Discover the Natural Splendor of Indian Head Wilderness
Explore the breathtaking Indian Head Wilderness in Elka Park, NY—an idyllic destination for hiking, wildlife watching, and serene nature experiences.
Nestled in the heart of New York, Indian Head Wilderness is a breathtaking natural retreat perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable experience for tourists seeking adventure and tranquility.
A brief summary to Indian Head Wilderness
- Elka Park, New York, 12427, US
- +1518-408-5850
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the rugged terrain safely.
- Check local weather conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning views and wildlife encounters.
Getting There
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Car
Begin your journey in Hunter Mountain, NY. Head southeast on NY-23A towards Tannersville. Continue on NY-23A for about 3.5 miles. Turn left onto County Route 16 (also known as Elka Park Road) and follow it for approximately 2 miles until you reach Elka Park. The entrance to Indian Head Wilderness is located near the intersection of County Route 16 and the access road leading into the wilderness area. Parking may be available along the roadside or at designated parking areas.
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Public Transportation
If you are using public transportation, take a bus from Hunter Mountain to Tannersville. The bus service is provided by the Catskill Mountain Express. Once in Tannersville, you can either arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to Elka Park. The ride should take about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they may vary by season. The taxi fare can range from $15-$25 depending on the service.
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Hiking
If you're already at Elka Park and are ready to hike into the Indian Head Wilderness, you can start your hike from the marked trailheads. Look for signs indicating the trail leading into the wilderness area. The main trails are well-maintained, but be sure to bring a trail map or download one from the New York State DEC website before you go. Always carry enough water and snacks for your hike.
Discover more about Indian Head Wilderness
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bearsville Theater
8.4 km
Discover the artistic heart of Woodstock at Bearsville Theater, where live performances and community spirit come together in a historic setting.
Hotel Lilien
8.8 km
Discover comfort and charm at Hotel Lilien, your perfect retreat in Tannersville, surrounded by the stunning Catskill Mountains.
Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café
9.0 km
Explore Tannersville's Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café for an unforgettable blend of American cuisine, antiques, and live music in a cozy atmosphere.
Melour Resort
9.2 km
Discover the tranquil charm of Melour Resort in Tannersville, NY, a perfect retreat in the heart of the Catskills for families and couples.
Hotel Mountain Brook
9.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tannersville, NY at Hotel Mountain Brook, your perfect retreat in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.
Southwest Hunter Mountain
10.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and adventure of Southwest Hunter Mountain, a stunning peak in New York's Catskill Mountains offering year-round outdoor activities.
Hunter Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark
11.0 km
Discover the elegant comfort and stunning natural beauty of Hunter Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark, your perfect getaway in the Catskill Mountains.
Scribner's Catskill Lodge
11.1 km
Experience the allure of the Catskills at Scribner's Catskill Lodge, where rustic charm meets modern luxury amid breathtaking natural beauty.
Prospect
11.1 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and vibrant bar culture at Prospect in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, perfect for every traveler.
Jagerberg Beer Hall and Tavern
11.9 km
Discover the charm of Jagerberg Beer Hall and Tavern, where local brews meet hearty cuisine in the heart of Hunter, NY.
Deer Mountain Inn
11.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville, NY – a perfect blend of fine dining, cozy accommodations, and breathtaking outdoor adventures.
Board Room at Hunter Mtn
12.0 km
Experience the best of snowboarding at the Board Room at Hunter Mountain, your go-to shop for gear, advice, and community.
Kaatskill Mountain Club
12.0 km
Experience the charm of Kaatskill Mountain Club, your gateway to outdoor adventure and relaxation in the stunning Catskill Mountains.
Van Winkles
12.0 km
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Manhattan in the Mountains
12.9 km
Experience outdoor adventures and family fun at Manhattan in the Mountains, nestled in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains of New York.
Unmissable attractions to see
Twin Mountain
1.4 km
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Indian Head Mountain
1.8 km
Explore Indian Head Mountain, a stunning peak in the Catskills, offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating hiking experience for nature lovers.
Devil's Path Trail
3.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and adventure of the Devil's Path Trail in Elka Park, NY, a challenging hike among the stunning Catskill Mountains.
Plateau Mountain
4.1 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures that await at Plateau Mountain in the heart of the Catskills, New York.
Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
4.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and serene trails of Platte Clove Preserve, a hidden gem in the Catskills ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Overlook Mountain House ruins
4.5 km
Explore the historic ruins of Overlook Mountain House in Bearsville, NY, where adventure meets the echoes of the past amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Overlook Mountain Wild Forest
4.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Overlook Mountain Wild Forest in Bearsville, NY, where stunning views and rich history await every nature lover.
Overlook Mountain
4.8 km
Discover Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, NY for breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and a perfect blend of adventure and nature's beauty.
KTD - Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
4.9 km
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Kaaterskill High Peak
7.0 km
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Devils Tombstone Campground
7.5 km
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Woodstock Artists Association & Museum
8.3 km
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Kaaterskill Wild Forest
8.8 km
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Fawn's Leap
9.5 km
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Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head (no parking here)
10.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Garden Cafe Woodstock
8.3 km
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SILVIA
8.4 km
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Catskill Mountain Pizza Co
8.5 km
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Nat's Mountain House
8.8 km
Discover mouthwatering dishes and breathtaking views at Nat's Mountain House in Tannersville - your perfect dining getaway.
Tabla
9.0 km
Experience exquisite dining at Tabla in Tannersville – where culinary artistry meets local flavors in an inviting atmosphere.
Red Onion
9.0 km
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Pancho Villa's
9.0 km
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in Tannersville at Pancho Villa's - where vibrant flavors meet warm hospitality.
Jessie's Harvest House
9.1 km
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Hunter Tavern
11.0 km
Discover authentic Catskill cuisine at Hunter Tavern - where local flavors meet warm hospitality amidst stunning mountain views.
The Pines
13.4 km
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Catskill Rose Lodging & Dining
13.6 km
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One More Time Tavern Bar & Grill
13.7 km
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Catamount Restaurant
14.4 km
Experience the best of American cuisine amidst breathtaking scenery at Catamount Restaurant in Mt. Tremper.
Phoenicia Diner
15.0 km
Experience the best breakfast and brunch in the Catskills at Phoenicia Diner – where local flavors meet classic comfort food.
The LOT at Phoenicia Diner
15.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Walkabout
8.2 km
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Modern Mythology
8.3 km
Explore Modern Mythology in Woodstock, NY, where unique gifts and local artistry come together in a charming boutique experience.
Dig Woodstock
8.3 km
Explore unique women's fashion at Dig Woodstock, a charming clothing store reflecting the artistic spirit of the iconic Woodstock, NY.
Sparkle
8.3 km
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Woodstock Emporium & Holiday Haus
8.3 km
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Shop Little House
8.3 km
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Atelier OM
8.4 km
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Rustic Mountain
9.0 km
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SUNDRY.
9.1 km
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giggle
9.6 km
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Elevated Wine & Spirits
10.5 km
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Hunter Mountain Retail and Tune Shop
11.8 km
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Hunter Country Store
12.0 km
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Fellow Mountain Cafe
12.6 km
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Phoenix Web Free Store, Maker's Space, & Artist Shop
12.8 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Colony
8.1 km
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PUB
8.3 km
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Station Bar & Curio
8.3 km
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Pearl Moon Woodstock
8.5 km
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Slopes Bar and Restaurant
9.1 km
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Ronnie Mac Gregor's Pub
12.0 km
Discover the inviting ambiance and delicious fare at Ronnie Mac Gregor's Pub, a must-visit spot in Hunter, NY for an authentic local experience.
Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company
14.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of handcrafted brews and Italian cuisine at Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company in the heart of Catskill, New York.
The Dutch
15.6 km
Discover The Dutch in Saugerties: a gastropub blending local flavors with crafted beers, perfect for culinary adventures in the heart of New York.
The Partition Bar
15.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Partition Bar in Saugerties, NY, where great food, craft cocktails, and local culture come together.
Pig Bar
15.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American grill cuisine at Pig Bar, your go-to spot in Saugerties for great food and a lively atmosphere.
Hurley Mountain Inn
21.7 km
Experience the authentic taste of America at Hurley Mountain Inn, where great food meets a lively sports bar atmosphere in the heart of Hurley, NY.
Stockade Tavern
22.2 km
Discover the cozy ambiance and delightful flavors of Stockade Tavern, a must-visit bar in Kingston, NY, perfect for relaxation and local craft brews.
Mulligan's Pub
22.5 km
Experience the warmth of Mulligan's Pub in Windham, NY, where delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.
Tap House Grille
23.5 km
Experience the best of Windham dining at Tap House Grille, where delicious food meets a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the Catskills.
The Tipp Tavern
23.5 km
Discover the warmth of Irish hospitality and a lively atmosphere at The Tipp Tavern in Windham, NY, where every meal is a celebration.