Best Winter Hikes in the Catskills (and Some Winter Hiking Tips)
Who says you can’t hike in the winter? For the adventurous hiker who doesn’t mind a little bit of cold weather, there are plenty of great winter hikes up here in the Catskills. Here’s our list of the best winter hikes in the Catskills:
Hike the Beaverkill Valley Inn Trails
Our Inn has nineteen guest rooms, gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, a winter ice skating rink, a heated indoor pool, and yes - miles of fantastic winter trails. We even have snowshoes for you to borrow if the snow is particularly deep. However, our trails are only open to guests of the Inn - so book your stay here!
Giant Ledge in Shandaken
Giant Ledge is a moderately difficult hike, but the views are worth it! It’s a 3.2 mile round trip journey, and is great for a crisp, clear winter day. Here’s a detailed guide on hiking Giant Ledge in the winter, if you’re up for the challenge!
Willowemoc Wild Forest
Willowemoc Wild Forest is pretty close to the Inn, right near Livingston Manor. We like it because of its numerous loops, which allow for different skill levels to enjoy these picturesque trails. The DEC has a list of the different trails on its site here.
Overlook Mountain
Its name is pretty accurate - Overlook Mountain gives you some of the most beautiful views in the area, any time of the year. The winter is actually a great time of year to take this hike - the fire tower is closed, but there’s fewer people on the trail as a result. You can still get great views at the top of the summit, and it’s a pretty manageable 5 miles round trip.
Winter Hiking Safety Tips
Don’t bundle up like a snowman - wear lots of layers, cause you’ll probably get warm and will need to take some off during your hike. Plus, sweating too much will make your clothes wet, making you even colder. The goal when hiking in the winter is to stay as dry as possible. If you forgot to pack hiking gear, we recommend hitting up the fantastic Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor for your hiking needs - they have everything!
If it’s a really cold day, bring an insulated water bottle. Nothing worse than a frozen block of ice in your water bottle when you go to take a much-needed sip! Expert winter hikers recommend bringing your food already cut up, as it can freeze during the winter, and carrying it in your pockets to keep it warmer.
Do your research and know the trail ahead of time. Also, make sure you get out early enough and know when the sun is going down. You don’t want to get stuck on an unfamiliar trail in the dark!
Be realistic about your skill level. If it’s your first winter hike, start with a shorter hike, then work your way up!