Trailhead
Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus)
MI 0 · ≈2,212 ft
Southern trailhead of the Escarpment Trail near the North-South Lake Campground.
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.
“Traverse Catskill Park (NY) on the Escarpment Trail.”
Plan your Catskill Park (NY) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Escarpment Trail
Escarpment Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Escarpment Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 23.9mi
Escarpment Trail elevation profile
Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus) to Route 23 near Windham (north terminus)Trailhead
Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus)
Southern trailhead of the Escarpment Trail near the North-South Lake Campground.
Mile 0 of 23.9
0 Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus)23.9 Route 23 near Windham (north terminus)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈2,212 ft
Escarpment Trail landmarks
Escarpment Trail campgrounds
Map of the Escarpment Trail Backpacking, Scutt Road / North-South Lake (south terminus) to Route 23 near Windham (north terminus)
14 of 14 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get an Escarpment Trail permit
As of September 2026, Escarpment Trail in Catskill Park (NY), New York requires a permit issued via walk-up. Escarpment Trail rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Escarpment Trail route covers 23.9 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- NY
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at dec.ny.gov before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Escarpment Trail: Live availability activityEscarpment Trail Backpacking permit itinerary
The Escarpment Trail hike
- Distance
- 23.9 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
How hard the Escarpment Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Escarpment Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
58°
50°
Wed
☁️
63°
48°
Thu
☁️
65°
57°
Fri
🌧️
77°
53°
29%
Sat
☁️
58°
43°
Sun
☁️
61°
41°
28%
Mon
⛅
53°
34°
22%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Escarpment Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Escarpment Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Escarpment Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Escarpment Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack the Escarpment Trail?
Only for over three nights at one spot or a group of ten or more.
How long is the Escarpment Trail?
23.9 miles, Scutt Road/North-South Lake to Route 23 near Windham.
How many days does the Escarpment Trail take?
About three days for most hikers.
Can I reserve a lean-to on the Escarpment Trail?
No, they are first-come, first-served.
Can I camp above 3,500 feet on the Escarpment Trail?
No, not from March 21 through December 21.
How far from water or the trail must I camp on the Escarpment Trail?
At least 150 feet.
What is the terrain like on the Escarpment Trail?
Exposed rim-of-the-escarpment hiking with Hudson Valley views.
Escarpment Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Escarpment Trail permit
Where to stay near Escarpment Trail
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