The weather is getting warmer, and the sun is shining brighter which only means one thing...hiking season has begun! Being a gal from the flattest place on earth, Long Island, I wasn't introduced to hiking until I went to college in the Hudson Valley. It didn't take long before I was obsessed and found it to be one of the many joys in my life. I always try to squeeze in as many hikes as I can while I am up there.
The Catskills are full of hikes, but one of the easier ones I have done twice now is Overlook Moutain, which is the southernmost peak of the Catskill Escarpment. The first time I did this hike, it was with my boyfriend Drew on a rainy and spooky looking day- but that didn't take away from the beauty of this hike! I would recommend this hike for beginners being that it is not too hard, and it's a great way to get a workout in!
When you arrive at the trail, you will park in a dirt lot that is marked and right across the street from a Buddhist Monastery! The first time I went with Drew was on a weekday, and there was plenty of parking. However this past April I brought three of my friends there on a Saturday, and it was a tough squeeze! So if you plan on doing this hike on a weekend make sure to get there early to get a spot.
The hike itself is not that bad. It consists of an old gravel road with power lines overhead. You'll keep hiking for a little bit, and before you get to the top, you will come to an abandoned hotel that is so strikingly beautiful. I highly recommend exploring and taking in all of the beauty that surrounds you. This hotel was known as the Overlook Moutain House. The hotel was first built in 1871, but unfortunately, two fires destroyed the base structure. In 1923, the third version of the hotel was rebuilt out of concrete, but never completed. Once you're done exploring the hotel keep following the trail because you are SO close to the top. Once you get to the top, there is a huge fire tower that has a promising view. At the very top of the fire tower, there is a chained, locked door... but you can still walk up to the top to see one of the most amazing views of the Catskills!
After you are done with the fire tower; I recommend that you go towards the cliff overlook. This is where the money shot is! Just stand/sit still and soak in this stunning view. This is a great place to maybe have a little picnic or even watch the sunset. After you are done soaking up the awesomeness of Overlook head back down to your vehicle and take a drive through one of the cutest towns in the Catskills, Woodstock. Don't worry I will have a post dedicated solely to Woodstock because it's one of my favorite places ever! Overall, this hike is one the many magical places of the Catskills. Time to put your hiking boots on and go outside! Happy hiking everyone!
The Catskills are full of hikes, but one of the easier ones I have done twice now is Overlook Moutain, which is the southernmost peak of the Catskill Escarpment. The first time I did this hike, it was with my boyfriend Drew on a rainy and spooky looking day- but that didn't take away from the beauty of this hike! I would recommend this hike for beginners being that it is not too hard, and it's a great way to get a workout in!
When you arrive at the trail, you will park in a dirt lot that is marked and right across the street from a Buddhist Monastery! The first time I went with Drew was on a weekday, and there was plenty of parking. However this past April I brought three of my friends there on a Saturday, and it was a tough squeeze! So if you plan on doing this hike on a weekend make sure to get there early to get a spot.
The hike itself is not that bad. It consists of an old gravel road with power lines overhead. You'll keep hiking for a little bit, and before you get to the top, you will come to an abandoned hotel that is so strikingly beautiful. I highly recommend exploring and taking in all of the beauty that surrounds you. This hotel was known as the Overlook Moutain House. The hotel was first built in 1871, but unfortunately, two fires destroyed the base structure. In 1923, the third version of the hotel was rebuilt out of concrete, but never completed. Once you're done exploring the hotel keep following the trail because you are SO close to the top. Once you get to the top, there is a huge fire tower that has a promising view. At the very top of the fire tower, there is a chained, locked door... but you can still walk up to the top to see one of the most amazing views of the Catskills!
After you are done with the fire tower; I recommend that you go towards the cliff overlook. This is where the money shot is! Just stand/sit still and soak in this stunning view. This is a great place to maybe have a little picnic or even watch the sunset. After you are done soaking up the awesomeness of Overlook head back down to your vehicle and take a drive through one of the cutest towns in the Catskills, Woodstock. Don't worry I will have a post dedicated solely to Woodstock because it's one of my favorite places ever! Overall, this hike is one the many magical places of the Catskills. Time to put your hiking boots on and go outside! Happy hiking everyone!
