Plateau Mountain (New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plateau Mountain |
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Plateau from northeast
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3840+ feet (1170+ m) |
| Prominence | 1,760 ft (540 m) |
| Parent peak | Hunter Mountain |
| Listing | Catskill High Peaks 12th |
| Geography | |
 Plateau Mountain
Location in New York
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| Location | Catskill Park, Greene County, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | Devil's Path, Catskill Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Hunter |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike via Devil's Path trail |
Plateau Mountain is a cool mountain located in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. It's found in the town of Hunter, in Greene County. This mountain is part of a famous group called the Devil's Path range.
Plateau Mountain is known for its long, flat top, which is why it's called "Plateau." This flat area, or summit ridge, stretches for about 3.2 km. The highest point on the mountain is at least 3,840 feet (1,170 m) (about 1170 meters) high.
About Plateau Mountain
Plateau Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Catskills. It ranks as the 12th-highest mountain in this range. The highest point of Plateau Mountain faces Sugarloaf Mountain to the east.
To the west of Plateau Mountain, you'll find Devils Tombstone. Also, the northwest part of Plateau Mountain faces Hunter Mountain. These mountains are separated by a deep valley called Stony Clove Notch, which is about 1,400-foot deep (430 m).
Water Flow from the Mountain
Plateau Mountain plays a role in the water system of the area. All the rain and snow that falls on the mountain eventually flows into the Hudson River. This big river then empties into New York Bay.
Water from the western slopes of Plateau Mountain flows into Stony Clove Creek. This creek then joins Esopus Creek, which eventually reaches the Hudson River. Water from the southeast part of the mountain flows into Beaver Kill. The southwest slopes drain into Warner Creek, which also connects to Stony Clove Creek.
The northeastern slopes of Plateau Mountain send their water into Schoharie Creek. This creek then flows into the Mohawk River, which also joins the Hudson River. So, water from Plateau Mountain travels a long way!
Hiking and Trails
Plateau Mountain is located inside New York's Catskill State Park. This park is a protected area where people can enjoy nature.
A very popular hiking trail called the Devil's Path goes right over the top of Plateau Mountain. This trail is known for being challenging but offers amazing views.
Another long trail, called the Long Path, also crosses Plateau Mountain. The Long Path is a huge trail, about 350-mile (560 km) long, that goes through southeastern New York. A part of this trail climbs up to the Devil's Path on Plateau Mountain. Hikers can then follow the Devil's Path east towards Indian Head Mountain.
