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Hiking route description

Catskill Route 6 travels through some of the most remote and demanding mountains in the region. This is an incredible hike, but you should be well prepared.

My first hiking trip was in 2019 when I was still relatively new to hiking. I was concerned about my ability to keep up with more experienced hikers. But I contacted a group led by Marv Freedman, who assured me I could definitely do it. As it turns out, Catskill 6 is totally doable. We took regular breaks, no one felt pressured to rush, and we even arrived a little later than expected. There were eleven of us, and everyone was bleeding. marvelous.

The forest route has since been opened. Nowadays, this is no longer a poker event. But there are still many patches that require your strong off-road navigation skills, and there are many places where you can get into real trouble.

This route guide is universal in nature. For a more in-depth look, check out our very detailed guide Friday, balsam cap, Loki, Lonely, table and Picamos.

Frequently Asked Questions about Catskills 6

Catskills 6 Hike Time

This hike takes 10 to 12 hours.

Catskills 6 Elevation Gain

The altitude of this hike is 4,000 feet (approximately 1,225 meters).

Is Catskill 6 feasible?

Yes. Absolutely. If you are not in a hurry, there are many places along the way where you can stop, rest, and replenish your supplies. You need to plan for extra calories, extra water, and extra electrolytes.

Catskill 6 Hiking Guide

Catskill Hike Route 6 includes…

• The initial persistent climb
• incredible rock formations
• Crazy peak and reservoir views
• Long and tricky jungle section in the middle
• The last 4 miles downhill felt like a long time
• Main credit for completing this route

Full details are provided in the hiking notes below, with plenty of photos.

friday hill

More than half of the route’s total elevation gain occurs at the trailhead, with the ongoing ascent of Friday Mountain. From the parking lot at Moonhaw to the summit of Friday, you’ll climb 2,400 feet of elevation gain in approximately 2.3 miles. That’s pretty steep. And there are no flat resting spots on the way up the mountain. Basically it’s all mountain climbing.

remember: Much of Catskill 6 is unrouted. To take this route, you either need to be with someone who knows the way, or you need to have excellent personal backcountry navigation skills and experience. The middle section of the road is very remote, and if an accident occurs, it will be a big problem.

View of Ashoka Reservoir Tissetonic To the left…

view Ashoka High Point In the distance, to the right, is the summit of Balsam Cap…

balsam cap

Starting Friday, there are multiple ways to reach Balsam Cap.

• Some hikers return pregnant treeand then hike back from there.
• Others hiked down to wide view Friday (pictured above) is right up there ramp Then start from there.
• On my third trip through the route, the line stayed high and reached a The second best viewing platform Friday and then connect with the Herd Trail in the middle of the col and hike from there to Balsam Point. (This is the GPS route that accompanies this updated guide.)

On the way you’ll pass through this remote landscape on flat sections…

This is the old gray jar from the balsam cap.

The jars were later repainted bright orange to make them easier to spot…

balsam hat to rocky

From the jar on Balsam Point, the Herd Trail continues south-west, descending to the col. Soon things are going to the next level in Catskill 6…

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