West Kill Mountain, Catskills

Trail Guide

Located in Greene County New York in the Catskills, West Kill Mountain can be climbed as a moderately difficult day hike or when backpacking the entirety of the challenging Devil's Path of which it is a part of. As a single day hike the total mileage is around 6 miles when hiking from the common starting point on Spruceton Road. There is a lot of character to this hike as the trail will change from a mild walk along a stream and waterfall to a grueling ascent to the summit. The hiker parking lots are small for this one so arrive early to assure a space.

Key Features

Beginning of the trail for 0.7mi runs along a beautiful mountain stream.

You'll pass by Diamond Notch Falls just before the trail turns into The Devil's Path over a wooden bridge.

A steep and challenging climb through a thick mountain forest.

At 3,880ft in elevation, the view from The Buck Ridge Lookout is one of the best in all of the Catskills.

In the higher elevations of the trail along the summit you'll find a wonderful conifer forest and the incredible smell of natural pine.

There are some very interesting rock formations near the summit you will pass over.

You will be section hiking a part of the world famous Devil's Path, known as one of the toughest backpacking routes in the northeast.

Trail Guide Disclaimer

This guide starts at the trailhead on Spruceton Road, GPS: 42.182384, -74.269542

Trailhead: Spruceton Road

0.1mi: Level Trail

0.4mi: Stream

0.7mi: Diamond Notch Falls

0.8mi: Bridge

0.9mi: Trail Sign

1.5mi: Steep Trail

1.9mi: Moss

2.1mi: Rock Formation

2.8mi: Buck Ridge Lookout

After reaching the Buck Ridge Lookout the summit of Westkill Mountain is just over 0.1mi past the lookout. After reaching the summit turn around and head back down the trail the way you came. Congratulations! You've climbed Westkill Mountain!

Links

NYDEC Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Info

NYDEC Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Map

Nearby Hikes

Wittenberg Mountain

Giant Ledge

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