Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Mountain Loop (Burroughs Range)

Oct 29, 2010 — Slide Mountain, the highest point in the Catskills of New York, is a fairly easy approach, but this entire loop that includes Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain makes for a much more difficult day with far better views. Starting at the Woodland Valley Campground, head south for the long approach to Wittenberg, passing pretty views and waterfalls along the way. There are a few little scrambles on mossy rocks and the summit is a really spectacular view of the Catskills and Ashokan Reservoir below. Continue past Cornell Mountain, whose summit is easy to miss because it's so minor, and then up to Slide Mountain where a steep section includes a pretty unnecessary wooden ladder. Continue down a boring woods road trail to the other trailhead, follow the yellow blazes along Phonecia Road, and then complete the loop by continuing east from the Giant Ledge Trailhead back through the woods.