Escarpment Trail

One of the most unusual hikes in the Catskills [1] is the Escarpment Trail, which stretches 24 miles between Route 23A [2] in Haines Falls and Route 23 [3] in East Windham without crossing a single highway. Parts of the trail have been used for more than 150 years, as initials and dates carved along its ledges attest.

To access the popular section of the Escarpment Trail that leads past the former site of the Catskill Mountain House, continue about two miles past the Kaaterskill Falls [4] parking area and take the first right onto County Road 18, following signs to North-South Lakes Campground. At the end of this four-mile road, just before the campground, turn right onto Scutt Road, where you’ll find a parking area and a blue-marked trail.

Follow the trail through a forested area, past Spruce Creek and a four-way intersection, toward Layman Monument and Sunset Rock. Soon after the intersection, the trail skirts along the top of the Great Wall of Manitou. The terrain here is fairly level and all along the way are overlooks offering magnificent views. Near the Layman Monument you can see Kaaterskill Clove (“clove” comes from the Dutch word for gorge), with Hunter Mountain behind.

About a mile and a half past Inspiration Point is a red-marked cutoff trail leading to the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. Take this shorter trail, or continue on the more scenic blue trail past Split and Boulder Rocks. Either way, in 20–30 minutes you’ll reach the large open ledge upon which the famed resort once stood. An informative plaque marks the spot.

To hike from the parking lot to the Catskill Mountain House site takes about an hour and a half. From there, you can return the way you came or take the service road back to the parking lot.