The Large Ledge Catskills hike is, in my view, among the finest in all of New York.
Situated within the Slide Mountain Wildnerness space — which is understood for its unbelievable views and excessive peaks — you gained’t be disenchanted. Not one bit!
And whilst you’ll actually work up a sweat and will even must ice your calves the following day, you’ll be grateful to have taken within the magnificence that’s supplied by this distinctive New York mountain climbing possibility.
Whether or not you’ve already heard about Upstate NY’s Large Ledge hike otherwise you’re merely in search of a brand new Catskills path to strive, I extremely suggest choosing this quick and intense however beautiful trek.
Desk of Contents
- What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- Large Ledge Catskills Hike Quick Details
- Large Ledge Trailhead Parking
- Large Ledge Hike Catskills Path Map
- Large Ledge Hike
- Prolonged Hike: Large Ledge And Panther Mountain
- Large Ledge Catskills Tenting
- Publish-Hike Enjoyable: Issues To Do In Phoenicia
- The place To Keep In The Catskills
- Renting A Automobile In The Catskills
- Upstate New York Excursions
- Catskills Journey Insurance coverage
- Different Nice New York Hikes:
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
Earlier than we focus on one of many finest hikes within the Catskills, I need to share a free character quiz I believe you’ll love:
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
It’s referred to as “What kind of hiker are you?” and it’ll enable you to uncover your mountain climbing character.
Bonus:
Your outcomes additionally share path ideas based mostly in your outcomes!
Large Ledge Catskills Hike Quick Details
Like I stated above, Large Ledge is among the finest hikes in Upstate New York because of its unbelievable sweeping views of the Catskills Area.
In case you’re in search of mountain climbing close to Phoenicia NY you’ve obtained a variety of nice choices, although I can virtually assure this path gained’t disappoint.
That will help you perceive what you’re in for with the Large Ledge Path, listed here are some fast info:
Large Ledge Catskills elevation: 3,170 ft — or 3,720 ft if you happen to resolve to proceed your trek to summit Panther Mountain, which is the guardian mountain of this hike
Elevation achieve: About 1,030
Forest: This hike takes you thru Slide Mountain Wilderness
Path issue: Reasonable (however steep!)
Path kind: Out-and-back
Path size: 3.2 miles round-trip if you happen to simply go to the primary ledge; 4 miles round-trip if you happen to do all the ledges; 7.1 miles round-trip if you happen to go to the Panther Mountain summit
Time: This path will take you about two hours round-trip (if you happen to simply go to Large Ledge) or 4 hours round-trip (if you happen to proceed to the Panther Mountain summit)
The start of the Large Ledge Catskills path
Large Ledge Trailhead Parking
The Large Ledge Catskills tackle is Oliverea Highway (County Highway 47) in Massive Indian, New York.
This Google Map can take you there, as can typing “Large Ledge trailhead” into Google Maps.
When it comes to parking, there’s a small parking space on the trailhead in addition to the choice to park alongside the street.
Search for a yellow path marker throughout the street the place you’ll stroll over a small wood footbridge to start the hike.
Notice that parking fills up quick on weekends as this hike is widespread, so arrive early or think about mountain climbing Large Ledge on a weekday.
Moreover, there aren’t any loos, water fountains, or snack stands on the trailhead, so come ready.
Large Ledge & Panther Mountain Path Map
Large Ledge Hike Catskills Path Map
Talking of maps, when mountain climbing in New York it’s all the time good to have a path map.
You may click on right here for a Large Ledge and Panther Mountain path map.
Moreover, here’s a PDF recreation map of Slide Mountain Wilderness.
Large Ledge Hike
Okay, so let’s dive into the precise hike and what it’s like!
As acknowledged above, when mountain climbing Large Ledge you’re journeying by means of Slide Mountain Wilderness, which options 47,500 acres of outside magnificence.
It’s really the most important wilderness space within the Catskill Forest Protect and, not surprisingly, is filled with mountain climbing path choices.
Many of those trails supply sweeping views, like Large Ledge.
The Large Ledge Catskills hike begins off on the Phoenicia East Department Path for 0.8 miles.
Once we go, it’s a humid and foggy day. Drops of water faucet down on our raincoats, however that doesn’t deter my husband Andy and me from making the trek.
The Large Ledge path begins off steep
We observe the yellow blazes up a gentle incline that’s fairly rocky and steep — so undoubtedly be sure to’re sporting good-quality mountain climbing footwear with strong grip and ankle help. This is a vital a part of what to put on to go mountain climbing.
Whereas difficult, the forest is quiet and luxurious, with droplets of rain providing a soothing pitter-patter soundtrack towards the leaves.
I additionally respect the rain as a result of it helps to clean away the buckets of sweat which can be pouring out of my face from mountain climbing uphill.
At sure factors the path ranges out and I’m grateful for the remaining — as are my thighs — although it by no means lasts very lengthy.
As we ascend larger and better, big rock formations protrude from the earth, generally lining the path, however many occasions underneath our ft creating pure steps.
Finally, we attain the Large Ledge-Panther Mountain Path, which has us switching from yellow to blue blazes for one more 0.8 miles.
This implies we’re lower than a mile from a stunning view!
The universe will need to have been on our aspect that day, as a result of shortly earlier than we attain Large Ledge the rain utterly stops and the sky transforms into an impressive blue.
Truthfully, once we arrive to the principle viewpoint my jaw really drops from seeing the solar forged a glow on the colourful foliage protecting the Catskill Mountains; peaks stretching as much as the clouds earlier than sloping down to attach on the bottom.
View from Large Ledge
Taking a selfie on Large Ledge with my husband
Large Ledge view
Now, I’ve to say, the title of this hike is a bit of deceptive — and that’s a superb factor.
You see, Large Ledge is definitely comprised of 5 totally different ledges!
Whereas every provides basically the identical view, it’s good as a result of it is a widespread hike and generally the primary ledge is filled with folks. Having choices means you may get pleasure from a packed lunch and a panoramic Catskills view all to your self.
Love video?
Click on right here to see my TikTok video of the view!
Prolonged Hike: Large Ledge And Panther Mountain
In case you’re nonetheless feeling energetic after taking within the Large Ledge view and need to add one other leg to your journey, you may decide to hike an extra 45-60 minutes to the summit of Panther Mountain.
For this, you’ll proceed alongside the blue path — although, warning, it’s difficult!
Whereas the path ascends up for a lot of the hike, at one level it descends — which suggests you then must ascend once more even larger.
Fortunately, there are quite a few views alongside the best way, to not point out the solitude of the alpine forest is magical, particularly since most hikers cease at Large Ledge and don’t proceed as much as the Panther Mountain summit.
From the summit, you’ll once more absorb expansive views of the Catskills Mountains, although this time from 3,720 ft for the next and barely totally different perspective.
In my view, the Large Ledge and Panther Mountain hike provides a few of the most rewarding views in all the Catskills!
Bonus:
In case you wish to gamify your hikes, Panther Mountain is on the Catskill 3500 Membership‘s listing. Be at liberty to problem your self to hike as many as doable to gather these excessive peak vistas.
Rock formations and steep ascents on the Large Ledge Panther Mountain hike
Large Ledge Catskills Tenting
Many individuals who hike the Catskills’ Large Ledge Path additionally decide to camp, and there are a variety of choices for this.
Initially, there are just a few Division of Environmental Conservation (DEC) primitive tenting websites alongside the path close to to the Large Ledge lookouts. You don’t want a allow except you might be tenting for greater than three nights or you’ve got a bunch of 10 or bigger.
Additionally observe that your campsite needs to be a minimal of 150 ft away from the closest street, path, or physique of water.
You may contact the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation at (845) 256-3076 or [email protected] for extra info.
It’s also possible to hike Large Ledge to and from the highly-rated Woodland Valley Campground, which is a well-liked possibility, albeit difficult. It’s about 3.4 miles a technique. Here’s a path map.
You may contact the Woodland Valley Campground at (845) 688-7647. Notice that there’s a payment to camp right here — $20 for New York residents and $25 for folks from out of state.
Publish-Hike Enjoyable: Issues To Do In Phoenicia
Phoenicia is a small however enjoyable Catskills hamlet with eating places and retailers. It’s a should when visiting the Catskills. That will help you have some post-hike enjoyable, right here are some things to do in and round Phoenicia after your Large Ledge hike:
Hike the Tanbark Path.
I discussed this difficult however scenic hike in my information to the most effective Upstate NY hikes. You may entry the trailhead proper from a neighborhood playground in Phoenicia.
The two.1-mile loop path options two most important viewpoints:
- Phoenicia Overlook, from which you’ll see Romer Mountain, Mount Nice, and Panther Mountain.
- Grandview Ledge, the place you may gaze out over Phoenicia towards Panther Mountain from an open ledge.
Taking within the view from the Phoenicia Overlook on the Tanbark Path
Have a giant meal at Brio’s Pizzeria.
Brio’s Pizzeria is a bit of little bit of every part — an Italian restaurant, a diner, and even a Mexican restaurant because it’s connected to the Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina and you can even order off their menu.
There aren’t a ton of eating places in Phoenicia, so at any time when I go to I eat most of my meals on this informal spot serving hearty dishes and attractive drinks.
My favourite:
The wood-fired Neapolitan pizza with a neighborhood Catskills beer.
Dine in hipster vogue at The Phoenicia Diner.
The Phoenicia Diner is known! In truth, even folks from New York Metropolis love stopping right here on their means as much as the Catskills.
The present proprietor of the diner is a man from Brooklyn, and the menu actually has a hipster twist and inventive consolation meals made with seasonal native elements.
Professional tip:
Don’t miss their tasty boozy milkshakes!
Having fun with some post-hike avocado toast on the Phoenicia Diner
Savor a flowery meal on a finances at The Phoenician Steakhouse.
Phoenicia is a mountain vacation spot, so once I say “fancy” I imply “good however you may nonetheless put on denims”.
The meals right here is scrumptious and if you happen to’re touring together with your accomplice it’s a pleasant spot for a date night time.
My go-to dish right here is the Seafood Fra Diavolo — which is my all-around favourite meal.
They’ve additionally obtained some yummy craft cocktails.
See a present on the Phoenicia Playhouse Neighborhood Theatre.
The constructing itself dates again to 1887 and provides the prospect to get pleasure from some native tradition by means of artistic neighborhood theater productions.
Store at Thriller Spot Antiques.
This cluttered store is filled with treasures from classic clothes to chill vinyl finds to oddities you didn’t even know you wanted.
Have a unusual buying expertise at Thriller Spot Antiques
Purchase native wares from The Nest Egg.
The Nest Egg is a neighborhood nation retailer promoting energetic journey necessities (I’ve undoubtedly popped in right here for mountain climbing socks just a few occasions), Catskills souvenirs, and New York-made items like soaps and fudge.
The place To Keep In The Catskills
Searching for Catskills lodging?
Click on right here for an inventory of Catskills accommodations!
Want self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
It’s also possible to use the map beneath to seek for native stays. I set the map to Phoenicia, as that’s the place most hikers doing Large Ledge and Panther Mountain base; nonetheless, you may simply change the vacation spot:
Renting A Automobile In The Catskills
One of the simplest ways to discover all that the Catskills has to supply is by automotive, as many accommodations, trails, and points of interest aren’t inside strolling distance and public transportation isn’t a standard strategy to get round domestically.
My suggestion:
Use Uncover Vehicles to shortly evaluate your automotive rental choices.
Their comparability software does the homework for you, so there’s no must have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is probably the most reasonably priced. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their software!
Upstate New York Excursions
- Full-Day Non-public Alpine Ridge Climbing Tour from Beacon
- Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Wine and Native Cheese Tour from Beacon
- Full-Day Walkway Over the Hudson and Vineyard Tour within the Hudson Valley from Highland
- 3-Day Zip Lining & Waterfall Hike within the Catskill Mountains from Hunter
- Niagara New York Meals Tour from Lewiston
Catskills Journey Insurance coverage
- Anthony’s Nostril Climbing Path. This reasonable hike provides sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain State Park from the highest.
- Mount Marcy. This difficult hike takes you to the highest of the very best peak in New York, Mount Marcy, at 5,344 ft! Warning: You’ll must basically climb towards the tip, or not less than hike vertically, nevertheless it’s value it!
- Mount van Hoevenberg. This reasonable however steep trek ends with panoramic views of the Adirondack Excessive Peaks Area.
- Bull Hill Full Loop. The views of the NYC skyline from the highest are unbelievable on this hike.
- Breakneck Ridge. A difficult hike with some vertical climbs that gives wonderful views alongside the best way.
- Bear Mountain State Park. This widespread park is filled with mountain climbing choices in addition to areas for fishing, picnicking, and different outside actions. One in all my high solo mountain climbing ideas can be to go right here, as you’ll discover loads of protected and populated trails.
- Slide Mountain Path. It is a nice possibility if you happen to’re in search of different Catskills mountain climbing trails, as Slide Mountain is the very best peak within the area.
- Overlook Mountain Hike. That is one other best choice for mountain climbing trails within the Catskills, particularly with options like outdated resort ruins, a fireplace tower, and sweeping views alongside the best way.
Click on right here to take the free mountain climbing character quiz!
