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Over the past three years we had been planning on hiking the Kaaterskill Amphitheater. But, for some reason this hike was kicked to the side for a different hike. It became a long list of excuses. But, today we stopped creating excuses and we did the Kaaterskill Amphitheater.

Many people walk right past the Amphitheater, but never take a moment to walk the 1,000 feet to the edge to see the huge amphitheater. But, each year thousands of people walk right on by.

The Mohawk Indians used the trail around The Kaaterskill Amphitheater to get to one of their summer camps just 500' off the Long path. In fact, the old Mohawk Indian Trail crosses the Long Path, but few people even notice. You can still follow the old Mohawk Indian Trail. Parts of it is overgrown, but still quite obvious in some areas. The Mohawk Indians used it for thousands of years. But, after they were driven from the area 100-150 years ago, the trail has been slowly dying. It is still one of the wonderful gifts the Mohawk Indians can still offer. They may be gone, but the trail still survives.

We got to the trail head around 10:30 AM. We had hoped to arrive around 8 AM. The weather service was calling for rain showers after 1-2pm. Not sure we were going to get showers. And if we did, it was predicted to be short and mild. So, we headed up the trail. We arrived up on top around 12 PM. We then headed towards the Kaaterskill Amphitheater Rim. We followed the trail to the Mohawk Indian camp, but towards the rim. We arrived at the rim. It was very windy on the rim. Good 30-40mph winds. We followed the old Mohawk Indian Trail. The slope wasn't real tuff. A few ledges here-and-there. We then arrived at Hawkeye. We missed the trail to the ledge, so we had to bushwhack through the thick mountain laurel. Tough going for such a short distance. We then wound around to the large rock ledge. The rock ledge has one of the very few Pitch Pine tree groves (scrub pine). Really very beautiful. Very few humans have hiked there in the last 50 years. We then hiked down the source of Viola Ravine. Now it started to sleet. Not terrible, but slightly unexpected. We then hiked down the trail to Palenville. About 7.5 miles. Arrive back at the car at 3:45 pm.

Here are some pictures:

Black bear diggings - Lots of trace of black bears - They are definitely out.


A little wet in spots


Roots on the Long Path


Arriving at the center of the Kaaterskill Amphitheater


Part of the old Mohawk Indian Trail along the Kaaterskill Amphitheater


Looking into the huge Kaaterskill Amphitheater


Hiking down the steeper section - Really not that steep


Hawkeye - Very rare Pitch Pine trees


Pitch Pine Tree


Old fire ring from 50-100 years ago


Conifer forest next to Hawkeye


Hiking down from the source of Viola Falls


Walking down the trail to Palenville


Waterfalls in Palenville on the Kaaterskill Creek

Hi Mike,

This looks like a fascinating hike! I would really like to do this sometime (preferably, when it is not sleeting)! From what I gather, you and Alexis spotted a car by the Platte Clove Parking area and a second car at Palenville.

The old Mohawk Indian Trail heading west from the Long Path to the campsite is quite obvious, but I've never seen any trace of a trail from the Long Path heading east to the amphitheater. Last year, I tried to find the amphitheater by bushwhacking east from where the Mohawk Indian Trail intersects the Long Path. Unfortunately, I was too far north and missed it. On the other hand, I was treated to an unusual view of Kaaterskill Clove, which was kind of interesting.

I remember reading your post when you did Hawkeye last year (I think it was during the winter). Hawkeye is another of those elusive spots I'd like to see some time.

Thanks as always for sharing your hike,
Rich K.

Not sure I know exactly where you went? It does sound like a real nice hike. Map please!

sorry, I forgot the map. what was I thinking???



Yup, we did spot a car on Rt 23 in Palenville.

Next week we start the waterfalls hikes. Yeah!

Very cool route! Story makes more sense to me now. Nice if you could do the entire rim.

We would like to go back and do the entire amphitheater rim some time. Right now we have a very full schedule ahead of us. This is the kind of hike you want to do when the leaves are not on the trees.