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Huckleberry Point


Highlights:

Moderate hike to outstanding views. Great for the kids.
Near:Saugerties, NY
Scenery:
Distance:4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1100 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


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  38 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
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.

Reviewed by MN on 8/2/2008
Couldn't find it. There is no Bruderhoff on this road.

Reviewed by James and Devon on 8/2/2008
Great Views! We started out early 7:30a.m. The we reached the point just before 10 a.m. The most difficult part is the initial incline to the trail head and the first incline on the way back. Just when you think you get to the point you have about another 12 minutes to go..... Its well worth the wait! Fantastic views and plenty of wildlife to admire. Great place to have a picnic.

Reviewed by Meg on 6/12/2008
I think the last person must have turned back right before the.... !!! Ive walked this trail about 100 times and I cannot get tired of it. On a cloudy misty day you end up in a Chinese ink painting. On a clear day you can see the Hudson River, Gunks, from the Overlook Fire Tower all of the way back to the Hunter Fire Tower- it is a view that visually describes the landscape amazingly. Question... right before you hit the little stream there are lots of piles of rocks- intentional piles of rocks... anyone know what these are? Ive wondered for YEARS.

Reviewed by Giny on 6/11/2008
What a disappointment! Based on the good reviews on this site, we hiked this trail last weekend. The first 3/4 mile is a steady incline, pretty muddy and rocky. After this, the trail got better, but nothing to write home about. The little stream half way through was a nice relief since it was so muggy and hot that day. After 2 hrs, we decided to turn around. I consider myself a relatively fit person but i was exhausted by this pt. All in all, the trail itself is okay, but IMO, not worth returning.

Reviewed by Sandor on 5/19/2008
Beautiful hike on Saturday (05/17/08). Took a secondary trail up to below the Point and free-climbed up the rock face. Partially sunny and windy most of the way, with some light sprinkles for about a 1/2 hour in the mid-afternoon. Watched four or five hawks ride the thermals up and down the Clove for awhile. Took the yellow-blazed path back to the parking area. It's about 90% dry at this point, with a little mud that can be avoided. The stream was not as high as others have reported it in the past weeks and staying dry while crossing wasn't a problem. Access Issue: The eastern approach up Platte Clove Rd (CR 16 from CR 33 - West Saugerties) (which is normally closed from November to mid-April) was closed off this weekend, with vehicle

Reviewed by Bill C. on 5/12/2008
Loved this hike. I hiked this on 5/3 and even though there was significant cloud cover and limited views, I enjoyed every minute of the hike. Recent and ongoing rain on 5/3 made the stream crossing a little interesting, but my waterproof boots held up great.


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

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