West Kill Mountain: A Classic Catskills Climb with Big Payoff Views
Hiking West Kill Mountain via Diamond Notch Trail and Devil’s Path: Waterfalls, Big Views, and a Catskills 3500 Challenge Peak
Looking for a steep and scenic hike in the Catskills? Tackle West Kill Mountain via Diamond Notch Trail and Devil’s Path from Spruceton for a 7-mile round trip with waterfalls, panoramic views from Buck Ridge Lookout, and one of the best summit experiences in New York’s Catskill Park.
There’s something about the hikes along the Devil’s Path that always gets your attention. We think it's just that hikes along the Devil’s Path delivers some of the best hiking in the Catskills.
We’ve hiked West Kill Mountain many times in the past, as part of a Devil’s Path traverse, a Catskill 3500 effort, or as a mountain on it’s own - but it’s one that we had never made a video for. We finally got a chance to tackle it in the late afternoon on the July 4th weekend. Since it’s such a traditionally busy weekend and we are Team Late Start, we figured a 3pm start would mean that most folks would be walking out and we’d have the mountain mostly to ourselves. We were right! While it was a bit of a challenge to find a parking spot at the Spruceton Valley Trailhead parking areas, we did and we were able to get out and start enjoying the hike.
West Kill Mountain Trail Description from Spruceton Trailhead
Hiking West Kill Mountain from the Spruceton Trailhead is a roughly 7 mile in and out hike with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain along the way. Parking is available in two lots. The first is the largest and on the left as you drive up Spruceton Road. This lot provides access to the Spruceton Trail to Hunter Mountain and the bushwhack to Rusk Mountain. You can also park here and walk up Spruceton Road to the Diamond Notch Trail which begins at the end of Spruceton Road. Just before the turn around at the end of of the road (no parking in turnaround) there’s a smaller parking on the right.
Trailhead to Diamond Notch Falls
We started our hike at the Spruceton Trailhead, following the mellow Diamond Notch Trail as it climbs gently through the forest along the West Kill. The first part of this trail is deceivingly calm — a good warm-up and a chance to stretch the legs before the real climbing begins. Along the way you’ll pass by numerous cascades in the West Kill and it’s a really nice walk to Diamond Notch Falls.
In just under a mile, you reach Diamond Notch Falls, a beautiful double waterfall tumbling into a rocky gorge. We lingered here for a bit, soaking in the sound of the water and enjoying the waterfall view, before crossing the bridge and continuing to the 2nd junction with the Devil’s Path (the first is just before the bridge and provides access to Hunter Mountain).
Climbing the Devil’s Path from Diamond Notch Falls
Once you hit the Devil’s Path, the trail mood shifts gears. Fast. The climb up West Kill is steep and unrelenting in places, with classic Catskills terrain: loose rock, roots, ledges, and just enough mud to make it fun. But it’s also beautiful — shaded by big evergreen trees, peppered with lichen and fern covered boulders, and blissfully quiet.
The trail climbs very steeply for about a mile from Diamond Notch Falls, until you reach the ridgeline that will eventually take you to the summit of West Kill and the Buck Ridge Lookout. You’ll know when you reach the ridge because the trail, while not level, is a much less unrelenting climb and it even includes some downs before you reach the final rise which holds the Buck Ridge Lookout and the summit of West Kill Mountain.
Buck Ridge Lookout: A View Worth Every Step
Just before the summit, the trail levels out briefly and leads to an open rock ledge known as Buck Ridge Lookout. This is the real reward — a sweeping Catskills panorama that stretches from the valleys below to the high peaks of the Burroughs Range in the distance.
We dropped our packs, grabbed a snack, and took our time. This is a view that invites you to stay awhile. Whether you're a 3500 club peakbagger or just out for a good day on trail, the Buck Ridge Lookout delivers in every season.
Summit and Return
The true summit of West Kill Mountain (3,898 feet) sits just beyond the lookout, tucked quietly into the forest. Unlike almost all other Catskills summits, the top of West Kill Mountain is marked with a summit sign.
We retraced our steps back down the Devil’s Path, crossed over Diamond Notch Falls once more, and returned to the trailhead with tired legs and lots of sweat. This is a hike that never disappoints.
West Kill Mountain via Diamond Notch Trail and Devil’s Path Trail Stats and Summary
🧭 Trailhead: Spruceton Road (End of County Route 6) (Google Maps)
🥾 Distance: 7 miles round-trip
📈 Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft
⚠️ Difficulty: Strenuous - Very steep mile from Diamond Notch Falls to summit ridge
🗺️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
Find out more about hiking West Kill Mountain via the Diamond Notch and Devil’s Path from Spruceton
You can find out more about hiking West Kill Mountain here:
Hiking the Catskills: Explore all that the Catskills have to offer for hiking adventures on our Hiking the Catskills page.
Additional Catskill Park information is available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper) on the Web, Facebook, Instagram, and in person.
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Hikes near West Kill Mountain
Gear we used on the hike to West Kill Mountain:
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of trail can be steep and rocky, others can be muddy, so use caution and always watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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