Slide Mountain (4,190 ft) in southeast New York State has more than one claim to fame. It is the highest peak in the Catskill Mountains, the Ulster County highpoint, and the second most prominent peak in the state. Slide acquired its name from a land slide that occurred sometime in the 1820s or 1830s. An easy 2.7 mile trail leads the the summit, gaining 1,800 vertical feet en route. At the time of our hike the leaves on the lower part of the mountain were beautiful with fall color, though a bit past prime. In stark contrast, we entered a thick, green pine forest near the top. Certainly a great way to spend a chilly fall afternoon.


Slide Mountain Trailhead.


Lush ferns and moss, something we don't have enough of in Colorado.


Water break. A crew to be reckoned with!


The forest begins to change to very thick and green pine as we get higher.


A rare break in the trees shortly below the summit yields expansive views over the Catskills.


There is a nice rock outcropping just below the summit with a plaque dedicated to John Burroughs, a famous poet who frequented the mountain.




This concrete block on the true summit is the remnant of a viewing tower that used to exist here.


On the descent we're back to the colorful leaf-shedding part of the forest.




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