Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountain Trail is a 12.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenicia, New York that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
December 23, 2020Pretty tough. Snowshoes/ trail crampons or spikes definitly recommended. View from Wittenberg is awesome, not much to see on Cornell; Actually had to check the app to see if I was even on the summit.
November 27, 2020This is my new favorite hike! There are incredible views and many fun rock scrambling problems. The out-and-back trek is brutal for a day hike, but definitely worth it if you are physically capable. Do not underestimate this hike, my GPS measured 13.4 miles and 4724 ft of elevation gain. The sign at the trailhead notes that the summits of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide are 3.9, 4.7, and 7.0 miles away, respectively. Your mileage may vary. Some noteworthy viewing spots include (1) the Wittenberg summit, (2) shortly after the "Cornell crack" rock scramble problem looking back at Wittenberg, (3) a boulder with a view of Slide shortly after the Cornell summit, and (4) near the spring about 75% up to the Slide summit.
November 5, 2020October 12, 2020This is one of the best day hikes in the Catskills if done in this direction because you get to summit Wittenberg twice! I would recommend renting a campsite from Woodland Valley Campground and walking the short distance to the trailhead from your camping spot. The alternative is to pay to park at the trailhead. The initial climb up to Wittenberg is by far the toughest part of this trail. The views from Wittenberg are stunning. Once there, the trip to Cornell is easy in terms of distance but you’ll encounter many scrambles - some like the Cornell Crack are very technical! No views to be had at the summit of Cornell. On the other side of Cornell are many more technical scrambles to be wary of. There are some great views when you are coming down the west side of Cornell so make sure to watch for them! The ascent up Slide is quite easy even though the map makes it seem terrible. About 75% of the way up you’ll find a sign pointing in the direction of a spring, walk towards it to get one of the best views the Catskills have to offer. There is not really a view from Slide summit so soak this in!
September 27, 2020September 26, 2020September 26, 2020September 25, 2020September 11, 2020
September 1, 2020August 21, 2020August 21, 2020August 21, 2020Beautiful hike totally worth the hike
August 12, 2020We hiked for about 6 hours total while taking lots of breaks. On the way up, the last hour is extreme because you have to climb and it was the highlight of my hike. It was like survival kicks in and you are pushing yourself to just do it. It’s so beautiful on top. Going back again!
August 1, 2020Awesome
July 15, 2020Great hike. Trail to Wittenberg was steep with several fun scrambles along the way. Trail to Cornell was uneventful. Nice (and long) trail to Slide. Right before the final ascent to Slide, there is a great panoramic view and an amazing spring that provided me with the only source of water anywhere on the trail. Ice cold as well! I camped off the side of Wittenberg. Please note that this is not an established site, despite being labeled as one by AllTrails. It does, however, offer primitive camping with an already constructed fire pit nearby. I’d recommend the camping spots between Cornell and Slide much more so than the one I chose. Overall, 5/5, great hike!
June 27, 2020June 26, 2020I went with my cousin to complete the out and back. Wittenberg 100% has the best scenic outlook at the top. You definitely have to earn the view - make sure you’re in good shape! Also make sure you are able to climb some short rock faces between Cornell and Slide. Trails are well maintained with a few trees down you need to go over. Can’t always see a trail marker so make sure you download the map. Also make sure you get an early start as it’s at the minimum an 8 hour hike.
