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- West Kill Mountain
3,899 ft · Devil's Path, New York
West Kill Mountain
West Kill Mountain is a 3,899 ft peak in the Devil's Path, New York. The standard route is the Diamond Notch Trail and Devil's Path: 6 mi, 1,800 ft of gain, Class 2.
West Kill Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,899 ft1,188 m
- RouteDiamond Notch Trail and Devil's PathClass 2
- Distance6 mi1,800 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Nov
- RangeDevil's PathNew York
Climbing the Diamond Notch Trail and Devil's Path
From the hamlet of West Kill, drive Spruceton Road (CR 6) about 6.8 miles from NY 42 to the small lot near its end. Walk the blue Diamond Notch Trail 0.7 mi along the West Kill to the falls, cross the bridge, and turn onto the red Devil's Path. Nearly all the climbing comes in one steep mile of roots, slabs and wet ledges (Class 2) before the ridge eases. Buck Ridge Lookout, just east of the wooded summit, frames Southwest Hunter and Hunter. Nettles and brambles crowd the upper trail in summer. Carry spikes in shoulder season.
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
- Rapid weather shifts
- Low visibility
- Stream crossing
Quests with West Kill Mountain
Catskill 3500Peaks near West Kill Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is West Kill Mountain?
West Kill Mountain is 3,899 feet (1,188 m) tall. It is in the Devil's Path, New York. It is also known as Westkill Mountain.
How does West Kill Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,899 feet, West Kill Mountain is the 6th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike West Kill Mountain?
The Diamond 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 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike West Kill Mountain?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Diamond Notch Trail and Devil's Path, covering 6 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike West Kill Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Diamond 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 West Kill 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 West Kill 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