Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

Catskill Park Forest Preserve
Greene Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Becker Hollow Trail: Blue blaze
Yellow Connector Trail: Yellow blaze
Spruceton Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 4:20 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.8 Miles

Pros: Strenuous Climb, Scenic Area
Cons: Not enough views for mountain size
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very difficult

Hiking Partner:
Joseph Friedman
Elisha Friedman

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/E1Dc9vZKL5hWcDQ4A

Hunter Mountain is reminiscent of my teenage years hiking in the Catskills. This trail is one of the most arduous hikes in the Catskills, with a 2,200 foot climb in about two miles. The conditions were particularly brutal, being hot and very humid, making it a very difficult climb. We trudged through, and there was a light rain that cleared and made things a bit easier at the 3,500 foot line.

We parked at the trailhead at the Becker Hollow Trail, and climbed the trail up. The first thousand or so feet is very easy with a minimal climb, but then the trail steadily climbs up, relentlessly. At the 3,500 foot line the steepness increases and is very tough, though the previous rain and knowing we are nearing the end, it got easier. We then took the Yellow Connector Trail to the Fire Tower, and climbed up. The top of the tower was closed, but we still got a good view from right below the top. We then took the Spruceton Trail back to the Becker Hollow Trail and took the route all the way down back to the car.