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Catskills Hiking | Hiking to North Point, One of the Best Viewpoints in the Catskills

Saturday, June 21, 2025 14:03

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Looking for some of the best views in the Catskills? If you are, then take a hike to North Point, a dramatic overlook high above the North-South Lake Campground that offers epic views of the Hudson Valley, the surrounding mountain peaks, and beyond.

North Point Via Rock Shelter Trail Guide

There are a number of different ways to hike to North Point (along with many different trails) and that’s why the number one thing you need for a hike in this area is a map. We suggest either the Catskill Trails Map Set or the Catskill Park Trails Illustrated Map. You can also find these trails on the AllTrails app – but a paper map should always be in your backpack.

We started our hike at the Scutt Road Trailhead, just outside North-South Lake Campground and just off North Lake Road. Note that this is a very popular hiking area and this trailhead also provides access to Kaaterskill Falls, which means that it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait for a parking spot.

From the Scutt Road trailhead, we headed north past the kiosk at the top of the parking area, crossed North Lake Road, and then followed the Rock Shelter Trail 1.3 miles to the intersection with the Mary’s Glen Trail. From there we followed the Mary’s Glen Trail 0.8 miles to its intersection with the Escarpment Trail. We then hiked 0.25 miles north on the Escarpment Trail to reach the summit of North Point and it’s many views.

On the descent, we went back down (heading south) the 0.25 miles of the Escarpment Trail to the intersection with the Mary’s Glen Trail, but instead of hiking back the way we came from there, we stayed on the Escarpment Trail and hiked 0.7 miles south to the intersection with the Rock Shelter Trail at Badman’s Cave. From there we walked the Rock Shelter Trail 0.5 miles to the intersection with the Mary’s Glen Trail and then the 1.3 miles of the Rock Shelter Trail back to the trailhead on Scutt Road.

North Point via Rock Shelter Trail Details

ðŸ“ Trailhead: Scutt Road Trailhead (Google Maps)
ðŸ¥¾ Distance: ~5.2 miles round trip
⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~860 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate with some steep, rocky sections
ðŸ’¦ Highlights: Epic view at North Point, cascades at Mary’s Glen, exploring Bad Man’s Cave
Hikes near North Point

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You can find more information about this hike on:

Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center

https://catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:

Hike On Guides (hike with us!)

Advice and Recommended Gear:

Gear we used on this hike:

ðŸ¥¾ Check out our ever growing hiking and backpacking gear list to see what we use on all of our day hikes and backpacking trips

Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube if you enjoyed our video. We appreciate the opportunity to share our adventures with you and highlight members of the LGBTQ+ community enjoying the outdoors. Proud gay hikers here! Find out more about us at The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web - https://www.hikertrashhusbands.com

Important Hiking Considerations:

Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It’s also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.

Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!

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Source: http://adventures-in-the-outdoors.blogspot.com/2025/06/catskills-hiking-hiking-to-north-point.html

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