Easy hikes and walks in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness
4.5
(65)
1,016
hikers
68
hikes
Hiking in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness offers access to a remote and mountainous expanse within the Catskill Forest Preserve. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, a high-elevation east-west ridge, and diverse natural features including prominent peaks like Hunter Mountain and West Kill Mountain. Waterways such as West Kill Creek and Esopus Creek, along with waterfalls like Diamond Notch Falls, define the landscape. The area features varied forest cover, from hardwoods to red spruce and balsam fir at higher elevations.
…Last updated: May 12, 2026
2
hikers
4.43km
01:28
180m
300m
Embark on an easy hike along the Diamond Notch Trail, a 2.8-mile (4.4 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete. You will gain 591 feet…
1
hikers
5.87km
01:48
10m
580m
Embark on an easy hike up Hunter Mountain via the Spruceton Trail, a route known for its diverse scenery. You'll journey through dense forests that open up to expansive meadows,…
Sign up for free
1
hikers
1.38km
00:24
70m
0m
Embark on an easy hike along the Diamond Notch Trail, a short route that takes you through lush forests in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness. You'll discover the beautiful Diamond Notch…
3.3
(3)
20
hikers
3.13km
01:04
170m
170m
Step onto the Tanbark Trail for an easy loop hike through the tranquil woodlands of the Phoenicia-Mount Tobias Wild Forest. This route spans 1.9 miles (3.1 km) and includes a…
4.05km
01:15
250m
0m
Embark on an easy hike along the Colonel Rochester Trail, a gentle route that stretches 2.5 miles (4.0 km) through the scenic Shandaken Wild Forest. You will gain 806 feet…
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
A short spur trail will lead you to this great viewpoint over the mountains. If you're hiking the Hunter Mountain Loop trail there's really no reason not to take the extra few minutes to hike out to the overlook.
0
1
Though the falls are relatively short, at only 15 feet, they are in a stunning location and make for great photos. Keep in mind that the falls may be easy to access the trail has plenty of rocks and can be slippery so proper footwear is essential. Also, this is a beautiful location all year round, but visiting during the fall color season is truly special.
1
0
This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. In fall and winter, the town of Phoenicia becomes visible through the bare trees, but remains obscured by foliage during the spring and summer months.
0
0
This is a very good viewpoint depending on the season. In the summer, the trees tend to block the views.
0
0
Hunter Mountain is the second highest mountain in the Catskills. From the top of the fire tower, you have views of the surrounding mountains as well as of the Hudson Valley, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Epic!
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
The Hunter-West Kill Wilderness offers 10 easy hiking trails, providing accessible options for exploring the region's diverse landscapes. In total, there are 70 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.
Are there any easy trails that lead to waterfalls?
Yes, the Diamond Notch Trail is a popular easy route that leads directly to the picturesque Diamond Notch Falls. This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) path takes you to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall cascading over moss-covered shale ledges.
Can I find easy trails with good viewpoints or landmarks?
Absolutely. The Hunter Mountain via Spruceton Trail offers a gentle ascent towards Hunter Mountain, where you can find the historic Hunter Mountain Fire Tower. While the full ascent to the fire tower might be more challenging, this specific easy trail provides a good starting point and views of the surrounding wilderness.
Are the easy hiking trails in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the easy trails are well-suited for families. Routes like the Diamond Notch Trail and the Colonel Rochester Trail offer manageable distances and relatively gentle terrain, making them enjoyable for all ages. The natural features like waterfalls and diverse forests provide engaging points of interest for children.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in this area?
Generally, dogs are permitted on trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness, provided they are kept on a leash. It's always recommended to check specific trail regulations before heading out, but routes like the Diamond Notch Trail are popular choices for hikers with canine companions.
What is the best time of year for easy hiking in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
Spring, summer, and fall all offer excellent conditions for easy hiking. Spring brings lush greenery and flowing waterfalls, summer provides warm weather for exploring, and fall showcases stunning foliage. While winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing, some trails may be more challenging due to snow and ice, so appropriate gear is essential.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
Easy hikes in this region typically feature varied forest cover, from hardwoods to red spruce and balsam fir at higher elevations. While the overall wilderness is known for rugged, mountainous terrain, the easy routes are selected for their more gentle ascents and well-defined paths, often following waterways or leading through scenic woodlands.
Are there any easy loop trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
Yes, the Tanbark Trail is an easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) route that offers a pleasant loop experience through the forest, with similar elevation gain and loss, making it a comfortable circular walk.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
The easy trails in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene natural beauty, the accessibility of routes to features like Diamond Notch Falls, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Is public transport available to access easy hiking trails in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness?
Public transport options directly to the trailheads within the remote Hunter-West Kill Wilderness are limited. It is generally recommended to access these trails by car, as most trailheads are located off main roads without direct bus or train service.
Are there places to park near the easy trailheads?
Yes, designated parking areas are typically available at the main trailheads for routes like the Diamond Notch Trail and the Hunter Mountain via Spruceton Trail. These parking lots serve as convenient starting points for your easy hiking adventures.
Most popular routes in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
