top of page

Hiking & Private Property

With the closure of Graham and Doubletop to public access, all 33 required summits are on public property and can be accessed by hiking only on public property or public easements. Nonetheless, hikers should be aware of private lands in close proximity to trails and ridges, and should avoid hiking there without permission. This brief guide is intended to help new and returning hikers avoid illegal trespassing. Contact the aspirants chair at 3 with any questions. Updates with current information can be found on our homepage.

Bearpen & Vly Mountains

Bearpen & Vly Mountains are often approached from the end of the drivable portion of Route 3 coming from the south out of Halcott Center. If you choose to hike from here, it is important that you park only on the east side of the road before you come to the snowplow turn around. That’s the right side of the road if you are approaching the mountains. Please do not park in or around the snowplow turnaround, even during the summer, as it’s on private property and is used by emergency and maintenance vehicles year round. It is not a parking lot. As parking here is limited, carpooling is highly recommended.

Bearpen & Vly Mountains are often approached from the end of the drivable portion of Route 3 coming from the south out of Halcott Center. If you choose to hike from here, it is important that you park only on the east side of the road before you come to the snowplow turn around. That’s the right side of the road if you are approaching the mountains. Please do not park in or around the snowplow turnaround, even during the summer, as it’s on private property and is used by emergency and maintenance vehicles year round. It is not a parking lot. As parking here is limited, carpooling is highly recommended.

Halcott Mountain

Please do not attempt to climb Halcott from the south without permission from property owners. While Upper Birch Creek Road comes close to state land, there is no legal way to cross onto state land without permission. The landowner has expressed discontent with trespassing in the past, and is unlikely to give permission to hikers. Most hikers start their ascent at the parking area on Route 42.

Please do not attempt to climb Halcott from the south without permission from property owners. While Upper Birch Creek Road comes close to state land, there is no legal way to cross onto state land without permission. The landowner has expressed discontent with trespassing in the past, and is unlikely to give permission to hikers. Most hikers start their ascent at the parking area on Route 42.

Friday Mountain

A hunter’s cabin is located on private property along the East shoulder of Friday Mountain, just below 2000’. Please avoid this property altogether when ascending Friday. The best way to avoid private lands in the area is by following one of the woods roads to the north, such as the blue track (A). It’s also much easier than heading directly up the mountain!

A hunter’s cabin is located on private property along the East shoulder of Friday Mountain, just below 2000’. Please avoid this property altogether when ascending Friday. The best way to avoid private lands in the area is by following one of the woods roads to the north, such as the blue track (A). It’s also much easier than heading directly up the mountain!

Kaaterskill High Peak & Roundtop

KHP is typically approached from the south, but there is also legal access from the west. If you choose to come this way, be aware of the private property north of the first parking area. Landowners do not want hikers using Cortina Ln to access the snowmobile path. Instead, bushwhack uphill on public lands from the second parking area. Drivers should be advised that the road after the first parking area is EXTREMELY rough and is not maintained in winter.

KHP is typically approached from the south, but there is also legal access from the west. If you choose to come this way, be aware of the private property north of the first parking area. Landowners do not want hikers using Cortina Ln to access the snowmobile path. Instead, bushwhack uphill on public lands from the second parking area. Drivers should be advised that the road after the first parking area is EXTREMELY rough and is not maintained in winter.

bottom of page