MEDUSA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hike the Devil’s Path: Six Summits, One Relentless Day in the Great Northern Catskills
A rigorously guided outing on the legendary Devil’s Path — choose a section or attempt multiple summits over a rugged, photo‑rich route designed and supported by Upstate Hiking.
Hike the Devil’s Path: Six Summits, One Relentless Day in the Great Northern Catskills.
Crossing six summits and running more than 20 miles through the Great Northern Catskills, the Devil’s Path is a famously rugged route of steep climbs, exposed scrambles and dramatic viewpoints. Guided by Upstate Hiking, this outing pairs local route knowledge with on‑trail support so you can sample the trail’s waterfalls, cliffs, meadows and quarries while the guide helps match the day’s plan to your experience level.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Six summits across the Devil’s Path
The trail crosses six named summits — Indian Head, Twin Mountain, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Westkill and Hunter — and can be done in sections or combined into a longer, demanding day that surpasses 20 miles of rugged terrain.
Tough terrain and technical scrambles
Expect significant elevation change, exposed scrambles and sections that require upper‑body strength and careful footwork; the route’s difficulty is why many parties opt for guided support or to tackle the path in separate sections.
Views, features and creative photo opportunities
Between the summits you’ll pass waterfalls, cliffs, meadows and quarries — terrain that affords dramatic viewpoints and creative photography opportunities that the guide will point out and document throughout the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a day of sustained effort and close attention: steep approaches give way to exposed ridgelines and technical scrambles, then brief stretches of trail that let you breathe and take in views from summits that climb above 3,500 feet. The guide tailors the route to your goals, offers technique feedback, and captures candid and posed photos as you move along the path.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical guided outings run 6–10 hours; routes can be shorter or longer depending on which summits or sections are chosen.
Trips accommodate up to six hikers and require participants to be age 18 or older.
Sturdy closed‑toed shoes, water, snacks, a light jacket, hat and sunscreen. A backpack and some items (bug spray, rain gear, backpack) can be provided by the operator if needed; trekking poles are optional.
Guides provide trail navigation, technique feedback, candid and posed photography, light snacks and a small summit picnic; parking or trail admission fees are handled by the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the guided outing?
Guided Devil’s Path outings are typically 6–10 hours, though the duration depends on the route and summits chosen.
How difficult is the trail?
The Devils’s Path is known for rugged terrain, steep elevation changes and technical scrambles; prior hiking experience and upper‑body strength for some sections are strongly encouraged.
What is the minimum age and group size limit?
Participants must be at least 18 years old; guided trips can accommodate up to six hikers.
Will a guide be with us and what do they provide?
Yes — the operator provides a licensed guide who offers trail guidance, technique feedback, on‑trail photography, light snacks and a small summit picnic, plus handling parking or admission fees.
What gear do I need to bring?
Bring sturdy, closed‑toed shoes, water, snacks, personal medications, a light jacket, hat and sunscreen; backpacks and some items (bug spray, rain gear) can be lent if needed, and trekking poles are optional.
Can I attempt the entire Devil’s Path in one day?
Some parties attempt multiple summits in a single, grueling day, but many hikers choose sections; if you plan the full route, combining it with one or more nights of camping is recommended.