Indian Head Wilderness is a rugged wilderness area located within the eastern escarpment of the Catskill Mountains. Its topography features five major peaks, including Plattekill, Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau mountains, which offer extensive views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. The area is characterized by deep cloves, such as Platte Clove, and dense northern hardwood forests, providing a diverse environment for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
89
Routes
4.8
(49)
Average rating
994
People visited

5.0
(3)
46
hikers
4.91km
01:31
170m
210m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
hikers
22.9km
11:58
1,810m
1,790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.0
(1)
21
hikers
27.0km
08:00
860m
680m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
9.18km
02:32
170m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
runners
7.15km
01:06
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.12km
00:39
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
7.41km
01:43
660m
660m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5
runners
6.92km
00:44
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
riders
35.9km
02:04
170m
170m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
7.41km
01:03
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
36.6km
02:06
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
38.6km
03:24
460m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
2
riders
37.0km
02:31
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
56
riders
33.9km
02:10
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
54.5km
03:22
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
92.4km
06:04
1,250m
1,250m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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105
riders
121km
05:57
1,660m
1,660m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
85.8km
03:59
1,090m
1,090m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
54.2km
02:39
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Indian Head Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area contains 31 routes across these sports. These activities are set within a rugged landscape featuring five major peaks and deep cloves.
The Devil's Path is a prominent and challenging hiking trail that traverses about 13.7 miles of the wilderness, crossing peaks like Indian Head and Twin. Other trails include Mink Hollow Trail, Pecoy Notch Trail, and Roaring Kill Trail. More information is available in the Hiking in Indian Head Wilderness guide.
Indian Head Wilderness offers some routes suitable for families. These trails provide a way to experience the natural environment without extreme difficulty. For specific recommendations, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Indian Head Wilderness guide.
Yes, dogs are generally permitted on trails within Indian Head Wilderness. Visitors should ensure their dogs are leashed and follow all wilderness regulations. A dedicated guide, Dog-friendly hikes in Indian Head Wilderness, provides more details.
Permits are not typically required for day hiking in Indian Head Wilderness. However, specific regulations may apply for overnight camping or other activities. It is advisable to check the NYSDEC website for the most current information.
Indian Head Wilderness features designated primitive bicycle corridors for mountain biking. The Overlook Turnpike Primitive Bicycle Corridor and Mink Hollow Primitive Bicycle Corridor are examples. Advanced riders can find challenging options, as detailed in the MTB Trails in Indian Head Wilderness guide.
While the wilderness itself is primarily trails, road cycling is possible on roads leading to trailheads and parking areas. These routes offer a different perspective of the surrounding Catskill Mountains. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes in Indian Head Wilderness guide.
The wilderness is known for its rugged topography, including five major peaks: Plattekill, Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau mountains. Deep cloves like Platte Clove, with numerous waterfalls, and Echo Lake are also significant natural features. These areas offer extensive views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Indian Head Wilderness is a popular destination, with more than 11,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes have an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction among users. There are 31 routes available for various sports.
The official webpage for Indian Head Wilderness is on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) website. For direct inquiries, the DEC Region 4 Stamford Office can be reached at +1-607-652-7365.
Yes, Indian Head Wilderness offers a selection of less strenuous trails for those seeking easier hikes. These routes provide an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty without significant physical challenge. Consult the Easy hikes in Indian Head Wilderness guide for specific options.
The Indian Head Wilderness features deep cloves, such as Platte Clove, where the Plattekill stream drops significantly, creating numerous waterfalls and cascades. Some trails offer access to these scenic water features. The Waterfall hikes in Indian Head Wilderness guide provides relevant routes.

