Table and Peekamoose Mountains — Catskill 3500
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Table and Peekamoose Mountains — Catskill 3500

Strenuous Out & Back
Photo: Daniel Case (CC via Wikimedia)
Distance
9.4 mi
Elevation Gain
2600 ft
Hike Time
5-7 hours
Difficulty
Strenuous
State
New York
Weather This Week
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What to bring
Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →
TL;DR: Table and Peekamoose Mountains is a 9.4-mile route that bags two Catskill 3500 peaks through remote terrain with steep sustained inclines and fierce summit winds. In winter, ice forms on the rocky bald near Peekamoose’s summit that hikers describe as genuinely hazardous without full traction gear. This trail is quieter than Wittenberg-Cornell or Blackhead, which means less help if something goes wrong.

What to Expect on the Trail

Table and Peekamoose sit in the southern Catskills, connected by a ridge that stays above 3,500 feet. The standard approach from the Denning trailhead follows a gradual valley trail before the steep climbing begins. Once the ascent starts, it is sustained and relentless — the trail gains most of its 2,600 feet in concentrated bursts between the valley and the two summits.

Table Mountain has a partially wooded summit with filtered views through the spruce. Peekamoose has a rocky bald section near the summit that provides the best open views on the route. The bald is exposed to wind and weather, which in winter means fierce conditions that surprise hikers who expected the sheltered forest to continue.

The remoteness is part of the appeal and part of the risk. This trail sees significantly less traffic than the popular Catskill hikes. On weekdays you may not see another hiker. That solitude is rewarding, but it also means that a twisted ankle or equipment failure puts you in a more serious situation than on a crowded trail.

How Hard Is This Trail, Really?

Reviewers confirm the challenging rating is accurate, primarily due to steep sustained inclines, significant ice at upper elevations, and fierce summit winds rather than technical terrain. Well-prepared hikers find it manageable but tiring. The rocky bald near Peekamoose’s summit is where the difficulty concentrates — ice here in winter is genuinely hazardous without full traction gear.

Compare to Wittenberg-Cornell: similar total distance and gain, but Table-Peekamoose is more remote and less trafficked. The difficulty is comparable. The experience is more solitary.

Best Time to Go

Late spring through fall for the safest conditions. The trail is popular and parking fills by midday on weekends and clear days. Early arrivals find manageable crowds. Winter peak bagging is popular but demands respect — the exposed bald sections create conditions that the sheltered valley approach does not prepare you for.

Before You Go

The Denning trailhead is in the southern Catskills, accessed via Denning Road from Route 28. The access road is rough in places. No entrance fee. Limited parking. No restrooms. Cell service is unreliable. The trail is well-blazed with DEC markers. Carry all water and food. The nearest town with services is Big Indian, about 30 minutes away.

For peak baggers working the Catskill 3500 list, Table and Peekamoose is a solid two-peak day. Combined with Slide Mountain from a different trailhead, you can bag three peaks in the southern Catskills in a single weekend.

Best Hiking Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Table and Peekamoose hike?
The round trip to both summits is approximately 9.4 miles with about 2,600 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in 5 to 7 hours.
Do Table and Peekamoose count for the Catskill 3500 Club?
Yes. Both Table (3,847 ft) and Peekamoose (3,843 ft) are among the required 35 peaks over 3,500 feet for Catskill 3500 Club membership. Sign the trail register on both summits.
Is there parking at the Table and Peekamoose trailhead?
There's a small pulloff lot on the south side of Peekamoose Road (County Route 42) in Ulster County. No fee or permit required.
Are there views from Table or Peekamoose?
Neither summit has open views u2014 both are densely wooded with old-growth spruce-fir forest. The appeal is the remote wilderness feel and the beautiful stream walk on the lower trail.
Plan Your Visit
Always check current conditions before heading out — trails close, roads wash out, and fees change.
Get Directions
Gear for this hike
Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L JacketPatagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew MidweightDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water FilterSawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent SpraySawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyMountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →
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Trail Map

41.9275, -74.3680

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