Catskills Hike & Rappel: Panther Mountain

Six-Mile Challenging Trail to high Catskill peak and several rappels over 100 feet!

Ready for some great exercise on the trails in the famous Catskill Mountains?

This is not easy hiking; you will need to be in shape for this trip, and dressed appropriately.

We will explore—hike on a variety of trails, including very steep and woodsy climbs, reaching 3720 feet in elevation and hiking on loose shale that comprise the Catskill Range. These trails are lightly travelled, ensuring some solitude as we work our way to the peak and spectacular views.
A short distance into the hike, we begin our rappels. Your heart will race as we rappel down several 100’ cliffs! At the rappel site, our instructors will set up the anchor system, gear us up and give us thorough instruction in the skills we will use to rappel down the cliffs. The spectacular views include a dramatic valley, and you will feel a world away from the city on this adrenaline-filled adventure!

The Catskills rise dramatically from the Hudson Valley and stretch to near the Shawangunk Ridge, and is part of New York’s Forest Preserve. Reflecting the roots of Dutch settlers, the name means “cat creek” and may refer to the plentiful Catamounts (mountain lions) that once prowled the area.
We will hike along and through notches and ridges created by glaciers, and these sedimentary rocks still bear glacial scarring in areas. The trails often climb for 3 miles or more, gaining 1000-2000 vertical feet, before levelling out at a ridge or the peak. This trip will burn a pizza’s worth of calories and will make you earn your rest that night.

You MUST have hiking boots—no tennis/running shoes or other inappropriate footwear.

Event Intensity Level and Safety

This hike is Intensity Level 4. Read a full description of all levels.

Our guides are the best in the business; an AMGA-accredited rock-climbing school based in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains, affectionately known to climbers as “The Gunks.” This company was created to help aspiring climbers learn how to climb safely while fostering a sense of awareness about the natural environments that climbers visit.
Our climbing guides provide an introduction to the vertical environment for beginners, and help experienced climbers hone their skills and pick up a few more. Our guides are highly experienced professionals licensed by New York State. They have climbed extensively throughout North America as well as in some of the finest crags around the world.

Event Details

Bring Lunch and two liters water (minimum per person); thermos of soup or hot cocoa is a great idea too. Extra socks.
Wear Comfortable athletic clothing, jacket, hiking boots, . HIking poles, if you have them.
Departure time 8:00 AM. Please arrive at 7:45 AM for check-in. Please check weekend subway schedules! Our trips leave on time.
Departure Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway—meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3).
Return Time Approximately 6:30 PM.
Please note: Please heed our advice on footwear: NO tennis shoes or running shoes. Proper hiking boots are required, preferably lined with Gore-Tex. This trail is very steep and is all loose shale, making for challenging footing. If you come prepared, you maximize your fun factor.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Overview

Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

Activity

How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
Distances

You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
Surfaces

What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
Elevation Change

The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
Altitude

The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

Activity

You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.
Distances

For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.
Elevation Change

There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.
Altitude

Less than 3,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

Activity

You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.
Distances

Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.
Elevation Change

There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

Activity

We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.
Distances

Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
Surfaces

We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.
Elevation Change

There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

Activity

You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.
Distances

Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.
Surfaces

These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.
Altitude

From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

Activity

You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.
Distances

You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.
Surfaces

On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.
Altitude

Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.

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