Rusk Mountian Loop

This route begins and ends at the Spruceton Road parking area near the end of County Route 6 in West Kill, NY. From the trailhead, follow the Spruceton Trail for a short distance before leaving the marked path to begin the off-trail ascent to East Rusk. The bushwhack climbs steeply through mixed hardwood and spruce forest, requiring careful navigation as it follows the ridgeline toward East Rusk’s wooded summit. From there, continue west along the ridgeline toward Rusk Mountain, using natural features and elevation cues to maintain your heading. The final push to Rusk’s summit includes occasional scrambles and thick vegetation but rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding Catskill High Peaks. After tagging the summit, descend southeast to reconnect with the marked Spruceton Trail. Along the way, hikers will pass seasonal water sources and quiet stretches of forest. This rugged route combines backcountry solitude with a challenging off-trail traverse, offering a satisfying objective for experienced hikers in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness.