West Kill Mountain, Catskills

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Completed By: The Urban Viking   Admin
Buck Ridge Lookout 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
Trailhead: Spruceton Road
Level Trail
0.1mi: Level Trail
Stream
0.4mi: Stream
Diamond Notch Falls
0.7mi: Diamond Notch Falls
Bridge
0.8mi: Bridge
Trail Sign
0.9mi: Trail Sign
Steep Trail
1.5mi: Steep Trail
Moss
1.9mi: Moss
Rock Formation
2.1mi: Rock Formation
Buck Ridge Lookout
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

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Wittenberg Mountain

Giant Ledge

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5 Catskills Hikes With Stunning Vistas

West Kill Mountain
West Kill Mountain
Location Catskills, NY
Coordinates 42.182384, -74.269542
Elevation 3880ft+
Difficulty 8/10
Popularity High

Ten Essentials Gear For Hiking

It can not be stressed enough to plan accordingly for venturing out into the wilderness whether it is for a multi-day backpacking trip or even for the simplest of day hikes. An innocent stray off course and an easy overlook of essential gear can result in disaster with life threatening consequences in an instant, even for the most avid backcountry trekker.

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Disclaimer    Return To Guide

Be advised, while we do strive to provide as accurate a representation of areas as we can, errors can be present due to trail updates, closures, regional changes, etc. Distances may not be perfectly accurate. This site is intended to serve as a simple introduction when visiting an area that we cover. Before heading out on your adventure conduct further research from official sources and plan accordingly. Intotheabsurd.com and it's content creators assume no liability from individuals carelessly and irresponsibly using this website as a sole source of information about areas covered on this website.

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