A Pre-Feast Hike: The Hunter Mountain Loop from Spruceton Road

Stay in West Kill, and enjoy some of the most rewarding pre-meal hiking in the Catskills. This winding mountain road, which dead-ends deep in the wilderness, serves as a gateway to some seriously calorie-burning terrain—the kind that transforms dinner from indulgence to necessity.

Late October through early November transforms Spruceton Road into something almost mystical. The tourist traffic evaporates. The hunters haven't fully invaded yet. You might pass two or three cars on the entire drive up. The bare trees reveal the dramatic topography that foliage obscures, and the hiking feels more remote, more authentic.

The weather is unpredictable, which adds to the adventure. You might start in sunshine and summit in swirling clouds. You might encounter frost-covered rocks that sparkle in morning light. The crisp air makes exertion pleasant rather than sweaty, and the lack of bugs means you can actually stop and enjoy the views without becoming a buffet.

The Route: Hunter Mountain via Spruceton Trail

My go-to choice for a serious appetite-builder is the loop up Hunter Mountain, the Catskills' second-highest peak at 4,040 feet. Starting from the Spruceton Road trailhead (about 6 miles up from Route 42), this is a commitment hike—roughly 7-8 miles round trip with significant elevation gain. But that's exactly the point when you're planning to sit down to a multi-course meal afterward.

The Spruceton Trail (yellow markers) starts deceptively gently, following an old woods road through a mixed hardwood forest. In late October and early November, the leaves have already fallen, giving you glimpses of what's to come as the trail begins its relentless climb. This isn't a trail that believes in switchbacks—it takes a more direct approach to gaining elevation, which your quadriceps will definitely notice.

Around 1.5 miles in, you'll reach the col between Southwest Hunter and Hunter Mountain proper. This is where the real work begins. The trail steepens considerably as you push toward the summit, and in this transitional season, you might encounter everything from mud to early snow to ice, depending on what weather has recently blown through. Microspikes are a good idea to have in your pack.

At roughly 3.5 miles in, you'll reach Hunter's summit and the fire tower. This is your reward: 360-degree views that, on a clear late-autumn day, stretch seemingly forever. The fire tower adds another 60 feet of elevation and even more expansive vistas. To the east, you can see the Hudson Valley laid out like a map. To the west, the endless folds of the Catskills disappear into haze.

In the quiet season, you might have the tower entirely to yourself. The wind typically howls up here, so bring layers—but the solitude is worth the chill.

You can return the way you came, but if you're feeling strong (and have arranged a car shuttle or don't mind the road walk), consider descending via the Colonel's Chair Trail to the east, which eventually connects to the Becker Hollow Trail. This creates a longer loop but offers different perspectives and scenery. Most hikers, however, opt to simply reverse course down the Spruceton Trail.

Shorter Options from Spruceton Road

Not everyone wants an 8-mile mountain assault before dinner. Spruceton Road offers alternatives:

Diamond Notch Falls

About 8.5 miles up Spruceton Road (just before it ends), this 3.5-mile round trip hike is perfect for working up a moderate appetite. The trail follows the West Kill along an old road before ascending gradually to a beautiful 20-foot waterfall tucked into a notch between mountains. The footing can be tricky with ice in late fall, but the relative ease of the hike makes it ideal before a big lunch.

West Kill Mountain

For something between the two extremes, tackle West Kill Mountain from the end of Spruceton Road. At 6 miles round trip with about 1,900 feet of elevation gain, it's challenging but manageable, summiting another 3,900-footer with excellent views from the ledges just below the wooded peak.

The Perfect Post-Hike Meal

After summiting Hunter from Spruceton, you've earned roughly 2,000-2,500 calories of deficit, depending on your pace and body weight. That's a guilt-free appetizer, entrée, dessert, and probably a cocktail or two.

From the Spruceton trailhead, you're about 30 minutes from Phoenicia (hello, Phoenicia Diner or Sylvia) or 40 minutes from Peekamoose in Big Indian. The drive down Spruceton Road itself is gorgeous—following Devil's Tombstone and the Stony Clove Notch before descending into civilization and culinary redemption.

Practical Notes

• Trailhead parking: Limited but usually available in the quiet season

• Road conditions: Spruceton Road can be rough; high clearance helpful but not required

• Water: Bring plenty; the climb is dry except for streams at lower elevations

• Weather: Check forecasts; summits can be 15-20°F colder with significant wind chill

• Time: Allow 4-5 hours for the Hunter loop, including summit time

• Navigation: Trail is well-marked but fog can disorient; map and compass recommended

The Equation That Works

Spruceton Road hikes + late harvest Catskills cuisine = the perfect late autumn day. You've earned every bite of that squash risotto, every forkful of venison, every sip of local bourbon. Your muscles will ache pleasantly. Your appetite will be ferocious and righteous. And when you finally sit down to dinner, you'll understand why this quiet season—when the mountains are yours and the kitchens are at their peak—might just be the best time of year in the Catskills.

The tourists don't know what they're missing. But now you do.