Rusk Mountain

Overview

Rusk Mountain is a mountain located in the Catskill Park of New York. At over 3500ft it qualifies as one of the Catskill 3500 Club mountains. It is the 21st highest peak in the Catskill Mountain Range. Rusk Mountain was named after Samuel Rusk who assisted Arnold Guyot in the first modern survey of the Catskills in the 1870's-1880's. Hiking to the summit Rusk mountain requires a bushwack as it is one of officially trail-less peaks of the Catskill 3500. As with most of the trail-less peaks in the Catskill 3500, there is also a canister at the summit with a register to sign in to.

Getting There

The main trailhead and most commonly used trail for this climb is the Spruceton Trail Trailhead located near the end of Spruceton RD on the left. It has a horse mounting platform. Trailhead Coordinates: N42 11.083 W74 16.305

Take the Spruceton Horse Trail towards Hunter Mtn, shortly after passing the bridge there is a hairpin turn. Bushwack up from here to the col between Rusk/East Rusk and find the herdpath that leads to the canister. Canister Coordinates: N42 12.060 W74 16.652

Red Tape

More detailed description of the route can be found elsewhere in sensitivity to those that do not want to see defined herdpaths develop on the trail-less Catskill 3500 peaks. Therefore do not flag, cut or mark trails on these mountains.

Camping

Campsite must be 150ft from trail, road or water source. No camping above 3500ft is permitted in the Catskill Park (Except in winter 12/21-3/21). No campfires above 3500ft. Full regulations can be found HERE

External Links

Catskill Hiker
Catskill Mountaineer
Catskill 3500 Club

Images

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