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- Rusk Mountain
3,687 ft · Central Catskills, New York
Rusk Mountain
Rusk Mountain is a 3,687 ft peak in the Central Catskills, New York. The standard route is the Spruceton Trail and bushwhack to canister: 4 mi, 1,750 ft of gain, Class 2.
Rusk Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,687 ft1,123 m
- RouteSpruceton Trail and bushwhack to canisterClass 2
- Distance4 mi1,750 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Nov
- RangeCentral CatskillsNew York
Climbing the Spruceton Trail and bushwhack to canister
From the Spruceton Trail lot on Spruceton Road, follow the blue trail to the big elbow where it turns from north to east. Leave the trail there, cross the stream, and climb steadily between two brooks through blowdown, then rocks and thick conifers to the saddle. Herd paths lead on through open hardwoods and a small ledge to the canister. Class 2. Views are limited, mostly in winter. The Big Ledges to the south overlook the Spruceton Valley. Rusk is frequently combined with Hunter. East Rusk and Evergreen lie nearby but are not on the list.
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 Rusk Mountain
Catskill 3500Peaks near Rusk Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Rusk Mountain?
Rusk Mountain is 3,687 feet (1,123 m) tall. It is in the Central Catskills, New York.
How does Rusk Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,687 feet, Rusk Mountain is the 19th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike Rusk Mountain?
The Spruceton Trail and bushwhack 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 Rusk Mountain?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Spruceton Trail and bushwhack to canister, covering 4 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Rusk Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Spruceton Trail and bushwhack 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 Rusk 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 Rusk 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