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3,510 ft · Central Catskills, New York

Halcott Mountain

Halcott Mountain is a 3,510 ft peak in the Central Catskills, New York. The standard route is the Deep Notch herd path to canister: 4 mi, 1,750 ft of gain, Class 2.

Halcott Mountain in the Central Catskills, New York

Halcott Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,510 ft1,069 m
  • RouteDeep Notch herd path to canisterClass 2
  • Distance4 mi1,750 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Nov
  • RangeCentral CatskillsNew York

Climbing the Deep Notch herd path to canister

From Lexington, follow NY 42 south about 6.5 miles to the small Deep Notch pull-off. A herd path leads a couple of hundred feet to a small waterfall, then crosses the stream and climbs steeply northwest up the headwall to the ridge. From there, an established herd path runs along the ridge to the canister on the west side of the summit. Class 2. The climb is steep, brushy and nettle-filled in summer, and Halcott has no views. It is a short, popular day, and the herd path to the canister is now easy to follow.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Slippery terrain
  • Loose rock
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Halcott Mountain

Peaks near Halcott Mountain

  1. Mount Sherrill

    Mount Sherrill

    3,560 ft · 3.3 mi away

  2. Vly Mountain

    Vly Mountain

    3,542 ft · 4.5 mi away

  3. Balsam Mountain

    Balsam Mountain

    3,609 ft · 6.7 mi away

  4. West Kill Mountain

    West Kill Mountain

    3,899 ft · 7.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Halcott Mountain?

Halcott Mountain is 3,510 feet (1,069 m) tall. It is in the Central Catskills, New York.

How does Halcott Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?

At 3,510 feet, Halcott Mountain is the 32nd highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.

How hard is it to hike Halcott Mountain?

The Deep Notch herd path to canister is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 4 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Halcott Mountain?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Deep Notch herd path to canister, covering 4 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Halcott Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Deep Notch herd path to canister is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Halcott 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 Halcott 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