Location and surroundings
Evergreen Mountain is a peak in the Central Catskills, part of the Catskill Mountains, the Appalachian Plateau and the broader Appalachian Mountains. It is in Greene County, New York, in the United States. Within its local group it is the 17th highest of 43 named peaks, so it sits in the middle of a fairly crowded high-country landscape rather than standing alone.
The mountain lies north of Spruceton. Around it, slopes drain toward Herdman Brook on the southeast side, while West Kill runs westward south of the mountain and the Schoharie Creek flows eastward to the north. That setting suggests a wooded ridge-and-valley environment typical of the Catskills, with short, steep drainage lines and rounded uplands.
Neighbouring peaks
- Rusk Mountain — 1,123 m, 2.8 km SE; the nearest higher peak.
- East Rusk — 1,106 m, 4.1 km E.
- Saint Anne's Peak — 1,043 m, 4.6 km S.
- West Kill Mountain — 1,188 m, 5.1 km S.
- North Dome — 1,099 m, 5.4 km SW.
- Colonels Chair — 975 m, 6.5 km E.
- Mount Sherrill — 1,084 m, 6.7 km SW.
- Balsam Mountain — 1,022 m, 7.3 km SW.
Evergreen Mountain is lower than most of these nearby summits, especially the higher Catskill peaks to the south and southwest. Its closest higher neighbour is Rusk Mountain, only 2.8 km away, which means the local skyline rises quickly in several directions.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks are led by Slide Mountain at 1,275 m, 24.5 km to the south. Hunter Mountain, at 1,228 m, lies 7.4 km to the southeast and is the highest peak of the Central Catskills. Other major summits in range are Black Dome to the northeast, Cornell Mountain to the south, Plateau Mountain to the southeast and Sugarloaf Mountain to the southeast.
From Evergreen Mountain, the broader Catskill high country is close enough that several of the region’s better-known peaks fall within a single day’s view on clear days. The most prominent directions are south, southeast and northeast, where the higher ridges and summits frame the horizon.
The range
Evergreen Mountain belongs to the Central Catskills, a subrange of the Catskill Mountains in the Appalachian Plateau and the wider Appalachian Mountains. The Central Catskills contain 43 named peaks, and Evergreen Mountain ranks 17th by elevation among them.
The highest peak of the Central Catskills is Hunter Mountain at 1,228 m, about 7 km to the southeast. That makes Evergreen Mountain a mid-ranked summit in a range where the tallest peaks are concentrated not far away, especially toward the southeast.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 17 °C, and coldest in January, at about -8 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit usually extend from April through November. The surrounding area receives about 1,250 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in June at about 125 mm and the driest in January at about 75 mm.
In the Catskills, weather can change quickly with cloud, wind, rain and winter snow. Higher ridges are often cooler and wetter than nearby valleys, and in cold months ice can linger on shaded slopes and in drainage lines. Summer thunderstorms and wet rock are common hazards, while shoulder seasons can bring fog and sudden temperature drops.
Best time to visit
At summit level, the months with mean temperatures above freezing are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. For most visitors, late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable conditions, with longer daylight and less snow cover than in winter. The drier part of the year is generally the colder season, with January the driest month in the surrounding area.
Even in the warmer months, the Catskills can be damp and cool on exposed ridges, so a visit should be planned for changeable weather. In winter and early spring, snow, ice and poor visibility can make travel slower and more demanding than the elevation alone might suggest.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a forested part of the Catskills where mixed hardwood and conifer woods are typical at this elevation, with denser spruce-fir cover on cooler upper slopes and in sheltered hollows. Mossy ground, rocky outcrops and wet drainage lines are common in this kind of terrain, especially where streams cut down from the ridge.
Wildlife in the region commonly includes deer, black bear, smaller mammals and a range of woodland birds. In the higher Catskills, animals and plants are shaped by cool summers, snowy winters and frequent moisture, so hikers should expect muddy trails in wet periods and slippery surfaces after rain or thaw.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Evergreen Mountain, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful in winter, in poor visibility or for anyone unfamiliar with Catskill terrain. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the United States include RMI Expeditions in Washington and Exum Mountain Guides in Wyoming. Guided outings usually depend on trip length, group size, weather and equipment needs. For this mountain, there is no special permit rule tied to the summit itself.
Safety and preparation
Evergreen Mountain is not extremely high, but the Catskills still demand proper footwear, weather layers and enough food and water for a full day. Wet forest, steep drainage lines and winter ice can make progress slower than expected, and navigation can be harder when cloud or snow reduces visibility. In colder months, traction and winter clothing may be necessary.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system. Carry a charged phone, tell someone your plan and download maps before setting out.
Interesting facts
Evergreen Mountain is the 17th highest of 43 named peaks in the Central Catskills. Its nearest higher peak is Rusk Mountain, 2.8 km to the southeast. The highest peak of the subrange, Hunter Mountain, lies about 7 km away, also to the southeast.
The mountain sits between drainage toward Herdman Brook, West Kill and the Schoharie Creek, which places it in a landscape shaped by short, steep watersheds. That setting is typical of the Catskills, where ridges and valleys are closely packed and neighbouring summits are often only a few kilometres apart.
FAQ
How high is Evergreen Mountain? It rises to 1,027 m.
Where is Evergreen Mountain? It is in Greene County, New York, in the United States, north of Spruceton.
What range is Evergreen Mountain part of? It belongs to the Central Catskills, within the Catskill Mountains, the Appalachian Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains.
What is the nearest higher peak? Rusk Mountain, at 1,123 m, is 2.8 km to the southeast.
Is there water on the way to Evergreen Mountain? The slopes drain toward Herdman Brook, and nearby waters include West Kill and the Schoharie Creek. Even so, carry your own supply; for a day out in this terrain, 1.5–3 litres is a sensible range depending on heat and distance.
What is the weather like on the mountain? The summit is about 17 °C in July and about -8 °C in January, with the wettest month around June and the driest around January.
How should I prepare for mobile coverage? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground it may be better, but in valleys and behind ridges it often fails. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.