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DISTANCE: 4.8 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 645 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 2,545 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy HIKING TIME: 3 hours |
The eastern edges of the Catskills are rich with overlooks—indeed, some of the best views in all the park. Here, dramatic cloves and escarpments offer vantages that often top the impact of some mountain summit vistas, with steeper drop-offs and bird’s-eye views into the valleys below. The hike to Huckleberry Point serves almost as a mirror to the nearby Codfish Point (Guide #17)—indeed, both hikes start from the same trailhead, and they offer two unique perspectives over Platte Clove and the Hudson Valley below. Both, too, are relatively simple and unchallenging trails that can be tackled by hikers of all skill levels. As with Codfish Point, one could also visit the Upper Platte Clove Waterfall (Guide #16) in addition to this hike, just a short walk from the parking area.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 20 (Saugerties) off the New York State Thruway for NY-32, then turn left to head west on NY-212. Continue on NY-212 West for 2.3 miles, then make a slight right onto Blue Mountain Road. In another 1.4 miles, turn left onto West Saugerties Road/NY-33. Drive for 3 miles before continuing straight onto Platte Clove Road. The road ascends steeply, with winding turns and incredible views of the clove to your left. This road is closed seasonally, and be wary of driving conditions in periods of inclement weather. Parking can be found on either side of the road by the trailhead.
GPS SHORTCUT
Direct your GPS to navigate you to “Huckleberry Point,” and it should take you to the appropriate parking area.
THE TRAIL
The DEC parking area is about a hundred feet off the main road, with the trail register next to a metal gate and the trailhead. Sign in at the register and continue past the gate, heading north up a rocky jeep trail.
Follow the blue blazes of the Long Trail as well as the red-blazed snowmobile trail. The trail begins with a moderate incline at once, then levels out to a more gradual grade after a quarter mile.
After 0.6 miles, you will reach a V intersection. A sign affixed to a trail at the center of the V points you toward the trail to the right. Veer right, following the blazes. Shortly after, you will reach a second intersection. Once again, stay to the right.
LOOKING SOUTH ACROSS PLATTEKILL CLOVE
You will now be hiking on a foot trail with a moderate incline. Only a tenth of a mile later, you will reach a third intersection. Here, the Long Path heads north. Take the yellow-blazed trail to the right leading to Huckleberry Point.
At 1.3 miles, cross a small, quiet creek on a land bridge of stones. Soon after, the trail will begin to ascend more steeply. You will crest the hill around mile marker 1.7, the high point of the hike. From here it is downhill to reach Huckleberry Point—though this doesn’t mean all the hard work is done, as you will have to make this climb in reverse on the return journey.
Descend the hill until the trail levels out around 2 miles into the hike. From here, it is only a short distance to the viewpoint. At the ledge, enjoy the views to the east and across the clove. When you are ready to return, retrace your steps back to the parking area.