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West Approach of Slide Mountain

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 3.7 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. NY
  3. …Catskill Region
  4. Catskill Forest Preserve
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“Ascend the western side of Slide Mountain (4,182'), the highest peak in the Catskills. ”

Miroslaw Wierzbicki
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5.5

Miles

8.8

KM

Out and Back

4,191' 1,277 m

High

2,480' 756 m

Low

1,712' 522 m

Up

1,712' 522 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a short, out-and-back hike to the highest peak in the Catskills, and offers a steady climb through the forest. The summit is wooded but there are two overlooks near the top that offer great views over the surrounding hills. One view before another after the summit.

Description

From the trailhead, take the Phoenicia East Branch Trail (yellow), which is yellow-blazed for 0.7 miles. The Phoenicia East Branch Trail is an old carriage road and the hiking is fairly easy. Turn LEFT to start your ascent on the Burroughs Range Trail (Wittenburg Cornell Slide Trail), a red-blazed trail. This is a rugged trail but well maintained. Be prepared for a lot of scrambling. Continue on this route for 2.1 miles. This red-blazed trail will take you to the summit of Slide Mountain. There is a great view from the ledge before summit.

Contacts

Local Club: New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

Jul 20, 2026: Conservation Success: Middleburgh Cliffs Now Permanently Protected

Jun 16, 2026: A.T. Detour at Harriman State Park

Jun 15, 2026: 196 Miles, 26,000 Blazes: A Landmark Volunteer Achievement in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks

Land Manager: NY Dept of Environmental Conservation - Big Indian Wilderness

Shared By:

Miroslaw Wierzbicki
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 17 votes

#2

in Catskill Forest Preserve

#3535

Overall
  3.7 from 17 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
12%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Catskill Forest Preserve

#65

in New York

#3,535

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,762 Since May 9, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
13%
0%
80%
0%
7%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Slide Mountain takes on a new character in the winter.
May 9, 2017 near Shokan, NY
Slide Mountain is gorgeous in the winter.
May 8, 2017 near Shokan, NY
Enjoy the wonderful view from Mt. Slide on the Wittenburg Cornell Slide Trail.
Jun 11, 2017 near Shokan, NY
Enjoy pleasant winter views from the summit of Slide Mountain.
May 9, 2017 near Shokan, NY
parking
Apr 11, 2019 near Shokan, NY
trailhead
Apr 11, 2019 near Shokan, NY

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jul 13, 2024
Teddy Johnson
A really fun hike featuring some steep technical uphill. A good challenge but nothing crazy difficult. 5.9mi — 2h 45m
Oct 8, 2022
Danielle Cervasio
Overall easy hike for the rewarding views. Taking the blue trail up is definitely recommended as the views/terrain was rewarding and more forgiving 7.5mi — 5h 15m
Dec 22, 2020
Ryan Vance
deep snow! bring snow shoes. beyond that, easy 5.5mi
Oct 10, 2020
John Eun
Oct 10, 2020
John Eun
Jul 21, 2020
Roberto Pagan
12h 13m
Dec 8, 2019
syed
6mi
Nov 26, 2019
Beryl Artman

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