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3,583 ft · Central Catskills, New York

Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain is a 3,583 ft peak in the Central Catskills, New York. The standard route is the Seager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch Trail: 8 mi, 1,750 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Eagle Mountain in the Central Catskills, New York

Eagle Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,583 ft1,092 m
  • RouteSeager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch TrailClass 1
  • Distance8 mi1,750 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Nov
  • RangeCentral CatskillsNew York

Climbing the Seager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch Trail

From NY 28, drive Dry Brook Road about 8.8 miles south to the Seager lot, which has room for five cars and is plowed in winter. Follow the Seager Big Indian Trail past the Shandaken Brook lean-to at 2.15 mi to the col, then turn left onto the blue Pine Hill-West Branch Trail. A little over a mile along, a side trail leads about 250 ft to the canister, which sits on the true summit. There are no views. Class 1, though the canister spur is a herd path. Nettles thin out higher up. Eagle pairs well with Big Indian and Balsam on longer days.

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

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Low visibility
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Eagle Mountain

Peaks near Eagle Mountain

  1. Balsam Mountain

    Balsam Mountain

    3,609 ft · 2.3 mi away

  2. Balsam Lake Mountain

    Balsam Lake Mountain

    3,731 ft · 4.5 mi away

  3. Panther Mountain

    Panther Mountain

    3,726 ft · 5.9 mi away

  4. Slide Mountain

    Slide Mountain

    4,185 ft · 7.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Eagle Mountain?

Eagle Mountain is 3,583 feet (1,092 m) tall. It is in the Central Catskills, New York.

How does Eagle Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?

At 3,583 feet, Eagle Mountain is the 26th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.

How hard is it to hike Eagle Mountain?

The Seager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 8 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Eagle Mountain?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Seager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch Trail, covering 8 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Eagle Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Seager Big Indian Trail and Pine Hill-West Branch Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Eagle Mountain?

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

Climb Eagle 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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