
The Lostkills
Bushwhacking and Hiking the Lesser-Known Catskill Peaks
Alan Via(Author)
State University of New York Press
Published on 1. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
268 pages
979-8-8558-0558-1 (ISBN)
Description
A complete guide to hiking and bushwhacking the lesser-known Catskill peaks.
The Lostkills introduces readers to a mostly unknown group of Catskill peaks on public land in addition to some lightly used trails. Alan Via refers to these places as "the Lostkills" as they include off-the-beaten-path hikes, mostly bushwhacks to smaller mountain summits. They are largely unexplored by the hiking community. The Lostkills opens with sections about map and compass usage, electronic navigation, and off-trail safety and equipment. Each hike has a rating for difficulty, bushwhack conditions, navigational challenges, views, points of interest, and a topographic map specifically designed for it. There are suggested routes with alternatives as well as the best time of year or season to hike. All hikes are written from a hiker's point of view to better prepare for what to expect, from start to summit. The result is a comprehensive guidebook that allows readers to select the bushwhack or hike that best suits them.
The Lostkills introduces readers to a mostly unknown group of Catskill peaks on public land in addition to some lightly used trails. Alan Via refers to these places as "the Lostkills" as they include off-the-beaten-path hikes, mostly bushwhacks to smaller mountain summits. They are largely unexplored by the hiking community. The Lostkills opens with sections about map and compass usage, electronic navigation, and off-trail safety and equipment. Each hike has a rating for difficulty, bushwhack conditions, navigational challenges, views, points of interest, and a topographic map specifically designed for it. There are suggested routes with alternatives as well as the best time of year or season to hike. All hikes are written from a hiker's point of view to better prepare for what to expect, from start to summit. The result is a comprehensive guidebook that allows readers to select the bushwhack or hike that best suits them.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
5 Figures; 30 Halftones, black and white; 90 Maps
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
580 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8558-0558-1 (9798855805581)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2026
State University of New York Press
€29.49
Available for download
Person
Alan Via is an author, outdoor enthusiast, and experienced hiker. He is the author of Doghiker: Great Hikes with Dogs from the Adirondacks through the Catskills, also by SUNY Press, and The Catskill 67: A Hiker's Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3500'. He lives in the Capital District.
Content
Foreword by Jim Hopson
1. Getting Started
Introduction
Bushwhacking and Safety Basics
Before You Begin
Before Leaving Home
Elevations
Hike Ratings
Hike Map Legend
2. Composite Peakfinder Map
3. Northern Peaks
4. Southern Peaks
5. Western Peaks
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Suggested Reading and References
Index
About the Author
1. Getting Started
Introduction
Bushwhacking and Safety Basics
Before You Begin
Before Leaving Home
Elevations
Hike Ratings
Hike Map Legend
2. Composite Peakfinder Map
3. Northern Peaks
4. Southern Peaks
5. Western Peaks
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Suggested Reading and References
Index
About the Author