This mountain is the one whose profile is most recognizable thanks to the numerous paintings by Thomas Cole. It has several approaches with trails that lead to a snowmobile trail that rings the actual peak. The final climb is over an obvious but steep herd path.

Quick Look - High Peak from Platte Clove
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Location	Internet Maps
	7.2 mi.	1785 ft.	N42.1619 W74.0806	MSR Maps	Google Maps

Turn onto Bloomer Rd. off Route 23A just west of Tannersville. At the Y in the road bear left onto Platte Clove Rd. Continue on this road passed the Catskill Bruderhof and pull into the parking lot for Kaaterskill High Peak. Look for the aqua-blazed Long Path. Follow this trail for 1.05 miles where the Huckleberry Point trail goes off to the right. Stay on the Long Path as it winds its way up the mountain for another 2.1 miles. This route goes around to the north side of the mountain where a very obvious path leads up to the loop snowmobile trail that goes around the peak. MAke a right on the snowmobile trail and look for a well-traveled path to the left. This will take you the .5 miles to the top. At the very summit of the High Peak (3655 ft.) there is no view. If you walk off to the east or south views open up in both directions. To return to the parking area retrace your route. There are several ways to cut the distance to the High Peak by bushwhacking but they don't really cut the time needed to scale the peak.

Another way to climb the High Peak is to start in Palenville on Route 23A. This is a more difficult route but has MANY more point of interest along the way. This trail is part of the Long Path stretching from Fort Lee, NJ to Thacher Park near Albany. Poet's Ledge, Wildcat Falls and Buttermilk Falls are points of interest on the trail. The trail leads to the snowmobile trail that run around Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top. A herd path from the snowmobile trail leads up to the High Peak.

Quick Look - High Peak from Palenville
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Location	Internet Maps
	10.5 mi.	4420 ft.	N42 09.73 W74 04.83	MSN MapPoint	Google Maps

Take Route 23A from Palenville toward Haines Falls if you are coming from the east or from Haines Falls to Palenville if coming from the west. Park on the north side of 23A near Palenville near where the road cross Kaaterskill Creek. Walk on the road and cross over to a "street" that branches off just before 23A crosses the creek. Watch for the aqua blazes of the Long Path and blue hiking disks. This street is now blocked and closed to traffic. It has been overgrown with vegetation and only the paved surface here and there separates it from any other trail. On the other end of this short path you will be back on paved road. The blazes will continue for a short distance and the direct you to turn up a short street/driveway. Blue markers now appear in addition to the blaze. After a few feet, the trail turns onto a woods road and into the forest.

The path ascends on the wood road, leveling at times, but always continuing upward. After less than a mile, the trail again cuts right and starts serious climb up! The trail has several switchbacks and there are hints of views to the right. Continue on this trail which levels at times and then becomes much steeper. In about 1.25 miles there is an obvious lookout to the right. The lookout gives a glimpse of the Clove below and the mountains to the north. Continue on the main path for another half mile. At this point a sign points to a yellow spur trail that DESCENDS to Poet's Ledge. The descent is worth it since the view is very nice. As you descend you will pass a large, flat expanse of rock with several fire circles. There is a view from here but this is NOT Poet's Ledge. After another short descent through some rocks you will be on the Ledge.

The Ledge gives an unobstructed view of Kaaterskill Clove and Route 23A below. To the left is South Mountain and the Escarpment Trail. On the right looming above the Ledge is Kaaterskill High Peak. The Ledge is at 2200 feet but the mountain is another 1400 feet of vertical gain. After visiting Poet's Ledge and returning to the main trail turn right and continue toward Hillyer, Wildcat and Buttermilk Falls. Each of these is more impressive than the next. How impressive they all are depends on the volume of water flowing over them. Each offers a glimpse of the other side of the clove. In fact, this entire part of the trail is relatively flat and there always seems to be an elusive glimpse of the clove off to your right.

After the last falls the trail turns to the southwest and begins to ascend. Some of these ascents are steep and over rocky areas. The trail cuts back and forth to make the climb easier. In a short distance the trail turns 90 degrees and heads southeast. Be VERY careful to look for a sign that points to a snowmobile trail that turns right off this path. Hike up the trail to the snowmobile trail that loops around Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top Mountain. Turn right on the loop trail. In just a little while you will see a WELL-DEFINED herd path marked with a stone cairn on your left. Get ready for a short but steep climb up to the High Peak. Unfortunately, there is NO VIEW from the top. Views may be had by walking toward the east or south. Many of these views have been blocked as trees grow taller every year. Turn around a retrace your steps to the car.