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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is a rarity in the Catskills. A hike to a beautiful overlook that doesn't involve a vigorious, 3-4 hour climb. The blue blazed trail (Part of the Long Path) starts at the parking area on Platte Clove Road. It begins as a gentle climb up a heavily eroded woods road. After about 3/4 mile it reaches a junction with the yellow blazed Huckleberry Point trail. Turn right here. The trail is more pleasant here, as it's now a narrow path through the forest. It crosses a stream, then climbs a bit before descending towards Huckleberry Point. Here you will find outstanding views of the Hudson Valley to the east and Indian Head, Plattekill and Twin Mtns to the south. Bring binoculars and your lunch. Trailhead: NYS Thruway to exit 20. 212 West to Centerville. Turn right (North) on CR-35, then left onto CR-33 towards West Saugerties. This becomes Platte Clove Rd. Parking area is on right just before Platte Clove Community (Formerly.The Bruderhoff and before that the NYC Police Camp). Platte Clove Rd between parking and West Saugerties is closed in the winter so you will have to approach this from the west during the winter months. In winter take Route 234 through Palenville and Tannersville. Make left on Bloomer Rd. Bear left onto Platte Clove Rd. Parking area will be on left just past the Bruderhoff. (Lat:42.1346 Lon:-74.08715) Trail Guides for Huckleberry Point: Guide to Catskill Trails by Bruce Wadsworth (AMC) New York Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail con) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Catskill Forest Preserve Region 3 (845) 256-3026 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 43 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Andrew on 6/1/2009 This hike was definitely moderate. I found the wide jeep road approach to the huckleberry trail head un enjoyable, hiking an old jeep road (too common in the catskills) is a bit rough on the feet and you feel like a beast of burden. However, once on the huckleberry trail, it was beautiful. There was some animal in a little cave just off the trail making a meowing/yowling sound. Who knows! But the view was spectacular. Oh, and for those that can't find the trail head, the DEC sign on Platte Cove Road (rt. 16) does NOT say huckleberry trail. It just says something like "Jct. Loop 3.6 mi) and the trail head is up a little dirt path on the right side of the road if you approach from Saugerties. 
Reviewed by John on 5/22/2009 The view made me think of the Grand Canyon. As vast, greener. Lots of roots and mud in May. Great hike.
Reviewed by Steve on 5/17/2009 This hike was awesome plain and simple. The hike is a moderate incline and a beautiful meandering trail through the woods. Much more rustic and scenic then overlook with similar views from the top. I hiked this on 5/17/09 and we had about 2.5" of rain the night before so the brooks were really rushing and the trail was a stream in itself. Regardless one of the best hikes i've done.
Reviewed by Stache on 10/19/2008 The drive up Platte Clove Road from West Saugerties was the scariest part. We began Saturday 10-18-2008 at 12:50 and made it to the point at 2:30. Left point at 3:15 and made it back to car at 5:45. The snowmobile/motor trail was somewhat reminescent of Overlook Mt. Once onto the Yellow trail it was quite a pleasant walk through the woods but with some serious steep ups and downs. Lots of roots and rocks underfoot (and under leaves) so watch your steps. Views from the point were more than worth the trip!! It appeared longer than listed. The upgrade to moderate was appropriate. Certainly not strenuous nor easy. Though listed as good for kids, I might not reccomend this for under 8-10 year olds.
Reviewed by Elizabeth C on 10/13/2008 Took us close to 3 1/2 hours. The views are five star.
Reviewed by Jackie on 9/7/2008 I really enjoyed this hike. Huckleberry point was not called out on the trail head. But you could find it on the map and everyone who checked into the book was heading there. The first part up the jeep trail was long and steep. It forked to the right and then the trail went to the right. (Well marked when to leave the jeep trail). It was a neat hike from there. But the view was beautiful. You can go out on differnt overlooks and see the hudson river off in the distance and the peaks of the nearby mountains. I thought it was very beautiful and quite humbling. There were also hawks flying around. At one point we saw three of them soaring around the valley. Bottom line, if you can make it up the jeep trail it is a great hike.
Reviewed by Jay & Erica on 9/2/2008 The hike was very nice. we started around 1pm and made it to the point at 1:40pm it was a beautiful sunny hot day it is a very easy hike most of the work is coming back from the point. from the point the views are breath taking and well worth seeing.
Reviewed by RHB on 8/23/2008 Anuyone who cannot find the trailhead needs to get the NYNJTC maps. Anyone hiking in the Catskills without these maps is foolish. The Bruderhof and is now called the Platte Clove Community. I have never come up Platte Clove Road from the east but from the west, the Tannersville side, the parking area is IMPOSSIBLE to miss! If Ginny was following the YELLOW Huckleberry Point Trail she must be an extremely slow hiker. My wife and I made it to the Point in about 1hr 15min without hurrying. This hike is probably the shortest one in the Catskills with views this good! I have hiked extensively in this area and never did this hike before today. It was BREATHTAKING! Views up the Clove to the west were amazing! The Hudson was clearly visible. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Ulster County Hiking, Ulster County Trails, Ulster County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||