Catskills Hiking | Hiking West Kill Mountain: A Strenuous Catskills 3500 Climb with Big Views from Buck Ridge

West Kill Mountain Hike – Classic Devil’s Path Climb from Spruceton Road

• Trail: Diamond Notch Trail to Devil’s Path
• Distance: ~7 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
• Trailhead: End of Spruceton Road (County Route 6), Greene County
• Difficulty: Strenuous

There’s something about hiking the Devil’s Path that always commands attention — and West Kill Mountain is no exception. This Catskill 3500 peak offers one of the most rewarding climbs on the range, with a steep trail, quiet woods, and a big Catskills view for those willing to earn it.

We’ve hiked West Kill a number of times in all seasons — during a full Devil’s Path traverse, while working on the 3500 list, and as a day hike. But this trip was different: we headed up on the July 4 weekend, mid-afternoon, hoping for solitude. It worked. While the Spruceton parking area was crowded, we found a spot and started up around 3 p.m., expecting a quieter mountain — and got one. Spruceton Trailhead to Diamond Notch FallsFrom the end of Spruceton Road, the Diamond Notch Trail follows an old roadbed through mixed hardwoods and alongside the West Kill stream. It’s an easy warm-up: the grade is mild, footing good, and there are cascades along the way.

At just under a mile, Diamond Notch Falls comes into view — a pair of scenic falls pouring into a rocky gorge. Worth a pause. There’s a sturdy footbridge just downstream and a trail junction just before it: the left leads to Hunter, straight across the bridge heads to West Kill. The Climb: Devil’s Path to West KillThe Devil’s Path lives up to its name on the climb out of Diamond Notch. The trail turns sharply uphill and stays that way for about a mile, gaining most of the hike’s elevation in a single stretch. This is classic Catskills terrain: slabs, roots, mossy ledges, and shaded woods with a remote feel.

Once the ridge is gained, the trail moderates somewhat — still rugged, but the grade eases, with a few minor descents before climbing again toward the summit. Buck Ridge Lookout About a half-mile before the summit, the trail reaches Buck Ridge — an open ledge with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. It’s the best view on the hike and a natural rest spot. We lingered here for water and snacks, watching shadows stretch across the range. West Kill Summit and DescentThe true summit (3,880+ ft) sits a few minutes past the lookout, marked by a summit sign tucked into the balsam. No views, but it’s a satisfying finish to a solid climb.

We retraced our steps back down the Devil’s Path, pausing again at Diamond Notch Falls before finishing at Spruceton Road in fading light. Trip Notes

• Parking: Large lot on the left about a mile before the end of Spruceton Road serves several trailheads. Smaller lot at the end is closer to Diamond Notch Trail but fills early.
• Trail Conditions: Well-marked and clear. Steep section on Devil’s Path is strenuous and may be slick in wet conditions.
• Solitude: Late start helped — trail was quiet after 3 p.m. even on a busy weekend.
• Highlight: Buck Ridge Lookout — one of the best views in the Catskills.

GPS, Map, and App Info

• Trailhead: Spruceton Road via Google Maps
• GPX Track: Trail Route in GPX Format
• AllTrails: Trail Route up West Kill on AllTrails

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