Hiking Shelters & Lean-Tos
This collection features traditional Adirondack-style lean-tos and rustic shelters situated throughout New York’s Catskill Park. These three-sided structures offer essential overnight refuge for backpackers on major routes like the Devil’s Path, the Escarpment Trail, and the Finger Lakes Trail. Many are located near high-altitude summits, fire towers, or remote water sources like Trout Pond and Echo Lake. Each site typically includes a stone fire ring and space for primitive camping, providing strategic stopping points for multi-day treks across the park's rugged terrain.
Trout Pond South Lean-To
Situated at the southern end of Trout Pond, this shelter is accessible via the Trout Pond Trail from Russell Brook Road.
Campbell Mountain Lean-To
Located on the Campbell Mountain Trail, this site forms part of the Finger Lakes Trail system in the western Catskills.
Trout Pond North Lean-To
Positioned near the northern shore of Trout Pond along the Mud Pond-Trout Pond hiking loop.
Pelnor Hollow Lean-To
A remote three-sided shelter located on the Pelnor Hollow Trail, accessible from the Berry Brook Road trailhead.
Quick Lake Lean-To
Located deep within the Willowemoc Wild Forest along the Quick Lake Trail near the site of a former ranger cabin.
Balsam Lake Mountain Lean-To
Located at 3,315 feet, this shelter serves hikers climbing toward the Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower.
Tremper Mountain Lean-To
Situated near the summit of Mount Tremper, providing access to the historic fire tower and views of the Esopus Valley.
Devil's Acre Lean-To
Located on the Devil's Path between Hunter and Southwest Hunter mountains, near the site of an old logging camp.
Diamond Notch Lean-To
Positioned at the junction of the Diamond Notch and Devil's Path trails, adjacent to Diamond Notch Falls.
Echo Lake Lean-To
Set on the shores of Echo Lake in the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, accessible via the Overlook Trail.
Rider Hollow Shelter
Located at the Rider Hollow trailhead, providing a base for climbing Balsam and Haynes mountains.
Mink Hollow Lean-to
A strategic stop on the Devil's Path, situated in the notch between Sugarloaf and Plateau mountains.
John Robb Lean-To
Located at 3,460 feet on the western ridge of Hunter Mountain, offering proximity to the fire tower and Spruceton Trail.
Batavia Kill Lean-To
Situated on the Escarpment Trail near the Blackhead Range, serving as a key junction for the Big Hollow trailhead.
Terrace Mountain Lean-To
Located on a spur trail off the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail, providing a ridge-top camping spot near Wittenberg Mountain.
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