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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 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Wayne on 11/30/2009 Awesome hike! I am in really cardio-vascular shape (biking and rowing), especially considering my weight, and my wife is in great shape also (tons of power yoga, pilates, etc.) and we found the hike to be as challenging as going to the gym for a "regular" workout on the elliptical machine. IT took us about an hour to get to the top with two very brief breaks, took our lunch along, spent about an hour on top before heading back down. We're "experienced" hikers and were a bit surprised at the difficulty of the hike, especially since we were properly "warned" (lol). It was well worth it. The views were amazing and I wish we'd been there a month earlier when there would have been leaves on the trees. Would do this hike again in a heartb 
Reviewed by Douglas on 11/18/2009 Great low impact hike... Ruins are really cool.. Views are stunning..
Reviewed by Elizabeth on 10/18/2009 Difficult hike as trip up is steep the entire way. But the view at the top is well worth it. Would not recommend this hike for people who do not hike often.
Reviewed by PT on 10/12/2009 Good hike for beginners. Would like more information on the hotel once you arrive there.
Reviewed by sd on 10/8/2009 10/06/09 Very nice hike, steep right out of the parking lot. Well worth it ,get views and a better view from up on the fire tower.We are 47 and 50 years old average shape and it took us two hours twenty minutes to go up to the look out and back down to the parking lot.
Reviewed by marie and guy on 9/28/2009 my husband and i were in town for the garlic festival and he was determined to go hiking. i thought i was off the hook when the rain came , but i was wrong. we're both not in the best of shape (he's 59 and works construction, i'm 52 and sit behind a desk). even though we read about the length of the hike, my husband heard a woman at the monastery say that it only took 20 minutes (?). i want to thank whoever left the walking stick at the base of the trail because i used it and returned it (couldn't have managed w/o it). i too cursed all the way up (my husband and that woman), but i was amazed at the ruins, they reminded me of jane eyre. i'm a little sore today, but would like to see the views without the rain and fog 
Reviewed by Tracy & Jimi on 9/21/2009 OK - so heres the thing. I read some of the reviews before we went up. I said "Oh, if this guy Dave can do it, we can do it. Hah, thanks Dave. I cursed your name all the way up and didn't think I'd survive the long 2.5 mile uphill trek up to the top. After about 15 quick "catch my breathe" breaks, I struggled onward. When we finally hit the Ruins, I said, "thank you Dave" for making me do this. What a beautiful view and just to see the old hotel is amazing. For all the ladies, bring some extra napkins for your quick squat off to the side of the trail when your bladder cant take it anymore. ~ The view is the most amazing, spectacular views i've ever seen. One word - BREATHTAKING !
Reviewed by Dave on 8/28/2009 I am an out of shape 46 year old truck driver. I carried my 270lbs up this Mtn. and had my kid and his friend carry the water and food like two little mules. It was a difficult hike but well worth the effort. We went on a cool 75 degree day and I was sweating in 5 minutes The entire hike to the top with the firetower took 1.5 hrs. we took a break and the 30 min. marks. The second break we took and the hotel! there are no longer accommodations there! Spectacular views. Cell service. Bring plenty of water, food and something to absorb the sweat! proper shoes, or boots are a must! Bring your (lite) camera and maybe take some video! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||