The summit of Hunter Mountain can be reached via six different trailheads. Half of these trailheads are located on, or just off State Route 214 between Phoenicia and the village of Hunter. Two of the trails, Becker Hollow and Notch Lake, are profiled below. The other trail (blue-blazed Diamond Notch Trail) begins at the end of Diamond Notch Road in Lanesville.

The trail leaving from Notch Lake is the red-blazed Devil's Path heading west. This route climbs over 1,000' in the first mile. It is a very interesting route for more experienced hikers. Many rock ledges will need to be traversed if you choose this route. To see the trail profile from Notch Lake, click here.

The northern most trailhead along 214 traverses Becker Hollow. This is the shortest route to the summit (2.3 miles), however it is also the steepest. This blue-blazed trail joins a yellow-blazed spur trail just prior to the summit. To see a trail profile of this trail, traversing Becker Hollow, click here.

Your other three options to reach the tower are to are much different. You can follow the yellow-blazed Colonel's Chair Trail from the top of the ski lift at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl which connects to the blue-blazed Spruceton Trail. Another option is to take the Spruceton Trail from its beginning, along Spruceton Hollow Road (Greene County Route 6). This is a moderate 3.4-mile hike to the tower, which passes two great lookout points at the John Robb Lean-to and then again a half-mile later. A sixth option is to park at the end of Greene County Route 6, and follow the blue Diamond Notch Trail until it joins the red-blazed Devil's Path heading east. You will need to follow the yellow-blazed Hunter Mountain Trail once you reach Devil's Acre Lean-to in order to reach the summit. This is a moderate-difficult hike between 4.5 - 5 miles in length.