Information
Landmark: Slide MountainCity: Catskills
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Slide Mountain, Catskills, USA New York, North America
Overview
Slide Mountain towers over the Catskills as their highest peak, rising to 4,180 feet (1,274 meters) above the forests of New York State.You’ll find it in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area, deep in the Catskill Forest Preserve where spruce trees crowd the trail.Spanning over 47,500 acres, this is the Catskills’ largest protected wilderness, with clear streams, quiet forests, and endless ways to explore.Ulster County, New York, sits within the Catskill Park, surrounded by forested hills and winding mountain streams.Slide Mountain’s slopes start with tough, uneven ground and a mix of northern hardwoods, then climb into cool air where balsam fir and red spruce crowd the summit.Ecology: The mountain teems with life-white‑tailed deer flick their ears in the brush, black bears roam the slopes, bobcats slip through the shadows, and birds from barred owls to hermit thrushes call through the trees.Once you climb past 3,500 feet, the alpine ecosystem turns delicate, calling for careful protection to keep its rare plants and thin, wind-scoured soil intact.Slide Mountain draws hikers all summer, with trails ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs; the Burroughs Range Trail’s west side route stretches about 4.1 miles one way through spruce-scented air.You’ll climb about 1,780 feet-roughly the height of a city skyscraper.It’s moderately challenging, like cracking a stubborn puzzle piece into place.The route begins at the Slide Mountain Trailhead, tucked along Oliverea Road where the pines crowd close to the pavement.The trail winds through a patchwork of forest, crunching over occasional rocky stretches, and every so often it opens to a glimpse of the valley below.The trail climbs over the crests of nearby peaks, where the wind smells of pine, before finally reaching Slide Mountain’s summit.The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail, taking the east side route, stretches about 2.7 miles in one direction-enough for a steady climb past mossy rocks.The trail climbs about 1,780 feet, enough to leave your calves burning by the halfway point.The challenge sits at a moderate level, like lifting a box that’s not heavy but makes you shift your grip.The trail starts in Woodland Valley, winding up through the trees, and takes its name from two early Catskills hikers who first blazed this route.The trail winds gently upward through thick, shadowy woods, its smooth path easy underfoot, and finishes at the peak.The Wittenberg–Cornell–Slide Trail, part of the Burroughs Range Loop, stretches almost 10 miles there and back.The trail climbs about 3,600 feet in all, enough to leave your legs burning by the summit.It’s tough-like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces that almost fit but not quite.This tough trail links Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountain, leading hikers to sweeping Catskill views where ridges fade into the blue horizon.Seasoned hikers will appreciate this loop-it’s long, climbs steadily, and leaves your calves burning by the halfway point.At Slide Mountain’s summit, hikers take in sweeping 360‑degree views-the Catskills rolling out below, valleys tucked between ridges, and, when the air is crisp and clear, far‑off peaks shimmering on the horizon.At the summit, you’ll find a weathered plaque honoring naturalist John Burroughs, who drew inspiration from the mountain’s untamed wilderness.In the Slide Mountain Wilderness, you’ll find designated backcountry campsites-quiet spots tucked among tall pines and rustling leaves.Camping rules exist to keep the fragile environment safe, like preserving the moss that carpets the forest floor.No campfires are allowed above 3,500 feet, where the alpine soil is fragile and even a small blaze can leave lasting scars.To safeguard plants and wildlife, you can camp above 3,500 feet only in winter-December 21 through March 21-when snow muffles the ground.Leave No Trace: Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.The Oliverea Road Trailhead sits along Route 47 and serves as the main western gateway to the Burroughs Range Trail, where hikers often start their climb surrounded by tall pines.The Woodland Valley State Campground trailhead marks where the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail begins on the east side, just past the tall stand of hemlocks.Both trailheads offer parking, though spots tend to disappear quickly on weekends and in peak hiking season-sometimes you’ll find the lot full before the sun’s even high.Trail markers are easy to spot, with bright blazes on trees and clear signs at key turns, but it’s still smart to pack a map or GPS.The Slide Mountain Wilderness teems with life, from sugar maple, beech, and birch shading the lower trails to balsam fir and red spruce standing tall in the cool, higher ridges.You might spot white-tailed deer grazing at dusk, while black bears and bobcats roam the woods.You’ll often spot wild turkeys strutting through the grass, with hawks and owls gliding overhead.Conservation: This land is carefully managed to protect the native ecosystem and keep its habitats undisturbed, from the rustle of tall grasses to the quiet shade of old oaks.Weather can turn in an instant up in the mountains, so be ready for chill air, sharp gusts, and storms that roll in fast.Gear: Lace up sturdy hiking boots, toss in plenty of water, a few snacks, layered clothes, and don’t forget a map or GPS tucked in your pack.Trail Conditions: Always check the latest reports-some stretches may turn slick with ice or sink into mud after a cold rain.Stay well back from wild animals, and stash your food in a sealed container so the scent doesn’t draw them in.Visitor Resources Maps: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers official georeferenced trail maps, ready to guide you from the first crunch of gravel to the last bend in the path.The DEC website posts updates on trail conditions, camping rules, and wilderness guidelines, so you’ll know if that rocky path is open or closed.Woodland Valley Campground sits close by, with restrooms and fresh water on hand-just what hikers need when they set out from that trailhead.Slide Mountain rises as the heart of the Catskills, offering a tough climb with sweeping views-jagged cliffs, pine-scented air, and the kind of wilderness that leaves you breathless and proud.
