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- Southwest Hunter
3,751 ft · Devil's Path, New York
Southwest Hunter
Southwest Hunter is a 3,751 ft peak in the Devil's Path, New York. The standard route is the Devil's Path and railbed herd path: 7 mi, 1,700 ft of gain, Class 2.
Southwest Hunter at a glance
- Elevation3,751 ft1,143 m
- RouteDevil's Path and railbed herd pathClass 2
- Distance7 mi1,700 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Nov
- RangeDevil's PathNew York
Climbing the Devil's Path and railbed herd path
From West Kill, drive Spruceton Road (CR 6) to the end-of-road lot. Walk the Diamond Notch Trail to the falls, take the red Devil's Path east, and watch for a cairn about 2.8 mi in, west of the Devil's Acre lean-to. A herd path follows an old narrow-gauge railbed, then turns uphill for the last half mile to the canister (Class 2, dense balsam, no view). Southwest Hunter is also called Leavitt Peak. The turnoff is easy to miss, and snow hides it, so carry a map and compass. Sign the canister register.
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
- Low visibility
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Southwest Hunter
Catskill 3500Peaks near Southwest Hunter
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Southwest Hunter?
Southwest Hunter is 3,751 feet (1,143 m) tall. It is in the Devil's Path, New York. It is also known as Southwest Hunter Mountain, Leavitt Peak.
How does Southwest Hunter rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,751 feet, Southwest Hunter is the 13th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike Southwest Hunter?
The Devil's Path and railbed herd path is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Southwest Hunter?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Devil's Path and railbed herd path, covering 7 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Southwest Hunter?
Usually, if you are fit. The Devil's Path and railbed herd 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 Southwest Hunter?
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 Southwest Hunter 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