Hiking: Slide Mountain via Wittenberg/Cornell/Slide Trail - Curtis Ormsbee Trail Loop, Catskill Park, NY | February 3, 2019
At 4,184 feet in elevation, Slide Mountain is the highest mountain in the Catskill Park and the Catskill Mountains. The 1,800 foot ascent is generally moderate and the mountain offers hikers several great views as you ascend and descend. The view from the very top has grown in, but still offers a good view. Throughout the year, conditions can and do change rapidly on the mountain and all hikers should be properly prepared when attempting Slide Mountain, especially in the winter months when the conditions and the weather are much less forgiving.
The Adventure in the Outdoors family is growing. We now offer guided hikes in New York through Hike On Guides and we recently had the chance to take a client to the top of the Catskills. We weren't sure on the weather when we first left the house, with most of the mountain peaks along the way shrouded in clouds, but as the day went by, the clouds thinned and lifted so by the time we were on top of Slide, we were rewarded with some great views from the roof of the Catskill Mountains!
Slide is one of our favorite mountains in the Catskills and offers one of the rare loop hikes in the Catskill Park (though it's not a complete loop trail, more like a lollipop trail with a very short stick on either side). Starting at the parking lot on County Route 47 (Frost Valley Road), the route has some pretty steady climbs, but isn't nearly as steep as other trails on other mountains and has enough variability to make it an excellent walk.
Our preference in the loop is to use the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail to ascend Slide and use the Wittenberg-Slide-Cornell Trail to descend. The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail does have a few steep ascents, but between those short climbs, the trail runs along one of Slide's many ridges. The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail in this area follows the old jeep trail that used to service the former fire tower that sat at the summit of Slide Mountain and while it is not a steep trail, it is a consistently moderate grade that can feel like a bit of slog on the way up.
Our climb was just a few days after a decent snowfall in the region. At the base there was maybe 8-10 inches of snow and as we ascended, the snowpack increased to about 2-2 1/2 feet of snow at the summit. The trails were broken out earlier and all had well packed routes. For us, snowshoes were fine for the entire trip, even the steeper sections. Temperatures were moderate for the time of the year, starting off in the mid-20s and getting to just above freezing when we were descending.
All told this hike is just under 7 miles in length with a total vertical climb of about 1,800 feet.
____________________________________________________________
MORE CATSKILL PARK, HIKING, PLANNING AND VISITOR INFO
Watch all of our videos about hikes in the Catskills on YouTube
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Important Hiking Considerations:
The Adventure in the Outdoors family is growing. We now offer guided hikes in New York through Hike On Guides and we recently had the chance to take a client to the top of the Catskills. We weren't sure on the weather when we first left the house, with most of the mountain peaks along the way shrouded in clouds, but as the day went by, the clouds thinned and lifted so by the time we were on top of Slide, we were rewarded with some great views from the roof of the Catskill Mountains!
Slide is one of our favorite mountains in the Catskills and offers one of the rare loop hikes in the Catskill Park (though it's not a complete loop trail, more like a lollipop trail with a very short stick on either side). Starting at the parking lot on County Route 47 (Frost Valley Road), the route has some pretty steady climbs, but isn't nearly as steep as other trails on other mountains and has enough variability to make it an excellent walk.Our preference in the loop is to use the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail to ascend Slide and use the Wittenberg-Slide-Cornell Trail to descend. The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail does have a few steep ascents, but between those short climbs, the trail runs along one of Slide's many ridges. The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail in this area follows the old jeep trail that used to service the former fire tower that sat at the summit of Slide Mountain and while it is not a steep trail, it is a consistently moderate grade that can feel like a bit of slog on the way up.
Our climb was just a few days after a decent snowfall in the region. At the base there was maybe 8-10 inches of snow and as we ascended, the snowpack increased to about 2-2 1/2 feet of snow at the summit. The trails were broken out earlier and all had well packed routes. For us, snowshoes were fine for the entire trip, even the steeper sections. Temperatures were moderate for the time of the year, starting off in the mid-20s and getting to just above freezing when we were descending.
All told this hike is just under 7 miles in length with a total vertical climb of about 1,800 feet.
Trail(s) Description:
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- Length: 7 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Map and Guidebook: Catskill Trails by NYNJ Trail Conference / Catskill Mountains Guide by Appalachian Mountain Club
Begin at the Slide Mountain Trailhead Parking Area on County Route 47 (Frost Valley Road). From here, follow the yellow blazed Phoenicia-East Branch Trail up a relatively steep, but short climb, and then along an old, relatively flat, roadbed to the intersection with the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail at 0.7 miles.
From the trail junction, stay on the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail another 0.85 miles to the intersection with the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail. The Phoencia-East Branch Trail in this section continues to follow the old roadbed, which descends and ascends slightly over the 0.85 miles between trail junctions.
At the junction with the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail, turn left on the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail and begin ascending one of Slide Mountain's ridges. The trail ascends this ridge in a series of short, steep steps interspersed with more gradual climbs in between. There are two views along the way, the first looking to the northwest and the second looking to the southeast. The upper, southeastern view is better maintained and made for a great snack stop. After the 2nd vista, the ascent becomes more moderate. At 1.65 miles, the trail ends at the intersection with the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail.
The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail continues to ascend the ridge moderately. Just before reaching the summit, the grade increases and several views to the north open up along the steeper section. After the vistas, the trail reaches the summit of Slide Mountain and just beyond the true summit, the trail enters a clearing with a rock ledge which offers a limited view to the north and east. A plaque celebrating John Burroughs is located at the base of the rock ledge.
From here, go back the way you ascended on the Cornell-Wittenberg-Slide Trail and at the intersection with the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail, stay on the Cornell-Wittenberg-Slide Trail and continue descending. In 1.4 miles, the trail, following the route of the former jeep road, descends moderately, but very consistently. At 1.4 miles, the trail ends at the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail.
From the intersection, turn right on the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail and follow it back 0.7 miles to the Slide Mountain Trailhead Parking Area.
____________________________________________________________
MORE CATSKILL PARK, HIKING, PLANNING AND VISITOR INFO
Need a hiking map for your hikes in the Catskills? We recommend the Trail Conference's Catskills Trails 6-Map Set
. These maps are the best available for hiking and outdoor adventures in the Catskills and the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center offers a regional map of the Catskills that provides an excellent overview of the region, it's roadways, attractions and trails. National Geographic Trails Illustrated also produces a map for the region that is useful for trip planning and road navigation. How about a guidebook? Both AMC
and ADK
publish trail guides to the Catskill Region.
If you are looking for more information about the extensive history of the Catskill Mountains and the Catskill Park, we would suggest reading one of the following: The Catskills, From Wilderness to Woodstock; The Catskill Park, Inside the Blue Line; or The Catskills, It's History and how it changed America. For the most comprehensive natural history of the Catskill Park and the Forests of the Catskill region, we recommend reading The Catskill Forest, a History by Michael Kudish.
Read up on the Catskill Park at our Catskill Mountains Information Page for hikes, advice, travel and planning information. We also offer a Guide to Hiking in the Catskills.
Visit the Catskill Park's official visitor center, the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (formerly the Catskill Interpretive Center).
. These maps are the best available for hiking and outdoor adventures in the Catskills and the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center offers a regional map of the Catskills that provides an excellent overview of the region, it's roadways, attractions and trails. National Geographic Trails Illustrated also produces a map for the region that is useful for trip planning and road navigation. How about a guidebook? Both AMC and ADK publish trail guides to the Catskill Region.If you are looking for more information about the extensive history of the Catskill Mountains and the Catskill Park, we would suggest reading one of the following: The Catskills, From Wilderness to Woodstock; The Catskill Park, Inside the Blue Line; or The Catskills, It's History and how it changed America. For the most comprehensive natural history of the Catskill Park and the Forests of the Catskill region, we recommend reading The Catskill Forest, a History by Michael Kudish.
Read up on the Catskill Park at our Catskill Mountains Information Page for hikes, advice, travel and planning information. We also offer a Guide to Hiking in the Catskills.
Visit the Catskill Park's official visitor center, the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (formerly the Catskill Interpretive Center).
###
Sign up for our newsletter for regular hike info, gear reviews, videos, and more!
You can find more information about this hike on:- The NYNJ Trail Conference's Catskill Trails Map Set
- National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
Comments
Post a Comment