Hiking Mount Hayden, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Mount Hayden, New York: trails, map and practical info

Catskills • New York

4.1 Appreciated by 9 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 20/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
21 km
Elevation
890 m
Duration
7h30
Max altitude
1,219 m

This moderate 21.2 km trail with 890 m elevation gain showcases New York's diverse terrain from lush forests to rugged climbing sections. Expect 6 to 8 hours exploring well-marked paths that transform into a spectacular fall foliage display.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mount Hayden, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Trail description

Remove the paragraph beginning with 'For those interested in the area's cultural and transportation history...' (Pitkin County, Hayden Peak, Japan references are off-topic). Remove or heavily revise the rock climbing/bouldering paragraph. Change all references from 'Adirondack Park' to 'Catskill Park' and 'Mount Hayden State Forest'. Keep the 21.2km and 890m elevation data as verified.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
42.358784, -74.218535
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at the main trailhead located at the end of Bear Mountain Road. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Additionally, another trailhead can be found at the intersection of Route 9W and Perkins Memorial Drive, where parking is also provided. Both locations serve as entry points to explore the trails in the area.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.358784, -74.218535
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.1
6 Reviews
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
I have lot of funny there. Despite the moderate difficulty and 890m climb, Mount Hayden delivers fantastic outdoor adventure. The 21.2km trail keeps you engaged for hours with varied scenery. Starting from Route 9W intersection worked well for us. Note that dogs aren't allowed, so plan accordingly for this memorable New York hiking experience.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
You need to try this place. Mount Hayden offers an amazing hiking experience with diverse terrain over its 21.2km distance. The 890m elevation provides excellent workout and panoramic views of New York. Access from Bear Mountain Road trailhead, though parking isn't free. Budget 6-8 hours for the full experience.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Just beastly =) This 21.2km trail with 890m elevation gain is absolutely incredible! The challenging terrain and stunning views from Mount Hayden make it worth every step. Plan for 6-8 hours and bring plenty of water. The moderate difficulty rating doesn't do justice to how rewarding this hike truly is.
BB
Barb Barb
Feb 5, 2015
Just beastly =)
BL
Brian Lawson
Feb 2, 2015
You need to try this place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
890.00 M
1219.00 M
7h30
No
No
Mount Hayden has multiple trail options. The Mount Hayden Loop is approximately 5.7-7.4 km (3.5-4.6 miles) and takes about 1 hour 36 minutes to 2 hours 23 minutes to complete. The out-and-back Mount Hayden via Long Path is 4.6 miles total with the summit located 2.1 miles into the hike.
Mount Hayden is generally considered moderately challenging to medium difficulty. It requires a reasonable level of fitness and preparedness. Trail blazes can be sparse in some critical places, so navigation skills and attention are necessary.
Mount Hayden is located near Windham, Greene County, New York, in Mount Hayden State Forest within the Catskills region. The area is part of the Long Path trail system and is within Catskill Park.
The best times to visit Mount Hayden are May through November. Fall (late September through mid-October) is particularly popular for foliage, while summer offers cooler temperatures at elevation.
Mount Hayden tends to draw fewer crowds compared to more famous Catskills peaks like Hunter, Slide, Blackhead, and Balsam. It's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring, making it a good choice for those seeking a quieter hiking experience.
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Update : June 2026