Catskill Park Slide Mountain Wilderness Fire Road
New York's highest peak via technical wilderness access
The Slide Mountain Fire Road represents the gnarliest approach to New York State’s highest summit at 4,180 feet, winding through the Slide Mountain Wilderness via an abandoned maintenance road that hasn’t seen regular upkeep since the 1970s. Starting from Oliverea Road, the route immediately drops into Esopus Creek where multiple water crossings test your line choice and recovery skills. The real challenge comes at mile 4 with the “Devil’s Kitchen” — a rocky chute between house-sized boulders that’s claimed more oil pans than pride.
Expert-level driving only, requiring modified 4WD with serious armor and winch capability. Spring runoff makes creek crossings dangerous until late May. No facilities, no cell service, and you’re on your own if things go sideways. Dispersed camping is legal below 3,500 feet elevation. The reward is solitude few New Yorkers ever experience, plus summit views stretching to Vermont on clear days. Bring extra fuel, recovery gear, and let someone know your timeline.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4180 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor and winch |
| Nearest town | Phoenicia, NY |
| Land manager | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.