Devil’s Path is a difficult hiking trail that is located in the Greene County section of the Catskill Mountains in New York, United States of America. The trail is approximately 24 miles long, elevating upwards of 2,700M(9,000FT) at its highest point along the path. This trail attracts hikers from all over due to the challenging climbs straight up and down steep gaps between different peaks on the mountain range. This trail often requires hikers to use hands as well as their feet to pull themselves almost straight up cliffs and through the rocky shoots. Devil’s Path starts on Platte Clove Road, New York. This road is extremely dangerous during the winter because of the steep and windy roads and can often be closed off. This trail is best hiked between March and October and provides spectacular views year round.
There are a few different ways of going about this trail.
One way is when you make it to Platte Clove Road, you have 2 options: East or West. The Eastern half of the trail is the more treacherous of the two trails, and attracts daring hikers (like myself) from all over the country for a challenging and rewarding hike. The western half has fewer ups and downs, remaining more flat throughout the hike. The mountains come progressively closer throughout the hike, until you reach the tallest point, West Kill. At this point either finish the hike, or head on back.
Another popular that hikers often do, require 2 vehicles or a taxi reservation. Park one vehicle at Devil’s Tombstone Campground, hop in the other vehicle and drive to the entrance on Prediger Road. This path is one of the more popular because although it is 16 miles long, this way can be completed in a single, long day.
If you are interested in backpacking and spending more than 1 day on this trail, repeat the above process of parking 2 vehicles, one at Tombstone Campground and the other on Prediger Road. Complete your hike and stay at the campground for $16. Here you will have access to water, food, have the ability to build a fire, and gain some rest for the next day. The next morning, continue onwards to complete the other half of the trail then head back to the campground to complete your 2-3 day hike.
There are plenty of fresh water springs and rivers throughout this path, so it is recommended to research ahead of time these locations so you are aware of when to stop to refill. Bring a water filter as it is will save you some weight of carrying 2 gallons of water on your back.
You are not allowed to camp or start a fire in any area above 1550M(3500FT) in elevation due to the risk of starting a forest fire. The fines are hefty and you can even spend jail time. There are signs that post these warnings very clearly throughout the trails.
This hike is definitely something that any hiking enthusiast should attempt. It may sound extremely dangerous but as long as you take your time, stay hydrated, and stay aware of your surroundings, you will have no issues completing this trail.. and trust me the view is rewarding. I usually go hike this trail at least once a year as it is the most challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable hike within 3 hours of NYC. Ensure to get an early start… I recommend waking up early and start heading up before dark to guarantee you complete the hike before nightfall. Please use your best judgment as everyone hikes at a different pace.
Fun fact: The naming of this trail is actually pretty interesting. The trail was named The Devil’s Path because the route is so difficult and steep at certain points that it was originally believed that only the Devil could complete this trail because of his hooves. The Devil was believed to have come here to escape, when he had to.
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