There is nothing like a sunset hike! Watching the sun drop down after you reach the summit is a reward like no other.
During our weekend in the Catskills, we wanted to do a sunset hike and settled on the perfect one for our family.
The hike to Artists Rock and Sunset Rock at the North-South Lake Campground is an ideal sunset hike in the Catskills. It features some gorgeous vistas (both to the east and, of course, the west) and is an overall fun trail.
The guide below shares everything you need to prepare for this fantastic New York sunset hike, including trail information and the gear you’ll need to be safe.
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The Best Sunset Hike in the Catskills
There aren’t too many options for sunset hikes in the Catskills. Many hikes are strenuous or too long for a good sunset hike. However, the hike to Sunset Rock via the Escarpment Trail in the North-South Lake Campground is the perfect sunset hike in the Catskills.
The hike to Sunset Rock has everything you want in a sunset hike. First, the summit faces west. Next, the trail is enjoyable to climb but easy enough to still navigate in the dark (with headlamps and flashlights). And lastly, it’s short enough so you won’t have to hike in the dark for too long.
This hike would be fun to do at any time of day and is one of the best things to do in the Catskills. But we think it’s best done at sunset. It’s also not too far from other popular hikes in the area, like Kaaterskill Falls, so you can do a morning hike, recover at your hotel room or home rental, and then head back out for the evening.
Preparing For Your Catskills Sunset Hike
Items to Bring
It’s always best to be prepared for any hike. This is what we recommend for your sunset hike in the Catskills:
- Headlamp and Flashlight: To see where you are going when it starts to get dark. Make sure it’s freshly charged, or bring backup batteries with you. We prefer headlamps to keep your hands free.
- Shoes: The trail to Artist Rock and Sunset Rock is rocky and steep in sections. As always, we recommend sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers.
- Water Bottles: This hike isn’t too long, but it’s always good to have enough water with you.
- Bug Spray and Sunscreen: Mosquitoes and gnats can be in full force, depending on the time of year. A good insect repellant will make the hike more pleasant. And for some reason, mosquitoes seem to be worse at night!
- Clothing: It might cool down after the sunsets, so bring some layers.
- Snacks: To enjoy as you watch the sun go down.
- Hand sanitizer / Hand Wipes: You never know when you need to wipe down! Especially before eating.
- Bandages: You’re more likely to trip and fall when it gets dark, even using flashlights. It’s always good to have some bandages or even a small first-aid kit on hand.
- Backpack: To carry everything in. I prefer one with side pockets to hold the water bottles and a front pocket to hold the wipes and bandages. But you can use whatever you own.
- Detailed Map: There are many signs along the trail directing you, but it’s always good to have a map. This one from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is the best we’ve found.
Fees and Parking Information for Artists Rock and Sunset Rock Hike
To access the trail to this beautiful sunset hike in New York, you’ll have to park at the North-South Lake Campground at 825 N Lake Road in Hunter, New York. To enter the campground as a day guest, there is a $10 fee per vehicle.
For the best access to the trail, park at the day-use parking lot along North Lake. You can make the most of your day pass by swimming in the lake or renting a boat before you head out on your sunset hike. There is a lot to do at the campground!
Visitor Tip: You must be back at your car by 9 pm, so you’ll have a limited time after the sunset in the early summer to finish your hike. Plan accordingly! (And always double-check the time at the entrance. It might be different depending on the season. We visited over Memorial Day Weekend.)
Be a Responsible Visitor
Sunset hikes like these are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels) and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Sunset Hike to Artists Rock and Sunset Rock in the Catskills
| Trail Location: | North-South Lake Campground (There is a fee to enter the campground to access the trails) |
| Trail Length: | To Artists Rock is about .8 miles out-and-back Sunset Rock (where you’ll watch the sunset) is about 2 miles out and back. |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate with some steep and rocky sections |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 350 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
The trailhead to Artists Rock and Sunset Rock is next to the parking lot. There are bathrooms next to the lot (or porta-potty if the bathrooms are closed).
Follow the Yellow Trail to the Blue (Escarpment) Trail. There is an old fire pit where the trails cross. Continue on the Blue Trail until you reach Artists Rock (about .4 miles). From there, you can look east and see the Hudson River and the valley beyond. It’s a gorgeous view of the area.
After Artists Rock, continue on the Blue Trail. There are some fun spots along the trail with some light rock scrambling. And other sections with massive rocks towering above you.
At about the .7-mile mark, there is a sign for the Yellow Trail to Sunset Rock or to continue on the Blue Trail for Newman’s Ledge. We recommend taking the Yellow Trail to Sunset Rock for this sunset hike.
Follow that trail for about .2 miles. There are some pretty lookouts along the way, but the best is at the end! As you encounter Sunset Rock, you’ll get amazing views of the lakes below and the sun setting over the mountains.
After you enjoy the sunset, take the trail back the way you came. You might need your headlamps and flashlights at this point, as it gets dark in the woods quickly. Make sure you leave enough time to return to your vehicle before 9 pm (or the time you were told at the entrance).
Common Questions About Catskill Sunset Hikes
Where is the best place to see the sunset in the Catskills?
You have a few options to see the sunset in the Catskills. One of the best sunset hikes in the Catskills is the hike to Sunset Rock from the North-South Lake Campground. Another fun option is the hike to Overlook Mountain.
What do you wear on a sunset hike?
The most important thing to wear on a sunset hike is a headlamp so you can keep your hands free as you light the trail after the sun sets. You’ll also want to wear your normal hiking gear, including supportive shoes.
Other Hikes in the Catskills
There are some beautiful hikes in the Catskills, and many are close to this incredible sunset hike to Sunset Rock.
The trail to Kaaterskill Falls and Inspiration Point are some of the more popular ones. Another fun and unique trail nearby is Pratt Rocks.
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