Trip Report

The DEVILS PATH Thruhike, Catskills NY

By dirtbag

July 12, 2021

Country	United States
State	New York
Area	Catskills
Trip Month	(07) - July

Report / Notes

Just completed the 24 mile thruhike of the Notorious, Brutal Devils Path in the Catskills NY. This is one rugged tough hike. It is approximately 24 miles long with about 9000 feet of elevation gain! Yes.. up down up down up down up up up down down down!!

“Frequently called the most dangerous and toughest hike in the East, most hikers tackle this trail east to west in order to go up the steepest parts. You’ll bag five Catskills 3500′ peaks along the way: Indian Head Mountain, Twin Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Plateau Mountain, and West Kill Mountain. Plenty of viewpoints will reward your efforts.”

This trail is no joke! We completed it over 2 days, 1 night. Day 1 we trudged a total of 12 hours ( lunch and dinner break included ) and made camp at 8:30, just as the sun set. We camped off a spur trail, just below 3500 ft, on Southwest Hunter Mountain. It was not a fancy camp site, no matter. I was so tired and beat down we just hung our hammocks, made a quick fire for about 15 minutes (everything was sopping wet ), and quickly passed out for the entire night. It has rained in this area for last 2 weeks.. some very heavy rains, so as you can see in video, we were hiking in thick mud and thru streams of water. Diamond Notch waterfalls were gushing pretty strong also and it was nice to take a short break there before our trudge up West Kill mountain. This trail is definitely a mental and physical challenge. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a little punishment and reward, lol. The video does no justice for the hard work put in. I could not film 90% of the time because I was cying, cussing and begging for it to end!! We completed it though, and that is something both of us will cherish for time to come.. bring on the next challenge!

Discussion

This topic has 31 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 6 months ago by JCH.

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Jul 12, 2021 at 10:34 am #3721715

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Companion forum thread to: The DEVILS PATH Thruhike, Catskills NY

Just completed the 24 mile thruhike of the Notorious, Brutal Devils Path in the Catskills NY. This is one rugged tough hike. It is approximatel

Jul 12, 2021 at 11:10 am #3721720

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

Three buddies and I did a 2 day/1 night section of the eastern end of this trail in April 2013…up Pecoy Notch trail then east over Twin and Indian Head mountains. It kicked all our butts like nobody’s business and I’m pretty sure that is the easy part of the trail. I can’t imagine doing the entire 24 mi. in 2 days. I might consider it over 5 days/4 nights. This trail was designed by the Marquis de Sade. Plus, I’m not the man I used to be.

Jul 12, 2021 at 12:42 pm #3721736

Monte Masterson
BPL Member

@septimius
Locale: Southern Indiana

Nice video dirtbag, I like the music. The beginning reminded me of The Doors tune “The End” at the start of Apocalypse Now. Looks like an EXTREMELY rugged trail. I could never do one like that nowadays with my knee the way it is, but I sure wish I could. I believe a lot of people don’t realize just how beautiful New York can really be.

Jul 12, 2021 at 2:12 pm #3721741

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Thank you JHC and Monte!! Yes it is insanely tough hike over short mileage. New York has its beauty, though I will admit, on this trail I was hard to find the beauty in it as I was so beat down. My mistake was day 1, I was going on only 3 hours of sleep!! That really hit me hard as we climbed Plateau Mountain.. then across and down.. Where we stopped for dinner and rest.. Then had to climb Hunter Mountain before we made camp. It was definitely a challenge physically as well as mentally.

Jul 12, 2021 at 3:14 pm #3721750

Kevin Babione
BPL Member

@kbabione
Locale: Pennsylvania

Thanks again for posting – You were able to capture some of the insanity of the climbs and the pinches through the rocks. At least the name describes the trail well!

No tarp(s) over your hammocks? When I take my daughter we both sleep in hammocks and we share one tree (usually the foot end) but leave enough room to put up our tarps if needed. Were you sure enough of the weather to not put a tarp up or did you have one big enough to cover both of you if it rained? It seemed that your hammocks were too close together to each have a tarp.

Also – I’m really impressed that you got home late last night and posted your trip this morning!

Jul 12, 2021 at 3:24 pm #3721751

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Lol @ Kevin. No tarps needed. We were so tired anyway. Little to no chance of rain, we were almost positive and trusted the weather report we had. The Catskills though can change in an instant! We took a gamble that if we had to wake up and hang/ pitch tarp we would. Yes, even though we use snake skin.. We were that shot.. Didn’t even hang em. Probably would have been tight to pitch, but we have done it in past that close.

Yes, I had off work today so I was up late last night and this morning editing to post.

Jul 12, 2021 at 4:45 pm #3721757

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

Damn…Dirtbag be dedicated! :)

Jul 12, 2021 at 10:16 pm #3721793

Brett A
BPL Member

@bulldogd

That looked awesome! I’m having a tough time embracing the fact that Father Time is catching up with me and I envy you for knocking that off in two days. Looked challenging! Seems JCH and I are running the same speed these days.

How did you like the All American Burger Works? Been meaning to throw something different into the mix besides the standard MH fare and was considering that one.

Jul 13, 2021 at 3:08 am #3721801

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Thanks @ Brett A.

The All American Burger Works is probably one of our FAVORITE dinners!! We bring a large wrap each and an extra pack of ketchup/mayo. ( it comes with ketchup mayo and relish packs) . At end of day after long hike.. it is GREAT! It also uses very minimal water to rehydrate, which is a bonus

Jul 13, 2021 at 5:09 am #3721802

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

I make my own AABW clone with dehydrated beef…allows one to season it to your specs. Agreed that it is one of the best BPing meals.

Also want to say that while most everyone can agree that the Devil’s Path is one tough SOB of a trail, don’t let that scare you off. The trail, country and views are gorgeous and it is a trip you will remember forever. Just turn it into a multi-night trip. Yeah, you might be doing 5-6 miles a day, but they will feel like 20 milers. Go slow. Take breaks. Enjoy the trip.

When we did it in April there was no snow, but were still a few icy patches…made it that much more fun. I personally prefer late spring or early fall as that trail in the heat would kill me :)

Jul 13, 2021 at 6:26 am #3721806

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Much agree with JCH. Anyone thinking about this trail, dont be put off at all about its toughness. Go slow and take your time. You can easily make this a 3 day, 2 night trip or longer if you wanted. There are 2 convenient located shelters on the trail, Mink Hollow and Devils Acre, where you can camp in or around to break up the days. I always heard that hiking 10 miles in the Catskills is like hiking 20 miles somewhere else. I have hiked 20 mile consecutive days before ( Loyalsock trail )… I do believe that statement to be close to accurate. So break up the miles and you can definitely enjoy the Devils Path. There are some spectacular views and some exciting sections of the trail to hike on. No shortage of scrambles either, all good fun. There is water too!! Maybe not as much as we had, due to the torrential rains we have been having.. but water is available. Get out there and do it!!!

There is no promise of tomorrow!!!

Jul 13, 2021 at 2:57 pm #3721851

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

I think my facial expressions in these 2 pictures says a lot, lol.

Jul 13, 2021 at 3:00 pm #3721852

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Jul 13, 2021 at 3:03 pm #3721853
dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker
Jul 13, 2021 at 3:05 pm #3721854

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Jul 13, 2021 at 3:07 pm #3721855
dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker
Jul 13, 2021 at 3:10 pm #3721856

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Jul 13, 2021 at 3:47 pm #3721857

Scott H
BPL Member

@cbk57

It looks great, my son and I are going up to the Adirondaks in a few weeks. We are planning a 3 day 20 mile loop incorporating Mt. Marcey. We are going on a take our time plan though so we won’t do more than 6 or 7 miles per day target with lots of take it easy time. I will be watching the video when I get a chance.

Jul 13, 2021 at 5:46 pm #3721862

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

Dirtbag’s video gave a very accurate glimpse of the trail as I remember it. Gorgeous. The slots, vertical climbs using roots as a ladder, the corridor between the trees, and the vistas from the summit all brought back beautiful memories. One of my most memorable hikes.

Dammit! Do I have to go hike that thing again???

Jul 13, 2021 at 7:05 pm #3721866

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

@ Scott H.. i would love to do that too!! Please take some photos or video.. something to show us!!! After you get back, I would also love to hear how it went.. where you stayed.. It is on my soon to do list, there are a few places in the Daks I want to conquer!!

@ JCH… DO IT!!! Hahahaa

Jul 14, 2021 at 10:27 am #3721892

Mark Ferwerda
BPL Member

@mnferwerda
Locale: Maryland

A long time ago, Backpacker published a list of the 10 toughest hike in the US. This was one of them. My 16 year old son, a friend of his, and myself did it as a 3 day trip. They were very glad to see that parking lot at the end. A very memorable trip!

Jul 14, 2021 at 10:48 am #3721893

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

The epic trips, at least the most memorable and most often recounted, always conclude with the pure joy of being back at the car :)

Jul 14, 2021 at 10:57 am #3721894

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

Up next for us in Catskills.. The 24 mile end to end Escarpment trail.

I have already completed the tougher half of this.. doing Windham Hi peak and Black Head range loop.. I think we will do the entire Escarpment trail now.. from East – West for another quick overnighter.

Jul 14, 2021 at 11:04 am #3721895

Brett A
BPL Member

@bulldogd

Man, you guys give a compelling argument. Being from the Midwest, logistics are becoming a big issue for us. I’ll likely wrap up the 150 miles or so I have remaining on the southern half of the AT over the next year or two while she and I will try to do Arkansas’s Buffalo River Trail and Ozark Highlands Trail. I’ll bump to a new thread soon looking for input on the BRT. When she comes along, the hikes are trending to more time in camp vs on the trail. But that’s ok, we enjoy it regardless. Just nice to be out after everything we’ve all been through. The remainder of the AT will have to wait until I retire, IF EVER, and assuming my bum knees and hip holdout!

Ironically though, just a couple of weeks ago we were mulling over whether we could bounce up and do the NY, CT and MA sections of the AT in an extended trip or two in the Fall. More long term planning. Not as brutal as further North. I don’t think she’s up for being subjected to that. The Catskills came up as a possible side excursion, sightseeing thing. Your trip post was timely. Looks like beautiful country!

Jul 14, 2021 at 5:07 pm #3721919

dirtbag
BPL Member

@dirtbaghiker

If you going to Catskills @ Brett A and looking for a nice easy hike with stunning views on the way, from a fire tower and an overlook stone ledge, and camp at a cozy lake.. Check out Echo Lake. I also posted a video of it.

Nice place to camp and spend some time, plenty of water and wildlife. Not sure exactly what you looking for, but it is very nice. The views from fire tower are gorgeous as from the open ledge. The hike in is relatively short and not rough or rugged at all. The lake is very very interesting. There is a shelter there, but I recommend sleeping outside opposite side (almost) across the lake from it.
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