Hunter Mountain

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (steep, rocky, long-ish climb up a big fat mountain)
Highlights: amazing views, fire tower, lack of chairlift
Distance: 5.0 miles, Partial Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4.5 Hours
Total ascent: 2,217 ft
Max elevation: 4,071 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to haul yourself up the second-highest peak in the Catskills to see some amazing views.

Popolopen Torne

Scenery:
Difficulty: 8 out of 10 (a few very steep sections, some rock scrambling)
Highlights: amazing views, monument and benches at summit, rock scrambling
Distance: 4.7 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 3.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,308 ft
Max elevation: 931 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take in some amazing Hudson Valley views, and you’re not afraid to scramble up some rocks to see ‘em. Also, you have the ability to pretend that road noise is just really loud wind rustling through the leaves. Oh, and you want to do every hike in the area that sounds like a Harry Potter spell. POPOLOPEN TORNE! (You’re a porcupine now.)

Brace Mountain

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10
Highlights: amazing views, open field at summit
Distance: 5 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 3-4 Hours
Total ascent: ft
Max elevation: ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re itching to climb a big mountain and you want some serious views.