Hike Ashokan High Point in the Catskills—9-mile loop or 7-mile out-and-back with forest trails, history, and Hudson Valley views.

August 23, 2025 · by · in Adventures in the Outdoors, Catskill Mountains, Hiker Trash Husbands, YouTube · Leave a comment

Hiking Ashokan High Point

Ashokan High Point is one of those classic Catskills hikes that doesn’t get as much attention as the 3500-foot peaks, but it’s every bit as rewarding. Tucked near the Ashokan Reservoir in the southern Catskills, this 3,061-foot summit offers a mix of peaceful forest walking, traces of old Catskills history, and open ledges with big views south into the Hudson Valley.

Most hikers tackle Ashokan High Point as either a straightforward out-and-back (about 7 miles) or as a longer 9-mile lollipop loop. On this trip, I followed the loop option, which gives you a little more variety and solitude along the way.

The Ashokan High Point Trail

The hike begins from a trailhead on Peekamoose Road (County Route 42) on the Ashokan High Point Trail. There’s usually ample parking here, except on the busiest summer weekends. From the start, the trail follows an old road along Kanape Brook for roughly three miles. The grade is steady but never steep, and you’ll pass remnants of the small farming community that once lived here. Today, the most noticeable “residents” are beavers—their dams often flood or muddy sections of the trail, making for an ever-changing experience.

At the height of land between Ashokan High Point and nearby Mombaccus Mountain, the trail leaves the old road and reaches the start of the loop. Most hikers continue straight here, following the counterclockwise route 1.1 miles to the summit. That’s also the route I chose.

The climb to the summit winds through open oak forest and dense stands of mountain laurel. While there are a couple of steeper pitches, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Soon the grade eases, and you’ll emerge onto open rock ledges with your first wide view—an expansive look south into the Hudson Valley.

If you continue the full loop beyond the summit, be prepared for a trail that sees less use and can be overgrown in spots. Trail markers are there, but you’ll want to keep an eye out. The route meanders across the ridgeline, passing through a few grassy openings before dropping steadily down smaller bumps toward the headwaters of Kanape Brook. From there, the trail reconnects with the old road and follows the brook back to the loop junction.

The return trip retraces the familiar three miles along Kanape Brook to the trailhead. Altogether, the loop covers about 9 miles with roughly 2,100 feet of elevation gain—enough to feel like a solid Catskills hike, but never overwhelmingly difficult.

Ashokan High Point Trail Description

Trailhead to Loop Start
The hike begins at the Peekamoose Road trailhead, where parking is usually available except on peak weekends. The first three miles follow an old road along Kanape Brook, with a steady but gentle climb. Along the way, you’ll pass stone walls and remnants of old farmsteads, reminders of the valley’s past. These days, beavers are the main inhabitants—look for their dams and occasional flooded sections of trail.

Loop Start to Summit
At the height of land between Ashokan High Point and Mombaccus Mountain, the trail leaves the old road and reaches the start of the loop. Most hikers continue straight (counterclockwise) for 1.1 miles to the summit. This section climbs steadily through oak forest and mountain laurel. While there are short steeper pitches, the trail is well maintained. You’ll eventually emerge on open ledges with sweeping views into the Hudson Valley.

Beyond the Summit & Completing the Loop
Continuing past the summit, the trail sees lighter use. It’s easy to follow if you keep an eye on trail markers, though it can feel overgrown in spots. The route rolls across the ridgeline, opening occasionally into grassy clearings before descending toward the headwaters of Kanape Brook. Eventually, the trail reconnects with the old road, leading you back to the loop junction.

Return to Trailhead
From the loop junction, it’s a familiar three-mile walk along Kanape Brook back to the trailhead.

Why Hike Ashokan High Point?

Ashokan High Point offers a perfect balance of Catskills features: forested trails, history, wildlife, and big views. It’s long enough to feel like an adventure, but not as steep or technical as some of the Catskills’ highest peaks. If you’re looking for solitude, natural beauty, and a solid day on the trail, this hike should be on your list.

Ashokan High Point Trail Guide

  • Location: Catskill Park, Ulster County, NY
  • Trailhead: Peekamoose Road (CR 42), near Route 28A (Google Maps)
  • Trail: Ashokan High Point Trail
  • Distance: 9 miles (lollipop loop) | 7 miles (out-and-back)
  • Elevation: 3,061 feet
  • Elevation Gain: ~2,100 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (mostly for distance and elevation gain)
  • Route Type: Loop (lollipop) or out-and-back

For more information on the hike to Ashokan High Point

You can find this hike on: 

Extra Catskill Park information available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper) – On the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Gear I used and/or carried to hike Ashokan High Point:

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