The Palmer Hill Trail is the third trail created by the Catskill Mountain Club, and our second in partnership with the NYC DEP. The trail, which was designed, built and will be maintained by the Catskill Mountain Club, features spectacular views for most of its 3.7 mile length. The trailhead is located just off Route 28 between Margaretville and Andes (2 miles from downtown Andes and 9 miles from Margaretville), with parking available at the existing scenic overlook site on Finkle Road.
It’s a really special hike – glorious views, extensive stone walls and old foundations, and vast open sky — truly an unusual Catskill trail. The trail meanders through open meadows with beautiful views of forested lands, productive apple trees and historic stone walls. It passes over Bryant’s Brook and also features excellent views of many of the Catskill High Peaks, including Balsam, Eagle, Doubletop, Graham, Balsam Lake, and the Dry Brook Ridge.
An interpretive sign identifying the peaks was created by the Town of Andes with the help of the NYS DEC and paid for with a generous donation from an Andes resident.
The trail is comprised of the .6 mile segment leading to the old farm homestead and barn foundation (1.2 miles round trip), plus the 1 mile Upper Meadow Loop and the 1.5 mile Lower Meadow Loop. Both offer serenity and wonderful views.
Google Map directions to the trailhead can be found here.
Get the free GPS Enabled map for your iPhone or Android devices — click here to learn more.
Click the above map for a larger version.
[…] nearest hike is Giant Ledge/Panther Mountain. To get some great outdoor shots, don’t miss Palmer Hill on the drive in for an incredible overlook of the Catskills; Ashokan Reservoir is another […]
[…] you’re into hiking and/or scenic mountain views, don’t miss Palmer Hill just outside of Andes. Even if you’re not going to do the hike there, it’s one of the […]
[…] Just outside of town, the 2mile lower loop of the Palmer Hill Trail is an excellent choice for an afternoon walk in the country whatever the weather. The well […]
[…] horseback riding or cross-country skiing. Those looking for a more challenging hike can head to Palmer Hill, just outside of Andes, for a 3.7 mile hike boasting magical views. Last but not least, ask a local […]
Fabulous hike with wildflowers and more milkweed than I’ve ever seen. One of a kind stone wall done by an expert with a lot of time. Suggestion — please mow the paths thru the fields. We were in constant contact with tall grass that could put ticks on clothing, plus the dew was heavy and it soaked our boots. Thank you CMC for the trails, it’s a destination worth the trip!
Thanks for the comment. We’re happy to hear you enoyed the trail and its features. It is mowed several times a season, so we’re sorry your had to deal with tall grass.
How can anyone whine about an unmowed path in wilderness? And dew on one’s boots?!