Catskills: Kaaterskill High Peak
July 4, 2022 | Elka Park, NY
Region: Northern Catskills, Kaaterskill Wild Forest
Note: this post highlights the hike to the partially untrailed summit of Kaaterskill High Peak (KHP.) If you are looking to learn more about the Kaaterskill Falls hike (much shorter and starts at a different trailhead) check that out here.
Additionally, if you are looking to find out more about the site of the plane crash on the summit, (and a second one also on the trail, but not the summit) I unfortunately was not able to find it after my partner and I went searching around for quite a bit on a summer day. If anyone knows where it is - please contact me so I can be sure to check it out next time I’m up there!
The hike: ~ 7.8 miles (12.55 km) out-and-back. Elevation gain ~1,700 feet (~ 518m.) Trailed, then herd path to summit with canister. Walk further to Hurricane Ledge (past summit) for a view. It’s posible to complete a loop back to the herd path or the Long Path, but I chose out-and-back for this trip.
The route: parking at Platte Clove Road, road walk/ snowmobile path then Long Path to herd path for the summit.
Getting to the trailhead: Parking lot is also for Huckleberry Point, so it may state that in maps (which is correct!) If you get to the town of Tannersville, from 23A, turn onto Railroad Avenue which will turn into Spruce Street. Stay on the road veering left onto Platte Cove Road; you will pass Josh Road N on your left, and then after one more road, you’ll turn left into the small parking lot for the hike (about 10-15 minutes away from the town.) Cell service will be sparse to non-existent. Road should be fine in 3-season conditions (unsure if plowed in winter.) The lot is on the smaller side will fill up on beautiful summer and autumn days.
Note: Platte Clove Road is closed Nov. - April so be sure to factor this into your driving route and time if coming from Saugerties (you’ll have to drive around through Tannersville as described above.)
Restaurant stop post-hike: Last Chance Antiques and Cheese in Tannersville. Ice cream featured below, burgers were also a hit (only 13 min. drive away!)
