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DISTANCE: 5.8 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 1,590 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 3,640 feet DIFFICULTY: Strenuous HIKING TIME: 4 hours |
Twin Mountain gets its name from the dual high points on the summit, both of them over 3,500 feet. Although they are separated by more than half a mile, the elevation does not drop far enough between the two for them to be considered distinct peaks. Located along the famous Devil’s Path range, this hike is quite challenging. However, those who are willing to put in the effort are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, some of the best in the Catskill Park. During colder months, the trail can become very slippery with ice and snow. If you plan to hike in these conditions, be sure to have sturdy traction devices. Even so, be prepared for the eventuality that you may have to abandon your hike if the trail is too unsafe. The climb to the summit can turn dangerous even when conditions are favorable.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 20 (Saugerties) from the New York State Thruway, then turn left onto NY-212/NY-32. At the traffic light, take a right onto NY-32 North. In 6 miles, continue straight onto NY-32A. In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Route 23A, and drive up the winding mountain road toward Tannersville. At the traffic light in Tannersville, take a left onto NY-16/Platte Clove Road. Continue south for 6 miles, then turn right onto Prediger Road. Follow Prediger Road until it ends. You will find the parking area at the end of the road.
GPS SHORTCUT
Searching for “Twin Mountain” may cause your GPS to navigate you to an alternate trailhead. Input “Prediger Road Trail Head” into Google Maps for your GPS to navigate you to the appropriate trailhead.
THE TRAIL
The hike starts at the beginning of the red-blazed Devil’s Path trail. The Devil’s Path is widely regarded as the most demanding trail in the Catskill Park, crossing six high peaks while rising and falling more than 15,000 feet over the course of 24 miles. Luckily, on this hike you will only gain about 150 feet of elevation over the course of 0.2 mile before veering right onto the blue-blazed Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail.
Cross a seasonal run immediately after picking up the blue-blazed trail. The trail may be a little muddy at first, depending on conditions, but you should not have a problem crossing. For a mile the trail meanders through serene deciduous forest, weaving gently uphill. There is a stream off the trail to your right about a tenth of a mile away, and the sound of rushing water cascading down the hillside may reach your ears if it is running heavily. The trail is rocky in places, but for now the grade is only slightly steeper than your short jaunt on the Devil’s Path. The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail bypasses 4.25 miles of the Devil’s Path that would otherwise send you up and over Indian Head Mountain, a route that would add an additional 500 feet of elevation gain to the already daunting climb ahead of you.
The last half mile of the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail is very steep, periodically requiring you to use your hands as you scramble up the side of the mountain. Take your time here and exercise caution, as you will ascend approximately 500 feet over just half a mile.
When the trail levels out, you will have reached Jimmy Dolan Notch, the col between Indian Head Mountain and Twin Mountain. The blue blazes end here, and your route rejoins the Devil’s Path once again. The notch sits at 3,100 feet above sea level and is a nice place to take a break, as it will be your only reprieve from ascending aggressively until you reach the top. There is a good view a short distance south of the col, on an unmarked but easily discernible herd path. The view may be somewhat obscured by foliage and underbrush, and pales by comparison with the vistas on the summit, but this is still a good place to catch your breath after the intense climb.
Resume climbing, heading westward on the red-blazed Devil’s Path. If you went to the viewpoint in the col, turn left onto the trail. If you decided not to visit the viewpoint, you will turn right. Almost immediately after you leave the col, the climbing becomes very aggressive and will stay that way until you reach the summit in 0.4 mile, sending you scrambling up several steep, rocky, rooty areas. You will have to use your hands in many places to advance uphill. This is a good example of what the majority of the Devil’s Path is like. Turning around as you ascend will occasionally reward you with views of Big Indian Mountain looming to the southwest.
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN IN THE DISTANCE BEHIND TWIN’S NORTHERN SUMMIT
Close to the top, the trail will begin to level, and in a short distance you will come to the vista on Twin’s southern summit, an exposed rock ledge with plenty of room for several people. The view here is awe-inspiring, a wide panoramic expanse facing southwest, stretching more than 180 degrees. You will absolutely want to stop here to rest and enjoy the scenery. From here you can see Woodstock, Cooper Lake, and Overlook Mountain to the south. Looking west you will see Sugarloaf and Plateau Mountains in the distance.
When you are finished admiring the view, continue on the Devil’s Path heading back into the woods on a narrow trail through a tunnel of conifer trees. The trail will dip slightly between Twin’s high points, but for the most part the path is easy to walk, especially compared to the climb up from the notch. In 0.7 mile you will reach Twin’s northern summit, which boasts yet another sweeping view. From here you can get a close-up view of Sugarloaf Mountain, which sits along the Devil’s Path about 2 miles west of Twin.
To return to your vehicle, turn around and follow the red blazes back the way you came. Be very careful as you climb down to the col, as the descent can be just as challenging as the climb up. Turn left onto the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail when you come to it, and continue descending back to the beginning of the Devil’s Path and the parking area. You’ll find that the gradual grade you walked earlier is even more enjoyable after the grueling climb and descent you just endured!
