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3,726 ft · Panther Mountain, New York
Panther Mountain
Panther Mountain is a 3,726 ft peak in New York. The standard route is the Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail: 6 mi, 1,750 ft of gain, Class 1.
Panther Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,726 ft1,135 m
- RouteGiant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow TrailClass 1
- Distance6 mi1,750 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangePanther MountainNew York
Climbing the Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail
From Big Indian on NY 28, drive Ulster County Route 47 south about 7 miles to the small Giant Ledge lot near the hairpin turn, and do not park on the road if it is full. Follow the yellow Phoenicia East Branch Trail 0.75 mi, turn left on the blue Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail, and pass five ledge views before the final climb to a small summit ledge. The route is Class 1 but steep and often muddy. Panther is one of the four winter-required club peaks, so microspikes are standard in cold months. Weekends fill the lot early.
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
- Ice near summit
- Rapid weather shifts
- Low visibility
Quests with Panther Mountain
Catskill 3500Peaks near Panther Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Panther Mountain?
Panther Mountain is 3,726 feet (1,135 m) tall. It is in New York.
How does Panther Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,726 feet, Panther Mountain is the 15th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike Panther Mountain?
The Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 6 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Panther Mountain?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail, covering 6 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Panther Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail 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 Panther Mountain?
Panther Mountain is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Panther 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