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3,836 ft · Devil's Path, New York

Plateau Mountain

Plateau Mountain is a 3,836 ft peak in the Devil's Path, New York. The standard route is the Devil's Path via Notch Lake: 6 mi, 1,850 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plateau Mountain in the Devil's Path, New York

Plateau Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,836 ft1,169 m
  • RouteDevil's Path via Notch LakeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi1,850 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Nov
  • RangeDevil's PathNew York

Climbing the Devil's Path via Notch Lake

From Phoenicia, follow NY 214 north about 9 miles to Devil's Tombstone Campground and park at the Notch Lake lot, where a Devil's Tombstone day-use fee applies in season. The red Devil's Path climbs very steeply over loose rock to the Orchard Point ledge, with a short scramble (Class 2) that gets difficult when icy. From there the long summit ridge is easy walking through spruce and fir, and the high point sits near the far end. Views are best near Orchard Point. Route 214 is the shortest approach, and Mink Hollow is the alternative.

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
  • Low visibility

Quests with Plateau Mountain

Peaks near Plateau Mountain

  1. Sugarloaf Mountain

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    3,784 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Twin Mountain

    Twin Mountain

    3,648 ft · 2.5 mi away

  3. Indian Head Mountain

    Indian Head Mountain

    3,573 ft · 3.4 mi away

  4. Southwest Hunter

    Southwest Hunter

    3,751 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Plateau Mountain?

Plateau Mountain is 3,836 feet (1,169 m) tall. It is in the Devil's Path, New York.

How does Plateau Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?

At 3,836 feet, Plateau Mountain is the 8th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.

How hard is it to hike Plateau Mountain?

The Devil's Path via Notch Lake 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 1,850 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Plateau Mountain?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Devil's Path via Notch Lake, covering 6 miles with 1,850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Plateau Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Devil's Path via Notch Lake 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 Plateau 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 Plateau 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