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A long out-and-back that mixes steep and easy trail sections. Trailhead info at bottom of this post.

Hiking Trail Description

The hike to Wittenberg and Cornell is long and tiring but intensely rewarding. This out-and-back route mixes steep trail and tricky scrambles with some of the remotest and most beautiful Catskill wilderness.

The first part of the hike is a mix of steep and gentle grades until you get to 2250’ when the trail levels out for a while.

Follow the red-blazed trail . It’s a long hike in to the first junction but, along the way, you’ll hike through beautiful forest and pass many dramatic rock outcroppings.

You’ll see why this is such a popular hike. Lots of hemlock and pine. Lots of dappled light. Some tricky, technical bits to work through. And then two of the best views in The Catskills.

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Table of Contents

Wittenberg/Cornell Hike Time

Wittenberg/Cornell Elevation Gain

Wittenberg/Cornell Trail Notes & Gallery

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Wittenberg/Cornell Hiking Trail

The Wittenberg/Cornell hiking trail includes…

Stream crossing

Steep climbs

Very old hemlock stands

Stunning trail

Tricky rock scrambles

Stunning views

Bragging rights

A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 20 breathtaking photos .

Wittenberg/Cornell Hike Time

Allow 5-7 hours for this hike.

Wittenberg/Cornell Elevation Gain

The elevation gain for this hike is 2850 feet (apx 870 meters).

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Wittenberg/Cornell Trail Notes & Gallery

The parking area at Woodland Valley is on the opposite side of the road from where this hike begins. Exit the lot, cross the road heading south and left toward the trailhead sign that says, “Wittenberg Mt 3.9”.

At the first junction , turn right. The second junction is only ⅕ mile after the first. Again, turn right.

The next mile or so is mostly a fairly steep ascent through dense forest to Wittenberg’s summit. But so beautiful…

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Want a challenging beautiful hike? Try the Eastern Devil’s Path or Burroughs Loop .

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Wittenberg & Cornell from Woodland Valley Trailhead

Park on the north side of the road. The trail to Wittenberg is on the south side of the road.

Google Maps Location: 42.036109, -74.358244

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

You’ll only have cell service while very high on these ridges. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

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The parent mountain for this hike is Wittenberg .