North Lake South Lake Campground to North Point

North Lake South Lake Campground to North Point
Rating: A1B
Roundtrip Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
Owned By: New York State
This loop has plenty of diversity along the way with the lakes, waterfall, and many scenic viewpoints. The fall colors should be beautiful still in the Hudson Valley.
This hike will start at the Scutt Road trailhead near the Campground entrance. The hike will be on along the Escarpment Trial much of the day. We will do a side trip to see to viewpoint overlooking Kaaterskill Falls. Then the hike will pass viewpoints including Inspiration Point, the Catskill Mountain House site, Artists Rock, Newman’s Ledge and many others along the way. We will an option to cut the hike several miles shorter when we reach the Badman’s Cave. If we go on the North Point then hike will be the full 10.5 miles. It will be about 2 miles shorter if we go back early on the Rock Shelter trail.
As mentioned, it’s about 10.5 miles. So, this is not for beginners or slow-paced hikers. Please note the rating above for this hike. We should be done with the hike by 3:30. Daylight savings time kicks in so it will be getting dark around 5 pm. We will not be getting back to the Park and Ride until about 5 pm.
Directions:
We will meet at 8:00 am at the Elm Avenue Park and Ride in the Town of Bethlehem and car pool from there. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from the Park and Ride.
Bring a lunch, snack and plenty of water! Dress for cool conditions wind may be blowing on the Ridge. Also, wear some orange or other bright colors as the hunting season has begun.