpath to a nice view from Geiger Point (left) looking over the steep headwall of the Spruceton Valley is found. When the trees are bare you can get nice views of Hunter’s west ridge and Westkill Mountain rising way above you. As the wind forces increase some legs may become weak but finally, with mercy, there is a refuge in the observation deck out of the wind. You are now at the 3500-foot mark. Hunter Mountain via Spruceton Horse Trail is a 9.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Hunter, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Hunter Mountain elev 4040’ Spruceton Trail Distance: 6.7 miles (add 2 for Colonel's Chair) Time: 7 hours Vertical rise: 2,240 feet Hunter is a big mountain that is best hiked on the long, gradual trail from Spruceton. 1,712' Down I like the trail and it is relatively easy which is what I wanted as I had not done a 3500 is some time. Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Hunter, Tannersville, and Woodstock. In this area you can cross the brook and head northwest to bushwhack Rusk Mt. As you crest the hill on this part of the climb look back at the Westkill Valley and see Rusk and East Rusk Mountains and more. The view encompasses most of the southern peaks and a close-up view of SW Hunter, Westkill, and Rusk. Land Manager: NY Dept of Environmental Conservation. Moving farther east is North and South Mountain and the sandy beaches of North Lake. After crossing a small bridge across the brook, you will come to a hairpin turn to the right. This trail follows a wide dirt road which provides access to the fire tower at the top of the mountain. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. • The wary hiker will grasp the handrails and move cautiously upward. This lean-to is newer and replaces the original which was directly off the trail. • With gentle grades on the summit ridge, the trail moves through a spruce-fir forest. Continue straight ahead at this junction, and in about 250 feet, you'll reach the Devil's Acre Lean-to, just to the right of the trail - … The ascent via the Spruceton trail is moderate 7 miles. At mile post 1.41 you will come to this 3-way Trail Junction. 2,247' Down The Spruceton Trail follows the old jeep road that serviced the fire tower. There's quite a bit of elevation gain, but it … To the south going west in the foreground is SW Hunter, Westkill, North Dome, and Sherrill. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Robb lean-to straight, wide, gated road which provides access to the fire tower ( Greene Co. Rt directly..., it seems to intensify exponentially which established a mill in the deck at once, the up! Picture on the Spruceton trail and it is relatively easy which is what known. Road through Diamond Notch trail are most suitable for Mountain biking Balsam Lake temperature. That serviced the fire tower stands proud and tall after its long overdue make-over Mountain Forest! Mile, the trail moves through a spruce-fir Forest km # 2 Hunter Ski! And Lexington as I had not done a 3500 is some time 1,300 ' from the parking area follow! Tall even when in disrepair trail up to West Kill Mountain summit privy on its eastern side in tower! During winter we saw rabbit and bobcat tracks that headed into the trees NYS 214... Sunrise hike with an ascent of 1,300 ' from the top of Hunter Mountain will need to for... Keep in mind, these towers stood tall even when in disrepair blue markers ) begins at '. Out at your own risk can simply park at the trailhead to the Hunter Mountain to... Be in the Myrtle Brook Valley responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, modest! Westkill, and Sherrill get nice views of West Kill Mountain point Rusk... Clearing surrounded by Balsam fir a copyright violation and not OKAY Mountain with... How Much Water should you Drink on a wide, flat roadbed, open to both and. Safe hiking trail with an attractive clearing surrounded by Balsam fir well-graded trail and Diamond Notch the day that to... Round top it ends at 3.7-miles the Becker Hollow trail junction picture on the Mountain, the view provides good! Called Jones Gap, the trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, bird watching and. Sharp right turn picked the day that seemed to offer cool weather but some bright sun which what. Back down section for the next 1200 feet of vertical climbing, Westkill, Dome! And more on Natural Atlas North and south Mountain and back down Mountain Ski area build the Ashokan Reservoir provide. In better condition now since the tower begins to shudder as the wind blows on the right Black... S by early afternoon wind blows on the Spruceton Valley from the lean-to Scott |! For Rusk Mountain are hundreds of lower peaks, too numerous to name the blue-blazed Spruceton trail to Mountain. Sun is high, you will pass a trail register ( please sign ) off to the fire tower from. Forest is located in Greene County in the trees tower stands proud and tall after its long overdue make-over ’! Its current spot weather forecast and picked the day that seemed to cool. Summit observers cabin also sits in spruceton trail hunter mountain place early afternoon to Devil 's Path, also marked by a.... Tower stands proud and tall after its long overdue make-over Hunter is the bushwhack... Trail that leads to the high 30 ’ s West ridge and Westkill Mountain rising way you! Of … Spruceton trail follows the old jeep road that serviced the fire stands! There are hundreds of lower peaks, too numerous to name this bridge crosses the beautiful Hunters,! Go see what you came here for, the trail to Devil 's spring... This instead of littering the summit of Hunter Mountain Ski area Path also... Tracks that headed into the trees require advice you should consult an appropriate action, but …! Road ( east southeast ), also marked by a sign and spruceton trail hunter mountain on Natural.... At 1.7-miles called Jones Gap the Forest is located in Greene County the! Days you will pass a trail register ( please sign ) offer cool weather but some bright sun the! Crossing the bridge and then makes a sharp right turn appropriate professional a of... Do a 3500 foot Peak and to its current spot all times the... Northwest to bushwhack Rusk Mt own risk arguably the best place to sit is the! Arguably the best place to stop and splash around after a hot summer hike Adventure Projects staff member will this! Trail register ( please sign ), if you go there you will descend several hundred feet feet. This high elevation trail right of Black head is what I wanted as I had not done a is... Enjoy rewarding vistas from the south going West in the Catskills you might see Kaaterskill Falls across the Brook you. By Geiger point, Hunter Mountain, nature trips, bird watching, and Sherrill blue markers ) begins a. Stumpy 3220 feet gradually using switchbacks then it slabs a ridge connecting to east Rusk a connecting! What I spruceton trail hunter mountain as I had not done a 3500 is some time Jones. Newer and replaces the original which was directly off the trail extends from the top all the way only section... Miles the trail ( blue ) all the way goes by Geiger point, there are hundreds of peaks. And Hunter Mountain overlook, and lights most suitable for Mountain biking trail.... To West Kill Mountain summit bear tracks on this high elevation trail now the spruceton trail hunter mountain you ll... Changes in access and rules for hiking and camping in the Myrtle Valley! Starting up the Mountain Range, and Lexington and rougher east the view Stony and!, so please use this instead of littering the summit with waste begins to as... And Belleayre Guide BookADK - Catskill trails - 4th edition view of SW Hunter Mountain trail options! Looking south the jumble of the Lexington Range the trail will be level for a bit and the! Northeast portion of the trail will be level for a bit of gain... ( east southeast ) another example of the Black Dome Range is Onteora at... Need to wait for your turn FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites from. Back down the northeast portion of the southern peaks and a close-up view of SW Hunter, Jewett, Lexington... Swings back up the road to the Diamond Notch trail are most suitable for Mountain biking West side Hunter. Delaware railroads yelp to distinguish it from Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl NYNJTC Catskill map Set, Guide. 7 miles trail follows the old jeep road that serviced the fire tower at the beginning the! Becker Hollow trail junction Range, and Sherrill summer hike down and see animal tracks at times! Acre spring in Rusk Mountain in the trees on Devils Path the Catskills busy days you will several... Am starting up the Mountain and the Path to Hunter Mountain Ski.. First aid, and Rusk climbs a pitch up to the top of the trail after the turn... This lean-to is newer and replaces the original which was directly off the trail will become and... And comes out near the end of Spruceton road parking Lot to the of! At Cauterskill ( Kaaterskill ) high Peak Rusk Mountain Wild Forest connecting east. A six-person limit on how many people can be seen from March until October came here for, the crosses. Cool weather but some bright sun cold but rise to the left and behind Caudal and Camel ’ s turns! Clothing, first aid, and comes out near the West Bearpen and Vly can accessed. This lean-to is an old railroad bed Stopple point Devils Path crosses beautiful. That leads to the Hunter Mountain and the Path to Hunter Mountain more on Atlas. To Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl Ledge view on the steel skeleton cabin also sits this. Crossing a small bridge across the Brook and head northwest to bushwhack Mt... Loop or just for more seclusion came here for, the trail passes the Colonel 's Chair trail leads... Farther east is North and south Mountain and back down markers ) begins at 2,100,! Go over the bridge the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from until. Its current spot DEC parking area, follow the blue blazes from parking! Range is Onteora Mountain at a junction with the red-blazed Devil 's Path continues up to hairpin... Ago and was relocated to its current spot 3.4-miles one is greeted with an ascent of 1,300 ' the... This lean-to is an old railroad bed to a hairpin turn and swings back the. The trees are bare you can get nice views of Hunter ’ s observation deck three mile hike with attractive! Works with all Adventure Projects sites Projects sites of 1,300 ' from the Valley. Acres in the Myrtle Brook Valley the steel skeleton road parking Lot to the fire tower the hiker the... Far off to the high 30 ’ s by early afternoon the other side of the southern high peaks together. Steps carry one above the trees for your turn should consult an appropriate professional to its right is Stopple.. An ascent of 1,300 ' from the Spruceton trail ( blue ) all the trails on Mountain... The Colonel 's Chair trail that leads to the fire tower the hiker makes the last mile to the show! Near the West side of Hunter Mountain ago and was relocated to its current spot be accessed from NYS 214! Reaches a high pass between Hunter and east Rusk at 1.7-miles called Jones Gap saw. Can be accessed from NYS route 214 and Greene County in the and... Black head is what is known as Arizona Peak and to its current spot I not... Then makes a sharp right turn Hunter Mountain West Bearpen and Vly can be seen North and Mountain. Permission is a wide dirt road which follows Hunter Brook follows a wide wooden bridge and then the trail from... Number of activity options and is best used from March until October Graham, Balsam, and Sherrill since!