The Pratt Rock trail has become a well-known hike in the Catskills. The short hike (no longer than one mile) gives you up-close views of the carvings of Pratt Rock (known as the Mount Rushmore of the Catskills) and gorgeous views of the surrounding valley.
We enjoyed this short hike while visiting the Catskills. It’s considered moderate only due to some steep sections. Otherwise, almost any hiker can enjoy this trail. You just have to be careful since the trail isn’t marked.
If you’re thinking about hiking Pratt Rock, the guide below shares everything you need to know, including parking, bathrooms, and where you’ll want to eat when you’re done!
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History of Pratt Rock
Considered the “Mount Rushmore of the Catskills,” Pratt Rock is a unique attraction commissioned by Zadock Pratt, the founder of Prattsville.
According to legend, in 1815, a young man named Andrew W. Pearse needed overnight accommodations. Zadock Pratt offered him a place to stay and, in exchange, had Pearse carve a horse into a nearby rock. After that, Pratt had other carvings made into the stone to commemorate his achievements.
Pratt Rock Trail in the Catskills: What to Know Before You Go
The Trail to Pratt Rock
The hike to Pratt Rock and the overlook isn’t too long, but it is steep in some sections. The trail is not clearly marked, but the path is obvious thanks to years of visitors. Once you reach the stone carvings, you’ll have to backtrack a bit to continue to the overlook.
Parking for Pratt Rock Hike
Pratt Rock Trailhead is right off Main Street/ NY-23, just south of downtown Prattsville in the Catskills. Google Maps was able to direct us there clearly.
The trail’s parking area is small and holds about 8-10 cars. There is no room for on-street parking, so if the lot is full, you’ll have to wait for someone to leave or try again later in the day. The trail is short, so hopefully, you won’t have to wait too long.
Amenities at Pratt Rocks
There are no bathrooms at Pratt Rock Trail. There are restrooms a half-mile down the street at the Everett Conine Memorial Field (on Google Maps at Prattsville Town Park).
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you hike to Pratt Rock, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Pratt Rock Hike
| Trail Location: | 8H5H+V3 Prattsville, New York on Main Street / Route 23. The is a small parking lot for about 10 cars at the trailhead. |
| Trail Length: | .5 miles to the rocks and back, or just over 1 mile if you take the trail to the overlook |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate due to steeper incline |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 370 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead For Pratt Rock
The trailhead to Pratt Rock is just up the hill from the parking area. Follow the worn path to the small structure. There, you can learn more about Zadock Pratt, his “Mount Rushmore” carvings, and the geology of the area.
What To Expect On the Trail
After the sign, continue to follow the worn path. The trail is not marked, but is obvious enough. It’s also a bit steep in sections.
From the lower trail, you should be able to see the carvings. As you follow the path, you’ll see two carved benches. At the second one, make a right to reach the stone carvings.
Pratt Rock Carvings
The carvings will be in the rocks on your left. You’ll see a horse carving, Zadock Pratt’s profile, a carving honoring Col. George W. Pratt, the son of Zadock Pratt, who died during the Civil War, and other symbols.
After you’ve enjoyed the carvings, you’ll want to backtrack down to the carved bench to reach the overlook.
Good to know: Some sites claim you can get to the top of the rocks by continuing past the carvings, but we didn’t find any obvious trail, so we chose to backtrack.
Trail to the Overlook at Pratt Rocks
Once you reach the original trail and the carved bench after backtracing from the carvings, make a right. From there, you’ll continue up about 2/10 miles to the overlook.
Check out the gorgeous view of the Schoharie Creek and its surrounding plains before heading back the way you came.
Pratt Rock Pet Burial Site
Before you reach the trail’s start, make a detour to the burial site of Pratt’s three horses and three dogs. The marker lists their names and ages. It’s interesting to see how much his animals meant to him!
Other Hikes Near Pratt Rock
Since you are in the Catskills, there is no shortage of beautiful hikes nearby. Within a 30-minute drive, you can do some of the most popular hikes, like the hikes to Diamond Notch Falls or Kaaterskil Falls or the gorgeous hike to Sunset Rock.
Places to Eat Near Pratt Rock
Pratt Rock is about a half-mile from downtown Prattsville, where you can find a few good eateries. You can enjoy a varied menu at the Prattsville Diner or some delicious burgers and pizza at the Prattsville Tavern.
After you eat, stop by the Zaddock Pratt Museum to learn more about the town’s founder.
Common Question About Hike
How long is the Pratt Rock hike?
The hike to the Pratt Rock carvings is about a half-mile, out and back. If you want to do the overlook, it’ll be just over a mile out and back.
Is Pratt Rock safe for kids?
The hike to Pratt Rock is perfectly safe for kids (with supervision). Although some parts of the trail are a little steep, kids of all ages shouldn’t have any difficulty completing the trail. Keep in mind that the overlook has a steep drop-off, so keep kids and pets close by.
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