Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains Trail

No, this trail is generally considered difficult to very difficult and strenuous. It features significant elevation gain, rock scrambles, and technical sections, making it unsuitable for beginners or children. It's often compared to sections of the challenging Devil's Path.

The average duration for this hike is around 4 hours and 11 minutes. However, due to its challenging nature with steep climbs and technical sections, it can take longer depending on your pace and experience level.

The primary access point for this trail is typically from the Woodland Valley trailhead. Parking information can usually be found on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or local Catskill Mountain guides. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable as parking can fill up quickly.

The trail offers spectacular panoramic views. The summit of Wittenberg Mountain provides some of the finest lookouts in the Catskills, with sweeping vistas of the Ashokan Reservoir, surrounding Catskill peaks, and the Hudson Valley. While Cornell's summit is wooded, there are excellent viewpoints just past the peak, offering a View of Cornell Mountain and other ranges.

Yes, the trail is known for several unique features. A particularly notable and challenging section is the "Cornell Crack," a V-shaped wedge that often requires hikers to remove their packs to navigate. The narrow ridgeline between Wittenberg and Cornell mountains is sometimes referred to as "Bruin's Causeway," adding to the trail's distinctive character.

Dogs are generally allowed on trails in the Catskill Park, including the Slide Mountain Wilderness, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Given the trail's extreme difficulty, including rock scrambles and the Cornell Crack, it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially smaller or less agile ones.

The trail is highly sought-after from spring through fall, offering diverse forest scenery and clear views. Fall foliage is particularly stunning. Winter ascents are possible but require specialized gear such as ice axes, snowshoes, and crampons due to icy and snowy conditions, and should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to hike in the Slide Mountain Wilderness portion of the Catskill Park. However, standard Leave No Trace principles apply, and hikers should be aware of all New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations for wilderness areas.

Yes, the route is part of the Burroughs Range Trail. It also intersects with sections of the Wittenberg - Cornell - Slide Trail, the Long Path, the Mount Pleasant - Romer Mountain Trail, and the Phoenicia - East Branch Trail, offering options for extended traverses or loops, including an ascent of Slide Mountain.

Given the trail's difficulty, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, plenty of water (there are no reliable water sources on the trail), high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, a headlamp, and appropriate layers of clothing. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability, especially on descents. For winter hikes, specialized gear like microspikes or crampons, snowshoes, and an ice axe are essential.

The most common way to hike Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains is as an out-and-back route. However, it can be extended to include Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, forming a more demanding three-peak traverse or a longer loop if you arrange for a shuttle or have multiple vehicles.