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3,859 ft · Burroughs Range, New York

Cornell Mountain

Cornell Mountain is a 3,859 ft peak in the Burroughs Range, New York. The standard route is the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail: 8 mi, 2,900 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Catskill 3500
Cornell Mountain in the Burroughs Range, New York

Cornell Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,859 ft1,176 m
  • RouteWittenberg-Cornell-Slide TrailClass 3
  • Distance8 mi2,900 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Nov
  • RangeBurroughs RangeNew York

Climbing the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail

From Phoenicia on NY 28, follow Woodland Valley Road to the DEC day-use lot at Woodland Valley Campground. A Woodland Valley day-use fee applies in season. Climb the red Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail over Wittenberg, then continue to Cornell. The Cornell Crack, a short rock scramble just below the summit, is the crux (Class 3) and is treacherous when icy. Views open west of the top. These stats cover Cornell alone, and the full Burroughs traverse to Slide is 9.75 mi one way. Start early and carry spikes in shoulder season.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Ice near summit
  • Stream crossing
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Cornell Mountain

Peaks near Cornell Mountain

  1. Wittenberg Mountain

    Wittenberg Mountain

    3,782 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Slide Mountain

    Slide Mountain

    4,185 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Balsam Cap

    Balsam Cap

    3,608 ft · 1.7 mi away

  4. Table Mountain

    Table Mountain

    3,826 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cornell Mountain?

Cornell Mountain is 3,859 feet (1,176 m) tall. It is in the Burroughs Range, New York.

How does Cornell Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?

At 3,859 feet, Cornell Mountain is the 7th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.

How hard is it to climb Cornell Mountain?

The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Cornell Mountain?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail, covering 8 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Cornell Mountain dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: fast-changing weather. Start early, watch the weather and turn back when conditions change.

Do you need a helmet for Cornell Mountain?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Cornell Mountain?

The usual climbing window is May to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Cornell Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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