Devil's Path: West Kill to Hunter Mountain

This section of the Devil's Path is renowned as one of the most challenging hikes in the Eastern United States. Expect extremely demanding terrain with relentless steep ascents and descents, often requiring the use of hands for scrambling over rocky sections, through rock chutes, and up cliff bands. The trail is frequently rocky, rooty, and can be muddy. It's definitely not for beginners and requires a high level of fitness and experience.

Despite its difficulty, the trail offers spectacular scenery and several notable points of interest. You'll pass the West Kill Mountain Summit, enjoy views from Buck Ridge Lookout, and find a picturesque break at Diamond Notch Falls. Further along, you'll get a View of Hunter Mountain before reaching the Hunter Mountain Summit and Fire Tower, offering panoramic views of the Catskills.

As this is a point-to-point hike from West Kill to Hunter Mountain, you'll need to arrange transportation between trailheads. For the West Kill side, parking is typically available at the Spruceton Road trailhead. For the Hunter Mountain side, parking can be found near the Becker Hollow trailhead or the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort area, depending on your exact exit point. Shuttles or a car drop are highly recommended.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, due to the extremely rugged and challenging terrain, including steep scrambles and rocky sections, it is only recommended for very experienced and agile dogs. Be prepared to assist your dog over obstacles, and always keep them on a leash. Ensure your dog is well-conditioned for such a strenuous hike.

The best time to hike this section of the Devil's Path is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the trail conditions are less hazardous. Fall offers spectacular foliage. Winter hiking is possible but requires significant experience, specialized gear, and awareness of extreme conditions like ice and deep snow.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area of the Catskill Forest Preserve. However, always follow Leave No Trace principles, respect all posted regulations, and be aware of any specific rules for camping or fires if you plan an overnight trip.

You should expect frequent and demanding scrambling sections, often described as 'Class 2'. This means you'll regularly need to use your hands to navigate steep, rocky ascents and descents, rock chutes, and even some cliff bands. These sections are continuous and contribute significantly to the trail's notorious difficulty.

Yes, while primarily following the Devil's Path, this route also passes through sections of the Hunter Mountain Trail, Spruceton Trail, Diamond Notch Trail, and Becker Hollow Trail, connecting various parts of the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness.

While the trail is strenuous, the Devil's Acre Lean-To is located between Hunter and Southwest Hunter Mountain, offering a potential stopping point for backpackers. Otherwise, designated rest areas are limited, so plan to take breaks as needed on suitable flat sections.

Given the trail's difficulty and length, a comprehensive packing list is essential. Bring plenty of water (there's limited reliable water access), high-energy snacks, a map and compass/GPS, rain gear, extra layers, a first-aid kit, headlamp, and sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Trekking poles can be helpful for some sections but might hinder scrambling.

Public transportation directly to the remote trailheads for this section of the Devil's Path is very limited or non-existent. Hikers typically rely on personal vehicles, carpooling, or arranging private shuttle services to manage the point-to-point logistics.