Pratts Rock ~ Prattsville, NY

During a recent excursion to the Catskills, we stumbled upon a breathtaking site, Pratts Rock, known as “New York’s Mount Rushmore,” a name bestowed by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This awe-inspiring rock formation boasts an array of intricate sculptures carved into its imposing facade. While one might assume this to be the sole allure of the park, the panoramic vistas from the summit offer a captivating display of the Schoharie River valley’s natural splendor.

Exploring Pratts Rock

Dog-Friendly Destination: Yes (They must be leashed, and please clean up after them.)

The trail to the carvings is less than a mile, but it is steep in some areas. The path zig-zags up the hill to try to compensate for the 350-foot elevation change. There are carved seats along the way if you get tired and need a rest. Once you reach the top, the path levels out, and you can walk along the rock and explore the carvings.

This rock is enormous, and as you explore the area beyond the carving, you will gain a true appreciation for its vastness. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore as you follow the trail.

As you walk along the trail, you will gradually ascend to the top of the rock. Looking back, I recommend taking the trail on the left-hand side of the Rock to reach the summit. This route offers a more gentle incline and is the easier way to reach the top.

Numerous large, flat ledges perched along the rock’s summit offer a perfect vantage point to sit and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley below. This is a fantastic place to get mind-blowing scenic photos.

Notes from the trail: Good sturdy footwear here is a MUST. The ground is very rugged and uneven here, especially if you plan on climbing around the Rock.

History of Pratts Rock

Zadock Pratt was an extraordinary man who achieved many remarkable things in his life. He built the largest tannery in the world and served two non-consecutive terms in the U.S. Congress. Additionally, he had roles as a banker, soldier, and innovator. During his time in Congress, he established the practice of hanging Presidential Portraits in the Rotunda. He proposed legislation to reduce the cost of postage from $.25 to $.05. He was behind the creation of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, legislation that established the Bureau of Statistics, and he was also involved in efforts to complete the Washington Monument. In 1844, he initiated the first survey for the Transcontinental Railroad.

Many people say that Pratt’s Rock is “a monument to vanity” because the carving he commissioned was from his own life. However, in my opinion, why the heck not? This man accomplished so much in his lifetime; his endeavors weren’t at all self-serving. He helped his fellow man and advanced our country. Why not commemorate it? He also left us all an amazing place to visit.

The carvings began with a commemoration of Pratts’s son, George W. Pratt, a Civil War General who was wounded at the second Battle of Manassas and died from his injuries. (Pratts Rock is actually considered the first Civil War Memorial.)