Catskill State Park Escarpment Trail

The old mountain road traces the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Catskills, offering commanding views of the Hudson Valley 2,000 feet below. This 12-mile route connects fire tower access roads from Windham High Peak south to the Kaaterskill Falls area, passing through dense hemlock groves and over exposed rock ledges where early tanneries once harvested bark. The road becomes increasingly technical as it approaches North Point, with steep descents and loose rock that demand careful line choice.

This is expert-level terrain requiring experienced drivers and vehicles with low-range gearing, skid plates, and rock sliders. The exposed ledges become treacherous when wet, and the narrow shelf road has no guardrails. Best attempted in dry conditions during late summer. No permits needed, but respect private property boundaries near old quarry sites. Limited camping options exist at designated DEC sites only. The payoff is some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Northeast, but this trail earns its reputation as one of New York’s most technical routes.