Hiking: Mount Sherrill Bushwhack from Shaft Road | Catskills Hiking

Mount Sherrill, nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, offers hikers a rewarding off-trail bushwhack experience with stunning views and intriguing history. The most direct access point to this trailless peak is from the parking area on Shaft Road, just off Route 42, which provides entry to the New York State Forest Preserve lands.

Starting at the Shaft Road parking lot, the route initially follows an old logging road. After crossing a creek, you’ll continue along this well-defined logging road for about a mile. Then, you’ll leave the road behind and begin a steeper ascent up Mount Sherrill. While this hike is trailless, an easy-to-follow herd path leads from the parking lot all the way to the summit, making navigation manageable for adventurous hikers seeking Catskills bushwhacking trails.

Once you reach the summit, don’t miss the short trek south to a spectacular viewpoint. This scenic overlook offers breathtaking vistas of the Catskill High Peaks that are well worth the quick descent and climb back to the peak before your return trip.

For a unique twist, we took an alternate descent route to visit the fascinating “lost school bus” on Mount Sherrill. This abandoned bus was once used as a hunting camp before the state acquired the land. Now slowly being reclaimed by nature, it’s an eerie and captivating landmark nestled deep in the wild Catskill woods. After exploring the bus, we rejoined the herd path and made our way back to the Shaft Road parking area.

If you’re looking for a true Catskills trailless bushwhack with a mix of history, wilderness, and spectacular views, Mount Sherrill should be on your radar. This hike is perfect for experienced Catskill hikers, thru-hikers, and those interested in off-trail hiking adventures in New York State.

Details

• Location: Catskill Mountains, New York State Forest Preserve

• Trailhead: Parking lot on Shaft Road (off Route 42) (Google Map Link)

• Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles round trip (varies with route)

• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 feet

• Trail Type: Trailless / Bushwhack with herd path

• Difficulty: Difficult to Strenuous (due to off-trail navigation and steep ascent/descent)

• Highlights: Summit of Mount Sherrill, viewpoint south of summit, and lost school bus

• Best For: Experienced hikers comfortable with off-trail navigation and bushwhacking

• Permits/Regulations: Located within New York State Forest Preserve lands, no permit is required; always follow Leave No Trace principles

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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
• Hiking the Catskills Guidebook

Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center

• https://catskillsvisitorcenter.org​.

Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:

• Hike On Guides (hike with us!)

Advice and Recommended Gear:

• Our Hiking Gear Guide and Recommendations
• Our day hike backpack recommendations
• The Best Hiking Smartwatch
• The Best Hiking Sunglasses
• The Best Hiking Water Filter
• Top Ten Day Hiking Essentials
• Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
• Recommended Gear on Amazon
• Shop Hiker Trash Husbands Merch

Gear we used on this hike:

• Goodr Sunglasses
• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets
• Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes

• Deliberate Life Design Hiking Sandals

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• REI Traverse Trekking Poles

• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles

• Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

• Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt

• Patagonia R1 Pullover

• Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

• Eddie Bauer Hiking Pants

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube if you enjoyed our video. We appreciate the opportunity to share our adventures with you and highlight members of the LGBTQ+ community enjoying the outdoors. Proud gay hikers here! Find out more about us at The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web - https://www.hikertrashhusbands.com

Important Hiking Considerations:

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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.

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