It’s an hour drive. We will plan to hike 4.4 miles on well-maintained trails through woods and forest with a total elevation gain of 1,100 feet. Hike should last about 3.5 hours. I hear there are a few nice overlooks with a view of the Hudson Valley and Hudson River. we will bring water, snacks, bug spray/net. Parking on the right side of Route 23A in Palenville, about ¼ mile past (West) of the Mobil Station and Post Office.
I also heard that not even a mile off the trail is the famous Kaaterskill Falls. This waterfall is 230 feet tall and one of the biggest waterfalls in New York State. we’ll have to look into this waterfall.
I also found this bit of detail:
The Palenville Overlook and Indian Head Ledge trail in the Catskills is a 8.12 round trip trip, if you leave from the parking lot by South Lake overflow. Estimate 6 hours hiking time. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike.
You can see some fun stuff along the way, such as the remnants of an old railroad bridge, the foundation of an old house, some cool looking stone “chairs,” and of course, awesome views!
To get to the trailhead from the Albany area:
- Take I-87 south to exit 21 (Catskill)
- Take left out of the Thruway entrance road.
- Go approximately ¼ mile
- Take a right on Route 23 West
- Go approximately 6.6 miles to Cairo
- Take a left onto Route 32. McDonalds on the corner.
- Go approximately 7.7 miles on Route 32.
- Take a Right onto Route 23A
- Go approximately 7-8 miles to the intersection of Route 23A and North-South Lake Road
- Climb up the windy mountain road (Route 23A).
- Take a right onto North Lake Road (there’s a DEC sign on the corner)
- Follow this road until you reach the DEC booths. In the summer you have to pay to enter North/South Lake.
- After going through the DEC booths, go down the hill. Park by the lake in the parking lot. (Alternate parking: Take a right onto Scutt Road)