After following the easy and sometimes steep rock path you’ll find yourself on a ledge … From here, most people return to the parking area on Route 47. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are an ethical framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. This ascent is rather gradual with a few short, steep areas thrown in. This is the best place to lunch, looking down across Phoenicia to the Devil’s Path. On my way out, in the col between Panther and Giant Ledge, I diverted to a bushwhack along the base of the cliffs. Here there are a series of ledges that look to the east and is just over 3 miles making it perfect to get into shape. YMMV.). It’s not the summit but, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the boulders for a good view. But the landscape is a fantasy-land mix of old blowdown and giant boulders, with everything covered in moss. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Catskills. Heading up Panther’s southern ridge is not difficult. From there, it’s only 45 minutes to Panther’s rich pine-filled summit — and one more spectacular view. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). The total distance There are four, maybe five? On the trail down my feet felt pummeled and, by the time I made it back to the lot, my legs were basically jelly. From Giant Ledge, the trail descends into the col between the two peaks. After In summer, even mid-week, the small lot on Route 47 fills up very quickly. Two minutes after the spur, you’ll come to a boulder field. Pass this rock pile. Zero spam. The terrain is a little steeper than you might think from looking at the contour maps. Sign at junction to Giant Ledge and Panther Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking Junction to Giant Ledge I felt uneasy so I descended to 2850 and found myself in this glade…. Catskills Valley Lookout - Giant Ledge Trail Giant Ledge Trail (part of Panther Trail) - 1,5 mile This trail leads you to a truly amazing view on the Catskills area. Offering arguably the best views in the Catskills, Giant Ledge is a moderate out and back hike with huge payoffs. Please leave no trace. From here, the trail is steep and lumpy until you make it to the junction. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. There is a lean-to a bit off the trail in Fox Hollow. So my route tracks a little to the east of all the high drama. This ascent is rather gradual with a few short, steep areas thrown in. • My objective for the day was to do a short bushwhack in new terrain without getting into any trouble. This lot serves one of the most popular hiking trails in the Catskills. Hiking out to Panther from Route 47 is not the world’s toughest hike. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Catskills. If you do this hike, let me know how it goes in the comments below…. Turn left/north to head toward Giant Ledge, following the blue blazes. On this first pass, I kept away from the long line of enormous boulders strewn at the bottom of the cliff. More Trail Conditions InfoCatskill Center Trail ReportDEC Backcountry Info Page. The hike commences on the yellow-blazed Phoenicia East Branch Trail (Yellow) headed east. Your IP: 148.251.123.50 (My network is Verizon. This is a very popular and exceptionally scenic hike, that contains an optional bushwhack section.