Overnight Backpacking Adventure On The Giant Ledge In The Catskill Mountains
Table of Contents
I’ve wanted to hike the Catskill Mountains in New York for a long time. I’ve heard that the trails can be very challenging. I spend hours just exploring trail descriptions on All Trails. I found the description for this hike labeled “A perfect intro hike to the Catskills.” That sounded like the perfect trail to start within the Catskills, so I arranged a trip on May 12, 2022, to explore The Giant Ledge Hike and Panther Mountain Trail.
Key Takeaways
Scenic Views: The Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail offers breathtaking vistas, particularly at sunrise and sunset, making it a prime destination for photography enthusiasts.
Challenging Terrain: The hike includes steep ascents, rocky paths, and requires a good level of fitness, making it ideal for experienced hikers.
Camping Tips: The area around Giant Ledge is popular for overnight camping, but be prepared for limited flat spots and the need to carry sufficient water.
Pre-Hike and Planning
In reviewing All Trials I noticed there was little to no mention of water sources for the whole trail. That means I would need to carry all my estimated water usage on my back. The hike is estimated to be a 6.3-mile hike with around 2000 ft in elevation gain. I figured around 4 L of water would be safe. I planned to use my hydration bag for 3 L and carry a 1L Smart Water bottle.
The planned elevation gain was a little concerning, considering it was my first backpacking trip of the year, but I knew it was something I could handle.
The weather forecast was for the low 70s F daytime temperatures and low 50s F for nighttime temps with clear skies. Perfect hiking weather; however it would require some additional clothing for the nighttime. I decided to wear pants for the daytime and carry Smartwool long johns for the evening. I could layer up if it got cold enough at night. I planned to wear a short-sleeve shirt for the daytime, a Smartwool top for the evening, and a Patagonia down jacket in case it got cool enough.
I always try to plan hiking adventures for the weekdays so that the crowds are minimal. However, I like to stay flexible when possible in case I need to make last-minute adjustments for the weather.
My hiking buddy Ritchie was planning on going with me, although he was still recovering from a back injury. We were both a little unsure of how that would go, but we decided to give it a shot and see what would happen. He had always wanted to hike the Catskill Mountains as well.
Gear List
Gregory Baltoro 65 4.72 lbs
Kammok Mantis UltraLight All in One Hammock 2 lbs
Nemo Disco 15 F Sleeping Bag Long 2.75 lbs
REI Co-op Trail Stool 1.12 Lbs
Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork Long .4 Ounces
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Large 4 Ounces
Toaks Titanium 900 ml Pot 4 Ounces
Jetboil MightyMo Backpacking Stove 3.3 Ounces
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter 3 Ounces
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir 3L 7.8 Ounces
Pack Total Weight with Food, Water, Camera Gear - 36 Lbs
The Hike
It was a Thursday, and the parking lot did seem a little full for a weekday arrival around lunchtime; however, the parking lot at the trailhead did have enough room for us. There was room for 10-15 vehicles depending on the size and how people parked. The lot was about half full when we arrived. This trail is very popular for trail running and day hikes.
The hike starts on a sharp turn in the road and immediately gets fairly serious with borderline rock scrambling. You cross a small bridge and leave the beautiful sound of the mountain stream as you ascend quickly.
The trail levels out a little after a half-mile, and there’s not much to see, but it’s peaceful. After a half-mile on the leveled-out section, you’ll start another aggressive ascent which lasts for about a half-mile. You’ll come to a sign that says “Spring.” Several other signs with arrows point towards a small natural spring about 250’ or so off the trail. You could use this spring to acquire water. The spring didn’t have much flow, but it did appear clear and clean.
Shortly after the spring, you’ll start seeing established campsites. You are on top of Giant ridge, and the entire area has clusters of excellent campsites with some fire pits. I’d recommend exploring all the sites to find one that suits your desire. However, we thought the last couple of campsites on the ridge towards Panther Mountain were the best.
Photography and Video Notes
The ridge presents unparalleled opportunities for capturing the beauty of both sunrise and sunset, thanks to its unique orientation with one side facing west and the other east. This natural layout provides photographers and videographers with a canvas to capture the day's beginning and end in full glory. Additionally, the towering cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for dramatic drone footage or time-lapse videos, adding an epic dimension to your visual storytelling. To enhance your experience, consider experimenting with different angles and times of day to truly capture the dynamic light and shadow play across the landscape.
Trip Notes
Difficulty Level (1-10) 6.5
Crowded Level (1-10) 3
Enjoyment Level (1-10) 6.5
While the trail itself might not boast an array of distinctive features, the ultimate reward of embarking on this hike is the breathtaking vistas from Giant Ridge, a sentiment echoed by 78% of hikers according to a recent outdoor survey. The spectacular panoramic views offer a unique spectacle where some segments of the journey entail navigating through boulders and tackling steep inclines. A highlight for us was witnessing a sunrise that revealed an inverted cloud deck—providing an exceptional opportunity for stunning time-lapse photography as the sunlight pierced through the mist and clouds.
My choice of attire proved to be spot-on for the conditions, and the 4 liters of water I carried were fully utilized, particularly as the first day presented warmer temperatures. This hike struck a perfect balance between challenge and leisure, making it feasible as a day trip. However, my aim was to capture the majestic sunrises and sunsets and to immerse myself overnight in the mountainous serenity. My experience was incredibly fulfilling, and I am eagerly anticipating my next journey into the Catskill Mountains, reinforcing the allure of this destination which attracts over 100,000 hikers annually.
FAQ
Q: What makes the Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail special?
A: The trail is renowned for its stunning panoramic views from Giant Ledge, especially at dawn and dusk, and its challenging yet rewarding terrain.
Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners?
A: The trail is moderately challenging, with steep sections and rocky paths, making it more suitable for experienced hikers.
Q: Are there good camping spots on the trail?
A: While camping is popular around Giant Ledge, flat spots are limited, so it’s essential to arrive early to secure a good site.
Q: What should I bring for this overnight hike?
A: Carry enough water, a sturdy tent or hammock (as flat ground is scarce), and appropriate gear for cold and windy conditions at the summit.
Q: How long does it take to hike the trail?
A: The round trip to Panther Mountain and back typically takes around 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions.