During our trip to the Catskills, we had an amazing visit to Hunter Mountain. Hunter Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Catskill Region, standing at 4040 feet. It is also home to the highest fire tower in New York State, which is open to visitors. The best part is that you don’t have to hike to the summit of the mountain; instead, you can take a scenic 11-minute chairlift ride to the top and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the Catskills.
Hunter Mountain Skyride
The Hunter Mountain Skyride is an amazing 11-minute scenic ride, the longest ride in the Catskills. It takes you up to the top of the mountain without breaking a sweat. I really loved this part of our visit. We were able to just sit back and take in the splendid view.
I must admit that I had never been on a chairlift before our trip to Hunter Mountain. I am not a skier because I am rather clumsy. Why tempt fate? So, naturally, I was a bit nervous about getting on and off the chairlift for the same reason. However, I’m pleased to report that it was surprisingly easy. They even slow down the chairlift a bit as it approaches the station.
The views from the Skyride and the summit above are some of the most spectacular in the Northern Catskills. On a clear day, you can see the Berkshires in Massachusetts and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
As incredible as the view was in the Summer, It has me planning to visit again in the Autumn to see the fall colors. I can only imagine how spectacular they are from here!
Know Before You Go:
-You can purchase your tickets and sign your waiver online. I highly recommend doing this because there is a significant price difference between buying tickets online and purchasing them onsite. During our visit, a helpful staff member advised us to step out of line, use our phones, and buy our tickets online.
-I don’t usually carry a daypack when hiking, but this particular destination was an exception. There are no water or refreshment options at the top of the mountain, only a restroom. So, you must bring any snacks or water you’ll need. (That also means you’ll have to carry them back down.)
-You need to be prepared for a mountain environment. Wear hiking boots or sneakers only. Dress for changing weather and wear layers.
- Children must be at least 3 years old and meet height requirements of at least 36 inches.
- Children in carrier packs are not permitted on the chairlift.
- One adult is required per two children ages 3 to 6 years old.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
- All riders must be able to approach the loading area and sit on the chairlift unassisted and under their own power.
- You need to make sure you are back at the chairlift by 3:30 pm.
- Dogs and other animals are not permitted on the chairlift.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Trail: 4 Miles (Round Trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Visiting fire towers has become one of those things hikers like to check off their bucket list. New York State has a whole bunch of fire towers, and there are numerous “Fire Tower Challenges” where hikers try to hike to each of New York’s 44 fire towers.
The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower happens to be the highest fire tower in New York State. You might think it would be an easy hike because you are at the top of the mountain. You’d be wrong. Although I have to admit, it wasn’t at all bad. The first half mile is a wide, flat stretch of road. After that, the trail narrows significantly and begins a winding uphill. I would say that this 1/4 mile stretch is honestly the most difficult stretch of the entire hike. But it is also probably the most beautiful. This section traverses through a deep mountain pine forest with large boulders covered in moss along a narrow rocky path.
The trail will eventually T, and you will need to turn left to continue toward the fire tower. The trail will flatten out for a while, allowing you to catch your breath and regain your energy. For the rest of the hike, the trail will alternate between a gradual climb and a flat path, making it easier to manage fatigue and reach the fire tower.
Chances are, unless you are the first one up the mountain early in the morning, you are not going to have the fire tower to yourself. There are other trails up the mountain, so people don’t necessarily have to take the chairlift up to the summit in order to visit the tower.
When we visited, the top of the tower was closed. I have heard that they will open it on busy weekends. However, you can go all the way up to the top, and the view is absolutely incredible. Mountains and pine forests are as far as the eye can see. It was a clear and sunny day, so we could see pretty far. As I mentioned before, on a clear day, you can see the Berkshires in Massachusetts and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
There are picnic tables and a cabin where people sit and enjoy a breather and some lunch, which many of the people were doing when we were there.
A lot of people are so entranced by the fire tower that they miss the elevation marker. Walking past the cabin and heading towards the woods, you will see a large, flat rock in the corner of the clearing. At 4040 feet, this is the highest point on Hunter Mountain.
Rip Van Winkle Statue
There is a statue of the Legendary Rip Van Winkle carved from blue sandstone at the top of Hunter Mountain. The statue’s location isn’t very obvious. We couldn’t find any signage to point us in the right direction. In fact, we almost left without having found it until we decided to take a short hike on a trail and then ran along the mountainside back to the chairlift. We came around the corner, and there he was, hidden away in the woods, which was rather fitting.
In front of the Statue, nestled within a fenced-off scenic overlook, is a weathered metal bench that looks like it has seen better days. Despite its weathered appearance, it provides a peaceful and serene vantage point. This spot offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the mountaintop, providing a moment of solitude amidst the flurry of activity.
Getting to Hunter Mountain
Address: 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY 12442