Devil's Path landscape

Photo: Photo by Moriah Wolfe on Unsplash

Devil's Path

~2 days · 22 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance22 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain8,061 ft
Gain / mile366 ft
High point3,885 ft
Difficulty index39/100

What the Devil's Path is known for

Often called the toughest trail in the East — a relentless Catskills traverse over Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, and West Kill, dropping into steep notches between every summit.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Devil's Path on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,814 ft to 3,819 ft over 22 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 8.5 mi · 38%
  • Downhill 8.8 mi · 40%
  • Flat 4.8 mi · 22%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Devil's Path?

39 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Devil's Path scores 39/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Devil's Path take?

Most backpackers hike the Devil's Path in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 22 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Devil's Path?

The Devil's Path climbs roughly 8,061 ft total — about 366 ft per mile, topping out near 3,885 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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