North Point Snowshoe in the Catskills
North Point, located high above North South Lake State Campground, offers tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and the open expanse of the Hudson Valley. A classic hike in the Catskills in the summer months, the trip out to North Point requires a bit more logistics in the winter with the majority of the North South Lake State Campground closed in the winter months. For this hike we parked just outside the campground at the Schutt Road Trailhead.
A classic hike in the Catskills in the summer months, the trip out to North Point requires a bit more planning ahead because of the logistics in the winter. The majority of the North South Lake State Campground is closed in the winter months, except for the area around the gatehouse and the road down to the South Lake Dam. For this hike we parked just outside the campground at the Schutt Road Trailhead. The Schutt Road Trailhead is the trailhead for the Rock Shelter Trail and the southern end of the Escarpment Trail.
From the Schutt Road Trailhead, we took the Rock Shelter Trail to its intersection with the Mary’s Glen Trail. From there, it was the Mary’s Glen Trail to the Escarpment Trail. Finally we followed the Escarpment Trail to the top of North Point where we were rewarded with the views of the Hudson Valley, North and South Lakes, and the peaks of the northeastern Catskills.
On the way back, we stayed on the Escarpment Trail, past its junction with the Mary’s Glen Trail, down to the intersection with the Rock Shelter Trail. From there, we followed the Rock Shelter back towards the Mary’s Glen Trail, past the intersection with the Mary’s Glen Trail, and back out to the trailhead on Schutt Road. Think of the hike this way like a lollipop - you walk in and out the same way, but there’s a loop for the last portion.
Overall this hike is just over 5 miles and includes about 830 feet of elevation gain. There are a few ledgy areas that can be a bit of challenge in snowshoes, but someone with at least some snowshoe experience shouldn’t find this hike too difficult.
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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
Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:Gear we used on this hike:
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
- Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots
- Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
- Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie
- Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews
- GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink
- Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans
- Garmin Instinct Watches
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
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