Where is Panther Mountain?

The Panther Mountain circular feature is located in New York's Catskill Mountains, about 100 miles north of New York City. There is no visitor center for the circular feature, but drivers can tour most of its perimeter. The rest is accessible by state hiking trails. Get to Panther Mountain by taking the New York State Thruway to Kingston, New York. Go west on Route 28 for about 25 miles. Just past Phoenicia, you will see signs for Woodland Valley, which indicate you have arrived at the circular feature.

At this point, you may turn left at the Woodland Valley Inn and follow Woodland Valley Road along the slightly irregular eastern side of the circle. Otherwise, continue on Route 28, which follows the crater rim for several miles. At Big Indian, turn left, following signs for Oliverea. This road follows the upper Esopus Creek and the western half of the circle. In the exposed bedrock of the upper reaches of the Esopus Creek, one can see the closer-than-normal spacing of joints, or cracks, which has led to the formation of the circular valley.

Farther on, the road leaves the circle at a hairpin turn. At this point there is a parking area and trailhead. The trail system offers an excellent ridgeline hike across the circle from south to north. Follow signs for Giant Ledge, a cliff on the way to the summit that offers views to the east. Another branch of the trail crosses over into Woodland Valley.