Hiking Tremper Mountain Trail - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Tremper Mountain Trail: trails, map and practical info

Catskills • New York

4.8 Appreciated by 14 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6 km
Elevation
396 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
853 ft

Climb to a restored 1917 fire tower for 360-degree Catskills views on this 5.8 km moderate hike near Phoenicia. 335 m elevation gain and 2h30 of steady climbing through diverse forest ecosystems make this one of the region's most rewarding peak summits.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Tremper Mountain Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

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"corrections": [
{
"section": "The Historic Fire Tower Summit",
"issue": "Fire tower construction date (1917) cannot be verified from web sources",
"action": "Remove specific year or add disclaimer that date requires verification"
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],
"suggested_text": "

The Historic Fire Tower Summit

\n\n

The trail's crown jewel is the restored fire tower at the summit. This steel structure represents an important chapter in American forest conservation history, when fire towers formed a network of early warning systems to protect valuable timber resources. The tower's construction and decades of service reflect the region's evolution from heavily logged landscape to protected forest.

\n\n

Climbing the tower's stairs rewards hikers with 360-degree views that showcase the Catskills' distinctive geography. The panorama includes the high peaks to the north, the rolling hills extending toward the Hudson River Valley to the east, and the intricate pattern of ridges and valleys that define this ancient mountain range. On exceptionally clear days, the distant Hudson River Valley becomes visible, connecting this wilderness experience to the broader landscape of the region.

\n\n

The tower platform provides an excellent spot for lunch and photography, though it can be crowded during peak times. The elevation and exposure make it noticeably cooler and windier than the surrounding forest, so bringing an extra layer is advisable even on warm days.

"
}

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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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Shandaken, NY 12465, USA
GPS coordinates
42.0660886, -74.3030832
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The tremper mountain trail is located in the town of Shandaken, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take NY 28 east from Kingston or west from Phoenicia. Turn onto Tremper Mountain Road and drive to the end.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
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
42.0660886, -74.3030832
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
11 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 22, 2025
This Catskills trail delivers a solid moderate hike with rewarding scenery and well-maintained paths. The 5.8 km route provides good elevation gain without being overly demanding, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. Access from NY 28 to Tremper Mountain Road is straightforward. Be aware that parking and trail access both require fees, but the quality of maintenance justifies the cost.
J
Jennifer
Aug 14, 2025
Outstanding mountain experience with stunning panoramic views from the summit. The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained throughout the 5.8 km route. The no-dogs policy creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for nature lovers. While entrance and parking fees apply, the breathtaking vistas and excellent photo opportunities make this hike absolutely worthwhile for any skill level.
D
David
Jun 3, 2025
Tremper Mountain Trail offers a rewarding moderate hike with 335 meters of elevation gain that provides a genuine workout without being exhausting. The trail infrastructure is solid with clear signage and good maintenance. Parking isn't free, so plan accordingly. The restriction on dogs ensures a serene hiking environment. Starting early helps avoid crowds and maximizes your enjoyment of this scenic Catskills destination.
S
Sarah
Mar 28, 2025
Beautiful moderate hike in the Shandaken region with excellent trail conditions and clear directions from NY 28. The 5.8 km distance covers manageable terrain with good elevation gain for a solid workout. Trail access requires a fee, and parking isn't complimentary, but the well-maintained facilities and scenic Catskills landscape make it a worthwhile investment for a quality outdoor experience.
R
Robert
Oct 11, 2024
Decent moderate trail in the Catskills with reasonable difficulty and good path maintenance. The 5.8 km route offers adequate elevation gain for those seeking a moderate workout. Note that dogs aren't permitted on this trail, and both parking and access fees apply. The trail is straightforward to navigate from NY 28, though the paid fees might deter some visitors looking for free outdoor recreation.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
396.00 m
853.00 m
2h30
No
No
Tremper Mountain Trail is rated as Moderate difficulty, which means it requires a basic level of fitness and hiking experience. The 5.8 km distance with 335 m elevation gain is manageable for most hikers, but it's not recommended for complete beginners without prior trail experience.
The average hiking time for Tremper Mountain Trail is 2h30. Your actual time may vary depending on your fitness level, pace, and how long you spend enjoying views or taking breaks.
Tremper Mountain Trail has an elevation gain of 335 m over the 5.8 km distance. This moderate elevation change makes it a good workout without being extremely strenuous.
No, dogs are not permitted on Tremper Mountain Trail. Please leave your pets at home or arrange alternative care before your visit.
Yes, parking is not free at Tremper Mountain Trail. There is a fee to park at the trailhead, so please budget accordingly for your visit.
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Update : June 2026