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3,573 ft · Devil's Path, New York

Indian Head Mountain

Indian Head Mountain is a 3,573 ft peak in the Devil's Path, New York. The standard route is the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's Path: 6 mi, 1,600 ft of gain, Class 2.

Indian Head Mountain in the Devil's Path, New York

Indian Head Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,573 ft1,089 m
  • RouteJimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's PathClass 2
  • Distance6 mi1,600 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Nov
  • RangeDevil's PathNew York

Climbing the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's Path

From Tannersville, follow Platte Clove Road to Prediger Road and drive to the large lot at the end (Platte Clove Road is closed in winter). DEC describes a 6.4 mi loop: climb the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail to the notch, scramble the rock chute and boulders to the summit (Class 2), then descend the red Devil's Path past several viewpoints. The top itself is wooded balsam. This is the eastern end of the Devil's Path. Rock is slick when wet, so use care on the descent. Arrive early on weekends, since the lot fills fast.

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

  • Slippery terrain
  • Loose rock
  • Ice near summit
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Indian Head Mountain

Peaks near Indian Head Mountain

  1. Twin Mountain

    Twin Mountain

    3,648 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Sugarloaf Mountain

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    3,784 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Plateau Mountain

    Plateau Mountain

    3,836 ft · 3.4 mi away

  4. Kaaterskill High Peak

    Kaaterskill High Peak

    3,652 ft · 3.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Indian Head Mountain?

Indian Head Mountain is 3,573 feet (1,089 m) tall. It is in the Devil's Path, New York.

How does Indian Head Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?

At 3,573 feet, Indian Head Mountain is the 27th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.

How hard is it to hike Indian Head Mountain?

The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's Path is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Indian Head Mountain?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's Path, covering 6 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Indian Head Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail and Devil's Path is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Indian Head 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 Indian Head 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