June 2019
Welcome to our monthly Catskill Newsletter. Here you will find useful information about a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Catskill Mountains, including events, trail updates and advisories. Enjoy!
Have a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience on the lands and waters of the Catskills. Do your part to properly plan and prepare for your outdoor adventure. Minimize the impact on the mountains and forests, rivers and streams, ponds and lakes, and the wildlife of the Catskills. Together we can preserve these lands for future generations to come.
Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch; (518)-408-5850.
Check the Backcountry Information for the Catskill web pages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions for those planning to recreate in the Catskills. Check mountain weather conditions before heading out this weekend.
This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. More information on hiking safety and what to pack.
Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check the current National Weather Service Forecast, and be prepared for the forecasted conditions, or change your plans.
Do you want to share your Catskill mountain photographs?
We want to hear from you! Submit your Catskill spring and summer photos for a chance to be featured in our Catskill Bulletin! Submissions should be sent to Stephanie.mossey@dec.ny.gov.
Catskill Visitors Center
 Visit The Catskill Visitors Center on State Route 28 in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County. This Catskill Mountain visitors center is operated by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, an Arkville, NY-based nonprofit, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Whether you're just passing through or here to stay for the summer, make us your first stop when you arrive in the Catskills - our friendly staff is here every day with all the info, maps & advice you need to plan your best Catskill adventure! From exhibits to nature trails and community events - there's something for everyone at the Catskill Interpretive Center, and visitors and residents alike will find new ways to connect with the nature, history and culture that makes this region so unique.
Events:
Outdoors Day
Saturday June 8th, 2019 10:00AM- 3:00PM
Region 3 (Dutchess County) - Stony Kill Environmental Education Center
Region 3 (Ulster County) - Kenneth L. Wilson Campground & Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Visitor Center -formerly the Catskill Interpretive Center
Come celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at free DEC events around the state. Try a new activity or introduce your family to old favorites like hiking, archery, paddling, and fishing! Bring the whole family and spend the day having an outdoor adventure!
Check out some of our photos on our Flickr album from photos of 2018's event.
Discovery Walks: Spring Birding
Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
As part of Outdoors Day, join us at the Catskills Visitor Center on Saturday, June 8th from 10:30 to 11:30 for our third spring Discovery Walk. This week our topic is birding for beginners as we explore the Visitor Center’s nature trails finding resident and migrating species.
Catskill Mountain Story Festival
Saturday June 15, 2019 10:00AM- 4:00PM
Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Visitors Center
Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center for the Catskill Mountain Story Festival, a celebration of the past, present and future of writing and storytelling in the Catskills. Enjoy performances and panels, meet acclaimed authors, see what's new from local small presses, engage with local libraries and nonprofits, and share your own stories of the Catskills. There will be performers and activities for all ages, so bring the whole family and spend the day! Stay tuned for more details as the date gets closer.
Highlighted Hike - Overlook Mountain 
The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower trailhead is accessible by car from Interstate I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 in Kingston (Route 28). Take Route 28 west approximately 6 miles to a right on Rt. 375, then left on Rte 212 to the Woodstock Village Green. At the Village Green, in the center of town, make a right on Rock City Road, continuing past the 4 corners intersection to Meads Mountain Road. The parking lot is on your right about 2 miles up Meads Mountain Road. Or you can take Exit 20 (Saugerties), Rte 212 west, to the Woodstock Village Green, and then follow the above directions. (42.071094°N, -74.122661°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
The Meads Meadow Trailhead is accessible by car from Interstate I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 in Kingston (Route 28). Take Route 28 west approximately 6 miles to a right on Rt. 375, then left on Rte 212 to the Woodstock Village Green. At the Village Green, in the center of town, make a right on Rock City Road, continuing past the 4 corners intersection to Meads Mountain Road. Take Meads Mountain Road for 2 miles and pass the Overlook Mountain Trailhead parking area, then continue 0.5 miles on Macdaniel Road to the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area. Or you can take Exit 20 (Saugerties), Rte 212 west, to the Woodstock Village Green, and then follow the above directions. (42.076422,-74.129087) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
General Conditions/Notices
- Trail Conditions:
- Black fly & Mosquito season has arrived. Here are a few tips to help you beat the bite.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Tuck your pant legs into your socks.
- Wear light-colored clothing (flies are attracted to dark colors).
- Remember to pack insect repellent
- Bug hats with netting, or bug shirts can be effective.
- Multi Use Trails at Elm Ridge Wild Forest are still very muddy. Riders should avoid riding on these trails until they dry out significantly more.
- Mud and water are present on most all trails – protect trails and trailside vegetation by walking through mud and water not around it
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Spring in the Catskills
- Prepare for mud and water in the lower to middle elevations
- Check spring recreation tips for a safe and enjoyable outing while minimizing impacts on natural resources and trails.
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Mountain Summits: Check the National Weather Service to prepare for the conditions.
- Spring weather can be unpredictable. Warming temperatures can mean high water crossings, hotter than planned hikes, and rain showers.
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Water Sources: Plan to pack water with you as normal reliable water sources shown on trail maps may still be iced over.
- Water levels are high - low water crossings may be problematic or impossible to cross.
General Information
Hiking
• Stream crossings can be tricky. They may be impassable altogether. Pay attention to the weather. Low water levels in the morning can make crossing easy but can quickly become treacherous or impassible with spring rains.
• Check conditions and plan routes to avoid these crossings.
• Do not try to cross through cold, high, fast flowing waters. Stay where you are and call for assistance.
• Layering for spring-like temperatures: Temperatures at the trail head will vary from temperatures at your destination. Higher elevations and exposed summits can have significantly colder temperatures than the base of the mountain. Pack extra non-cotton, wind protectant layers, and be sure to use them once exposed or feeling colder to help prevent hypothermia.
• Black Bears are an important and natural component of New York's ecosystem. Whether you live or recreate in the bear country, please help maintain and protect the bear. At the same time, protect yourself and your property by not feeding bears and by reducing bear attractants. DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters and other practices to avoid negative encounters with bears throughout the Catskills.
Mountain Biking
• Trailside vegetation and trail surfaces are especially vulnerable to degradation and erosion during this time of year. Biking, including fat tire bikes, on muddy trails damages tree roots, erodes slopes, and widens trails, making them difficult and dangerous for riding.
• As a biker, please help to protect the trails, natural resources, and surrounding habitats by checking trail conditions and advisories before venturing out and avoiding all wet, muddy trails.
• Bike only on dry and hardened trails.
Practice Leave No Trace
 Follow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Catskills, as well as ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors by following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Travel on Durable Surfaces (Principle #2)
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Mud Season: With very rainy weather this week through the weekend, low elevation trails will be extremely wet and muddy. Take care of trails by following these tips.
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Always walk through the mud, not around it- walking through the mud keeps the pressure in the center of the trail which is designed to take the use. By walking around mud or puddles, trailside vegetation becomes damaged or removed and softer portions of the trail erode which can create unwanted wider trails. Widening trails means less habitat for wildlife and insects and more damage to tree roots and vegetation.
- Wear waterproof boots, gaiters, and rain pants- Having the proper equipment means you don’t have to choose between walking down the center of the trail or walking around the mud to protect your feet. Choose to be prepared and walk right down the center of the trail, through the mud.
- Pack extra wool socks- Every boot has its limit on very wet trails. Your feet will thank you if you pack extra wool socks. Keep those toes warm and dry and you will have a much more enjoyable hike.
Recent Notices
Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work completed by DEC and its partners. Check the Backcountry Information for more detailed information.
- Peekamoose Blue Hole – Permits are required to visit the Peekamoose Blue Hole on weekends and holidays from May 15 - October 15. Permits can be acquired from Reserve America.
- Permits are free of charge, and must be acquired at least 24 hours in advance, but no more than a week in advance. Only advance registrations will be accepted. No walk-in registrations are available. Visitors will be required to list the names of all members of their party when making the reservation but can change the names up to one day in advance. Each permit will be limited to 6 individuals. Visitors must always have a permit with them.
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Camping season is upon us! For more information on campgrounds in the Catskills, check this useful Campground Information.
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Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest - Alder Lake - Gate is now open allowing access to the parking area.
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Bluestone Wild Forest – Onteora Lake – Gate at upper parking area is now open allowing access to the lower parking area.
- Kaaterskill Falls
- Stick to the trail and avoiding hiking near cliff edges.
Special Regulations
Please help to protect our natural spaces by reviewing these special regulations for Northern Catskill Riparian Areas
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Kaaterskill Clove Area
The following are Prohibited:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass containers, except for medicine storage
• Fires, charcoal grills, propane grills, or gas cook stoves
• Playing of music/speech via any amplified audio device
• Use of generators
• Area is closed from½ hour after sunset to½ hour before sunrise, except for hunting and fishing
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Colgate Lake
The following are prohibited except at legal campsites:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass containers, except for storage of medicine
• Fires, charcoal grills, propane grills, or gas cook stoves
• Playing of music/speech via any amplified audio device
• Use of generators
• Legal Campsites: At least 150 feet (~60 paces) from trail, road, and/or water
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Platte Clove Area
The following are Prohibited:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass containers, except for storage of medicine
• Fires, charcoal grills, propane grills, or gas cook stoves
• Playing of music/speech via any amplified audio device
• Use of generators
• Area is closed from½ hour after sunset to½ hour before sunrise, except for fishing
NYCRR Title 6 Section 190.36 Northern Catskill Riparian Areas
And be sure to submit your photos for a chance to be featured!
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