2 m away
Kaaterskill High Point: Southern Approach
A popular route to summit the Kaaterskill High Peak.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 595 m
- Descent
- 595 m
A shorter day hike to an excellent vista atop Huckleberry Point.
Hiking Moderate
This hike departs from the popular DEC parking lot along Platte Cove Road and leads to one of the best bang-for-the-buck overlooks in the Catskills. Less than 5 miles round-trip, the average hiker should expect this hike to take between 2 and 3 hours.
Begin by following the blue-blazed Long Path north towards Palenville. A sign at the trailhead denotes the direction but makes no reference to Huckleberry Point. The first bit of the hike follows an old two-track uphill, at what most would consider a conversational pace.
There are two trail junctions to look for. The first of which is a Y, where you should keep right. Catskillmountaineer.com states that "50% of the people who hike this trail for the first time miss the Trail Head." Should you accidentally go left, you will quickly be greeted with signs denoting that you went the wrong direction.
The next intersection is significantly easier to navigate, as a large sign pointing to Huckleberry Point is nailed to a tree.
Along the way, you will find remnants of a house before crossing a stream. After a storm or heavy rain, this crossing may be dangerous or impossible due to high water. Continue by enjoying the beautiful flora and fauna lining the trail, as well as wildlife that frequent the area. Though uncommon, both bears and snakes can also be found in this region.
Rounding out the path, the trail leads you onto a rocky bluff, rewarding your efforts with a phenomenal vantage point of the Hudson Valley. Attainable to most hikers, this offers one of the best views in the Catskills for the least amount of effort.
Though it may seem like a shortcut, an infrequently used trail heads downhill from the rocky point. It is not advised to attempt this route, but instead, retrace your steps to complete your hike.
Sources: http://catskillmountaineer.com/KM-huckleberry.html https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/huckleberry-point/
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
2 m away
A popular route to summit the Kaaterskill High Peak.
Difficult Hiking
1.8 km away
A relentless day hike to the summit of Indian Head Mountain.
Severe Hiking
1.8 km away
A rugged thru-hike bagging five of the Catskill High Peaks.
Severe Hiking
4.5 km away
A challenging day hike connecting three trails and summiting Sugarloaf Mountain.
Severe Hiking
6.3 km away
An intense, lesser-traveled approach to the Kaaterskill High Peak.
Severe Hiking
7.7 km away
A phenemonal day hike or overnight trip to a historic fire tower and serene lake.
Difficult Hiking
7 routes · Hiking