The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in Ulster County
Mountain peaks in Ulster County, New York, are found within the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge. This region offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area features a range of mountain peaks, from challenging ascents to scenic trails. These peaks provide various viewpoints across the surrounding natural environment.
Best mountain peaks in Ulster County
- The most popular mountain peaks is Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, a viewpoint that offers 360-degree views from its 60-foot structure. Built in 1950,…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower
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Millbrook Mountain
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Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower
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Slide Mountain (1,270 m), highest peak in the Catskills
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Table Mountain
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Wittenberg Mountain
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High Point
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Joppenbergh Mountain
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Eagle Mountain
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Red Hill Fire Tower
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At least it's number 17 on the Catskill Mountaineer list of mountains above 3500 (35 peaks). While not inherently difficult, it can be quite a challenge in winter with gale-force winds of up to 60-70 km/h. The ascent to the oldest fire tower in the Catskills (a wooden tower built in 1887, replaced by a steel structure in 1919 – now showing its age) is steep from the Balsam Lake lighthouse and can be icy in winter; in that case, it's better to take the "blue route" straight ahead. In any case, the effort is worthwhile; the view is beautiful, provided there are no clouds obstructing the visibility.
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First hurdle: crossing (sometimes wading) the Neversink River on the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail... and this can be quite challenging in winter or spring... the trail can be a fast-flowing stream in places, and in winter: sheer ice, perhaps long stretches of snow on ice, quite steep (mostly boulder terrain) but manageable. The summit itself was... well: not impressive, but before the summit there are several viewing platforms with excellent views of the northern Catskills... Slide Mt. is apparently known (though we didn't know that either) because of the naturalist John Burroughs, who discovered Bicknell's thrush here; in any case, there were some spectacular views at certain points.
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From the fire tower, the 360° view is impressive. The Ashokan Reservoir, the Hudson Valley and the small Echo Lake are visible from the top of the tower. Access is closed during the winter months. Luckily during our visit the ranger had come to open the tower since the weather was nice and it was the holidays. From the Overlook point, however, the view is limited by the trees.
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Millbrook Mountain is a summit littered with long ridges and cliffs in the Catskill Mountains. That being said, the trails traveling to the top are tough but safe. The panoramic views from the top look out at a bunch of other peaks in the Catskills.
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Joppenbergh Mountain measures in at just under 500 feet and offers sweeping views down onto the Rosendale Trestle Bridge and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Rocky hills and cliffs litter the horizon from up here, and a number of trails within the trail system allow you to make your run as long or as short as you want.
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Joppenbergh Mountain measures in at just under 500 feet and offers sweeping views down onto the Rosendale Trestle Bridge and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Rocky hills and cliffs litter the horizon from up here, and a number of trails within the trail system allow you to make your hike as long or as short as you want.
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The tower was built in 1950. It offers epic panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley, the Ashokan Reservoir and the Devil's Path Range.
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Table Mountain gets its name from being a fairly flat-topped mountain. The summit itself doesn't really offer any views since it's locked in a dense forest. There are a few spur trails off the side of the main path that lead to some overlooks that you can check out on your way to the summit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain peaks in Ulster County?
Ulster County offers several popular mountain peaks. Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is a favorite, known for its 360-degree views from the 60-foot tower. Another highly regarded spot is Millbrook Mountain, which provides panoramic views of other Catskill peaks. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is also popular, offering scenic vistas from New York State's first fire tower.
Which mountain peaks in Ulster County offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider Overlook Mountain, where the fire tower provides expansive vistas of the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Ashokan Reservoir. High Point in Minnewaska Preserve also offers a stunning view of a large portion of the preserve. Additionally, Wittenberg Mountain is known for some of the finest lookouts to the Catskills and the Ashokan Reservoir.
Are there any historically significant mountain peaks or sites in Ulster County?
Yes, Ulster County has several historically significant sites. Overlook Mountain features the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House hotel and a fire tower built in 1950. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower holds the distinction of being the first fire tower in New York State, with the current structure dating back to 1930. Slide Mountain also has historical significance as it was studied by naturalist John Burroughs.
What are the highest mountain peaks in Ulster County?
The highest peak in Ulster County, and indeed the entire Catskill Mountains, is Slide Mountain, standing at approximately 4,180 feet (1,270 m). Other notable high peaks include Wittenberg Mountain at 3,784 feet and Cornell Mountain, which is often traversed with Wittenberg and Slide.
Are there family-friendly mountain trails in Ulster County?
While many peaks offer challenging routes, areas like Sam's Point Preserve provide moderate options with unique features like dwarf pine barrens and Verkeerderkill Falls, which can be enjoyed by families. For easier hikes, consider routes like the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop or the Ashokan Quarry Trail, which are listed as easy hikes in Ulster County.
What unique natural features can I find on Ulster County's mountain peaks?
Ulster County's mountain peaks boast diverse natural features. Sam's Point Preserve is known for its unique dwarf pine barrens and the impressive 187-foot Verkeerderkill Falls. Cornell Mountain features a unique geological formation called the "Cornell Crack," adding an element of scrambling to the hike. Giant Ledge offers five distinct ledges, each providing excellent vantage points of Catskill Park.
What is the best time to visit the mountain peaks in Ulster County?
The best time to visit Ulster County's mountain peaks largely depends on your preferred activity. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, with fall being particularly popular for its vibrant colors. Summer is great for longer days and warmer weather, while winter can provide challenging but rewarding experiences for experienced hikers, especially on peaks like Balsam Lake Mountain, where conditions can be icy and windy.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks in Ulster County?
Beyond hiking the peaks themselves, Ulster County offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including moderate options like the Overlook Spur Trail or the Bonticou Crag and Table Rocks Loop. For mountain biking, there are routes like the Castle Point Carriageway Loop or the Ashokan Rail Trail.
Are there challenging hiking trails for experienced hikers in Ulster County?
Yes, experienced hikers will find several challenging trails. The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail, also known as the Burroughs Range Trail, is particularly demanding, requiring hikers to use both hands and feet to traverse rock ledges. This route includes Slide Mountain, Cornell Mountain, and Wittenberg Mountain, offering moderately technical scrambles and significant elevation gain.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks in Ulster County?
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from various summits and fire towers, such as those found at Overlook Mountain Fire Tower and Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. The diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to unique geological formations like those at Sam's Point Preserve, also receives high acclaim. Many appreciate the combination of natural beauty and historical elements found throughout the region.
Are there any less crowded mountain peaks or trails in Ulster County?
While popular spots can get busy, exploring some of the lesser-known trails or visiting during off-peak seasons (weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons) can offer a more solitary experience. Peaks like Table Mountain or Eagle Mountain might offer a quieter experience compared to the most frequented destinations, especially if you venture beyond the main access points.
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