Slide Mountain: Hiking the Catskills’ Highest Peak from Route 42
Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills, and reaching its 4,180-foot summit is a rite of passage for anyone who spends time hiking in the region. While it is not the toughest mountain in the Catskills, Slide still offers a rewarding climb through the largest wilderness area in the Catskill Forest Preserve, along with quiet forest, rocky ledges, and views across the surrounding mountains.
This route begins at the Slide Mountain Trailhead on Route 42 and uses the Phoenicia East Branch Trail, Curtis-Ormsbee Trail, and Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail to create a roughly 7-mile lollipop loop. It is a great way to hike Slide Mountain without retracing every step of the ascent, and it gives the day a little more variety than a standard out-and-back hike.
Early in the hike, the trail crosses the headwaters of the Neversink River. This crossing can be more challenging after heavy rain or during snowmelt, so it is worth paying attention to conditions before heading out.
From there, the trail gradually climbs toward an old road. At about 0.7 miles from the trailhead, the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail branches off, but for this loop, continue straight on the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. The path remains fairly mellow for another stretch before reaching the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail junction.
This is the most sustained uphill section of the route, but it is not overly technical. The trail is rocky in places and can be muddy after rain, yet the grade is manageable for hikers who are comfortable with a moderate Catskills climb.
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Important Hiking Considerations:
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.
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
This route begins at the Slide Mountain Trailhead on Route 42 and uses the Phoenicia East Branch Trail, Curtis-Ormsbee Trail, and Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail to create a roughly 7-mile lollipop loop. It is a great way to hike Slide Mountain without retracing every step of the ascent, and it gives the day a little more variety than a standard out-and-back hike.
Slide Mountain Hike Summary
- Trailhead: Slide Mountain Trailhead on Route 42, near Oliverea, New York
- Route: Phoenicia East Branch Trail → Curtis-Ormsbee Trail → Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail → Slide Mountain summit → Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail → Phoenicia East Branch Trail
- Distance: About 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: About 1,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Summit Elevation: 4,180 feet
- Best For: Hikers looking to climb the tallest peak in the Catskills on a moderate, scenic loop
Getting Started from Route 42
The hike begins at the Slide Mountain Trailhead on Route 42, where the Phoenicia East Branch Trail heads into the woods. The first section is relatively gentle, making it a nice way to warm up before the real climbing begins.Early in the hike, the trail crosses the headwaters of the Neversink River. This crossing can be more challenging after heavy rain or during snowmelt, so it is worth paying attention to conditions before heading out.
From there, the trail gradually climbs toward an old road. At about 0.7 miles from the trailhead, the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail branches off, but for this loop, continue straight on the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. The path remains fairly mellow for another stretch before reaching the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail junction.
Climbing the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail
Turn left onto the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail and the hike begins to feel more like a mountain climb. The trail rises steadily through the forest, gaining elevation as it works its way toward Slide Mountain’s upper ridge.This is the most sustained uphill section of the route, but it is not overly technical. The trail is rocky in places and can be muddy after rain, yet the grade is manageable for hikers who are comfortable with a moderate Catskills climb.
As the trail gains elevation, the forest begins to take on the feel of the higher Catskills. The hardwoods give way to a cooler, more rugged mountain environment, and the climb gradually eases as you approach the junction with the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail.
The final approach is much gentler than the Curtis-Ormsbee climb, following the high ridge through thick forest toward the top of the Catskills. Just before reaching the summit, make sure to stop at the ledges near the trail. This is one of the best viewpoints on the route, with views across the surrounding mountains, the Ashokan Reservoir, and the Hudson Valley beyond.
The summit itself is wooded, but that does not take away from the experience. Standing at the high point of the Catskills feels special, especially when you consider that Slide Mountain rises above every other peak in the range.
For many hikers, Slide is a must-do peak because it offers a little of everything that makes the Catskills special: rocky trails, quiet forest, mountain views, and a summit with real significance. It is a great first Catskill 3500 peak for newer hikers, but it is also a mountain worth revisiting in every season.
This creates the loop and gives the descent a different feel from the climb. The trail follows an old jeep road that once provided access to the fire tower that stood on Slide Mountain’s summit. The grade is steady, but it is generally less steep and less demanding than the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail.
Eventually, the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail reconnects with the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. Turn right here and follow the familiar route back toward Route 42 and the trailhead.
It is also a great choice for hikers working on the Catskills 3500 Challenge or anyone who wants to stand on the highest point in the Catskills without taking on one of the region’s more rugged or technical routes.
Slide Mountain may not be the hardest hike in the Catskills, but it is one of the most meaningful. The distance is manageable, the route has plenty of variety, and the summit gives you the satisfaction of standing at the top of the entire range.
Reaching the Summit of Slide Mountain
At the junction, turn right onto the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail. From here, it is about 0.7 miles to the summit of Slide Mountain.The final approach is much gentler than the Curtis-Ormsbee climb, following the high ridge through thick forest toward the top of the Catskills. Just before reaching the summit, make sure to stop at the ledges near the trail. This is one of the best viewpoints on the route, with views across the surrounding mountains, the Ashokan Reservoir, and the Hudson Valley beyond.
The summit itself is wooded, but that does not take away from the experience. Standing at the high point of the Catskills feels special, especially when you consider that Slide Mountain rises above every other peak in the range.
The Highest Peak in the Catskills
Slide Mountain is more than just another summit on a list. At 4,180 feet, it is the highest point in the Catskills and sits deep within the Slide Mountain Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the Catskill Forest Preserve.For many hikers, Slide is a must-do peak because it offers a little of everything that makes the Catskills special: rocky trails, quiet forest, mountain views, and a summit with real significance. It is a great first Catskill 3500 peak for newer hikers, but it is also a mountain worth revisiting in every season.
Descending the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail
After enjoying the summit, return down the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail. When you reach the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail junction, stay on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail rather than turning back onto the ascent route.This creates the loop and gives the descent a different feel from the climb. The trail follows an old jeep road that once provided access to the fire tower that stood on Slide Mountain’s summit. The grade is steady, but it is generally less steep and less demanding than the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail.
Eventually, the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail reconnects with the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. Turn right here and follow the familiar route back toward Route 42 and the trailhead.
Why This Is a Great Slide Mountain Route
This loop is one of the best ways to hike Slide Mountain because it gives you a well-rounded day without feeling repetitive. The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail provides a solid uphill climb, while the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail makes for a more gradual and scenic descent.It is also a great choice for hikers working on the Catskills 3500 Challenge or anyone who wants to stand on the highest point in the Catskills without taking on one of the region’s more rugged or technical routes.
Slide Mountain may not be the hardest hike in the Catskills, but it is one of the most meaningful. The distance is manageable, the route has plenty of variety, and the summit gives you the satisfaction of standing at the top of the entire range.
Watch all of our videos about hikes in the Catskills on YouTube
- Catskills Hiking Videos
- Catskill 3500 Peaks Challenge Videos
- Catskills Fire Tower Challenge Videos
- Best Catskills Loop Hikes Videos
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Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center
Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center
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🥾 Check out our ever growing hiking and backpacking gear list to see what we use on all of our day hikes and backpacking trips
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:
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.
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
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