Sunset Hike up Overlook Mountain in the Catskills
The hike up Overlook Mountain via the Overlook Spur Trail (locally known at the Overlook Trail or Overlook Mountain Trail) is a popular hike in the Catskill Mountains. Overlook Mountain offers stunning vistas, a historic fire tower, and for us doing an evening hike, a chance to witness a breathtaking sunset over the surrounding Catskill mountains.
The trail is well-marked, follows an old road, and is relatively accessible, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels. It's 2.5 miles from the trailhead to the summit of Overlook Mountain, making for a 5 mile round-trip hike.
The trail begins at the Overlook Mountain Trailhead, located at Meads Mountain Road in Woodstock. There is a small parking area available, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. When we showed up for our evening hike there were only a few cars, but we have seen this lot very full. There's a second parking lot a bit further down Meads Mountain Road with a short trail that brings you to this trailhead.
Just past the trailhead kiosk where you'll find information about the trail and the area, is the trail register. Be sure to sign in as these logs are used in case of emergencies and help the State know how many people are hiking in particular areas. The trail follows the well maintained and well-marked dirt road. The road/trail starts off climbing gently, but becomes more strenuous as it makes its way up Overlook.
As you hike further, you'll traverse through a beautiful forest, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains. There's also plenty of Mountain Laurel along the trail, so if you hit it at the right time of the year (June generally), the blooms will be stunning. The trail stays well-maintained and easy to follow. There are a few paths that are not as well maintained that branch off the main trail, so be sure to keep an eye out for trail markers and signs.
Less than a mile from the summit, you'll encounter the remains of the Overlook Mountain House, a former hotel that burned down in the early 20th century. You can walk through most of the ruins, just be careful as you make your way through as there are loose stones and sudden drops in some areas. More history of the Overlook Mountain House.
After the ruins, and the cellular tower just above them, the trail becomes steeper and narrower as you hike towards the fire tower. As you near the summit, the trail levels off, and you'll soon reach the cabin below the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower. It's a short walk from the cabin up to the open area of the summit where the Fire Tower sits. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, Hudson Valley, and beyond.
We timed it so we arrived about a half an hour before the sunset began, giving us time to enjoy a snack, climb the fire tower, and get into position for the best view of the sunset (which is from the Fire Tower itself).
Since this is an in and out hike, you descend along the same trail you came up. Just as it was a stead ascent, it's a steady descent so exercise caution on the rocky and gravely sections and watch your step. For a sunset hike, a headlamp is a must, as it quickly gets dark after the sunset.
This is moderate hike without any difficult trail sections, just a long steady climb. The total hike is about 5 miles roundtrip and takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on how quickly you hike. You'll gain about 1360 feet of elevation along the hike too.
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is part of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, which is an outdoor adventure and hiking initiative that encourages people to get out and explore the Catskill Park while visiting and climbing the fire towers located on peaks within the Park. To complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, you must to hike to the fire towers on five Catskill Mountains, and to the fire tower at the Catskills Visitor Center, each offering unique views and experiences. The following six fire towers are located in in the Catskill Park:
Red Hill Fire Tower
For more information
You can find this hike on:
Additional Catskill Park information available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper)
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
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.