Palmer Hill Loop

The Palmer Hill Trail begins from a marked trailhead off Finkle Road just outside Andes, New York, offering a rewarding ridgeline hike through a mix of open meadows and hardwood forest. The route starts with a steady, moderate climb through rolling pastureland, where hikers are immediately treated to wide-open views of the western Catskills. At a Y-intersection less than a half mile from the start, bear right to begin the main portion of the route, which winds uphill across grassy slopes before entering mixed forest. The upper section forms a short loop through denser woods, with occasional openings that frame scenic vistas to the south and east. Wildflowers are abundant in spring and early summer, and the area is popular with birdwatchers. While the trail is well-marked and generally easy to follow, portions of the route are exposed to sun and wind, especially in the open fields near the trailhead. Water is limited along the route, and ticks are common in grassy areas. In winter, the trail remains open and is accessible to hikers with snowshoes. The return follows the same route back to the trailhead, with continuous views across the valley below.