The Spooky New York Hike That Will Lead You Somewhere Deserted
By Lea Monroe|Published May 01, 2018
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Many of our residents who hike around the state aren’t just looking for a peaceful adventure outdoors, some of us like to do a bit of treasure hunting or urban exploring. If you happen to be a New Yorker who’s in search of abandoned man-made structures, then we have the perfect mountain for you to climb! A moderate trail that isn’t like many others, find out what’s waiting for you when you hike up Overlook Mountain in Ulster County.
Taking you into the town of Woodstock, Overlook Mountain features more hidden gems than your usual hike in New York.
Once known for being the only hotel in the area to sit at such a high elevation, about 1.6-miles into the hike you'll come across the hotel ruins yourself.
Unfortunately, the history of these ruins is heartbreaking. The hotel was devastated by fires both in 1875 and 1923, only to be left abandoned and acquired by the state in 1940.
Yet even after sitting abandoned on the mountain all by its lonesome, the hotel suffered another fire in the 1960s that resulted in its final demise and destruction of its famous rooftop tower.
One of only a handful of remaining Catskill Mountain fire towers, you'll be able to reach views of the Ashokan Reservoir, Hudson River and the nearby Catskill Mountains from the staircase and cab.
Before you go exploring Overlook Mountain, you'll want to know that the DEC strongly advises that you only enjoy the views of the abandoned hotel from the outside for obvious safety reasons. The well-marked trail is one that follows an old carriage road that once led up to the hotel, making it quite easy to follow.
Something you'll also want to know? Overlook Mountain is one of the top three most visited places within the Catskill Forest Preserve, so during our warmer months, this trailhead parking lot can fill up quite quickly. The earlier you can arrive, the better! To find out more information about this mountain, click here.
