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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very popular hike that can be combined with a visit to the artsy village of Woodstock. The trail follows the jeep road to the summit. The gravel road is blazed with red markers. After 2 miles of steady climbing, you reach the ruins of the old Overlook mountain hotel. Only the concrete shell remains. Behind it, is a reminder of our modern world - a transmission tower. A trail comes in from the left which leads to Echo Lake. Continue straight ahead to the fire tower. In the summer months, there is usually a steward to greet you. Near the cabin is a short trail that leads to a scenic overlook with a grand view of the Hudson valley and the Ashokan reservoir. Trailhead: Take NYS Thruway (87) to Exit 20. Get on Rte 212 heading west. When you reach the center of Woodstock, take right on Rock City Road. This road becomes Mead Mountain Road after crossing Glasco Turnpike. The parking area is on the right across from the Budhist Temple - about 1.5 miles from Rte 212 . (Lat:42.07 Lon:-74.12) Trail Guides for Overlook Mountain -Catskills: Catskill Trails A Rangers Guide to the High Peaks Central by Edward G. Henry (Black Dome Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Region 3 Forest Ranger (845) 256-3026 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by steve on 7/26/2008 great hike , did it once , going to do it again soon. good for the day , taking time and a small lunch can make it a cool day exploring
Reviewed by art on 7/17/2008 Well worth the long climb. . .beautiful views. . .start early, before the heat of the afternoon. . .take lots of water. . .take a lunch. . .take a map so you know what geography you're looking at as you view the scenery at 360 degrees. Great place to sit an reflect on the history of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. 
Reviewed by mvw on 7/14/2008 it was very beautiful, but tring
Reviewed by Brian S. on 7/6/2008 Great hike, great view. I prefer the approach from the north and like combining this with Indian Head Mt. Watch for rattlesnakes on the rocks though. I've encountered several on the trail near the summit.
Reviewed by Pete D.& Trish on 5/27/2008 5/25-26...we started the hike expecting it to be an intermediate one and it was anything but. The hike was very challenging for the average hiking enthusiast and even more so for backpackers looking to camp at the top. Needless to say, the views at the top are amazing and absolutely worth the effort to get there...especially if your lucky enough to catch a sunset.
Reviewed by KC on 5/18/2008 This was my first hike to the summit of a mountain and I absolutely loved it! We went up on 5/15 and reached the summit shortly after noon. It took us about 1 hr and 15 mins to reach the top and we stopped to rest for a few times, for a couple of minutes here and there. The ruins of the old hotel are fun to explore; it adds another dimension to the hike. A few passing showers passed us by while we were at the summit, so we took shelter under the fire tower. We ate lunch sitting on the rocks by the overlook and the views were amazing although it was hazy with varying amounts of clouds. Coming down took us about 40 mins. I definitely want to do this hike again, hopefully on a clear day with greater visibility!
Reviewed by Kerri on 4/21/2008 I really should have been more prepared. Next time, I'll have more water! The hike was steep but worth it!
Reviewed by AM on 3/29/2008 Heaven on earth!!! We went up there today, very sunny, chilly (40 degrees a little windy,) but no regrets. The higher we hiked, the icier the trees were, until we were suddenly in this incredible winter wonderland with the ice-covered trees sparkling like diamonds and prisms all around us and beyond them the views of surrounding mountains and valleys! The trail was snowy and a icy in parts, so a bit challenging, but so worth it for that unforgettable experience. I wish I could share the photos here. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||