Indian Head Mountain, Mountain summit in Catskill Mountains, New York, US.
Indian Head Mountain is a summit in the Catskill Mountains of New York, featuring a steep cliff face on its eastern side and two distinct knolls at the top. The peak sits within a forested ridge system and is reached by foot trails that vary in difficulty.
The land around this peak was incorporated into New York's Catskill State Park during the 19th century, when the state began setting aside forested land for public use. That decision has kept the area open and largely undeveloped ever since.
The mountain's name comes from how European settlers read the shape of the eastern cliffs, seeing in them the profile of a human head. Hikers today often stop at certain points on the trail below to try to make out that same silhouette for themselves.
Weather in the Catskills can shift quickly at higher elevations, so sturdy footwear and a rain layer are worth carrying. The rocky sections near the top can become slippery after rain, so take your time on those stretches.
When seen from certain lower vantage points, the two summit knolls and the cliff face together form the outline of a human head in profile. Many hikers only notice this once someone points it out, which makes spotting it a small but memorable moment on the trail.
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