Escarpment Trail Permit: Route
Escarpment Trail permits are walk-up only in Catskill Park (NY). The route covers 23.9 miles.
This guide covers the Escarpment Trail Backpacking permit.
2-3 days
Duration
23.9 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Escarpment Trail
23.9 miles along the rim of the Catskill front range, from North-South Lake north to Windham, with sweeping views east over the Hudson Valley. Camping at-large on NYS Forest Preserve land.
The Escarpment Trail
- Distance
- 23.9 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Points along the route
- Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus)Mile 0, 2,212 ft
- Elm Ridge Wild Forest crossing
- Inspiration PointMile 1.9, 2,107 ft
- South MountainMile 3.3, 2,481 ft
- Sunset RockMile 5.7, 2,432 ft
- North MountainMile 8.1, 3,189 ft
- Stoppel PointMile 9.3, 3,411 ft
- Dutcher NotchMile 11.5, 2,506 ft
- Arizona MountainMile 13, 3,404 ft
- Batavia Kill Lean-ToMile 15, 2,748 ft
- Acra PointMile 16.8, 3,085 ft
- Burnt KnobMile 18.1, 3,175 ft
- Windham High PeakMile 20.2, 3,521 ft
- Elm Ridge Lean-ToMile 22.5, 2,324 ft
- Route 23 near Windham (north terminus)Mile 23.9, 1,513 ft
Escarpment Trail permit detailsandAll Catskill Park (NY) permits
Get Escarpment Trail Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Escarpment Trail?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Escarpment Trail route?
+
The route is 23.9 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 2-3 days.
How difficult is the Escarpment Trail route?
+
This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Don't Miss Your Escarpment Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Escarpment Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts