Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin - July 2019

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 Catskill Backcountry Information 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 outdoors. Visit DEC's website for 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! Send submissions to: Stephanie.mossey@dec.ny.gov.

Catskills Visitor Center

Visit the Catskills Visitor 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 DEC. 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 information, maps and advice you need to plan your best Catskill adventure! From exhibits to nature trails and community events - there's something for everyone at the Catskills Visitor 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

Catskills Mountain Kids - Trees

Catskill Visitors Center, Thursday, July 11, 2019 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

This week for the first session of Catskill Mountain Kids, we’re studying trees! Come to the Center to learn about different kinds of leaves, what to look for when identifying trees, and make your own mini tree field guides.

Catskill Mountain Kids is a year-round weekly daytime program series that celebrates the nature, history and culture of the Catskills. Each session will include some focused learning time, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration. The program is geared for ages 4-7 but all are welcome. Please dress for the weather/being outside and the possibility of getting messy.

Catskill Mountain Kids - How to Be a Good Steward Thursday, July 18 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join us this week for a special program run by Catskills Stewards to talk all about how to be good stewards of the Catskills. Learn about Leave No Trace and fun ways to take good care of the Catskill Mountains!

Catskill Mountain Kids is a year-round weekly daytime program series that celebrates the nature, history and culture of the Catskills. Each session will include some focused learning time, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration. The program is geared for ages 4-7 but all are welcome. Please dress for the weather/being outside and the possibility of getting messy.

Highlighted Hike- Hodge Pond Loop or Frick Pond Loop

Hodge Pond Loop From Frick Pond Trailhead, follow the blue DEC markers of Flynn Trail north to Beech Mountain Nature Preserve, a private inholding with a NYS easement for a public footpath. The trail passes by the south shore of Hodge Pond, about 2.4 miles from the parking area, before returning to State Forest Preserve. Continuing westward, the Flynn Trail ends at Junkyard Junction (3.2 miles). From here, one can return to the trailhead parking lot via the red DEC markers of Quick Lake Trail, passing by Frick Pond. Total distance, 6.3 miles.

If you are interested in a shorter hike near the water you may want to consider the Frick Pond Loop.

Frick Pond Loop from Frick Pond Trailhead, follow red DEC markers northwest one-half mile to Frick Pond. Make a loop around the pond by following the yellow DEC markers (one mile around the pond; 2.1 miles round trip). There is parking for the trail on Beech Mountain Rd.

General Conditions/Notices

• Summer in the Catskills
  • Black fly & Mosquito season is upon us. 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.

• Muddy Trails: With all the rainy weather, expect trails to be wet and muddy. Take care of trails by following these tips.
  • 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. 
• 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.
• Check summer recreation tips for a safe and enjoyable outing while minimizing impacts on natural resources and trails.
• 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.
• 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 alternative routes to avoid these crossings.
• Do not try to cross through cold, high, fast flowing waters. Stay where you are and call for assistance.
• DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters and other practices to avoid negative encounters with bears throughout the Catskills.

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.

Be Bear Aware: It is rare but, black bears can be found roaming around the Catskills. Before your trip, educate yourself on how you can do your part in keeping yourself and bears safe. Disperse your use: With summer in full swing, you may want to consider exploring less known locations around the Catskills. Research and keep a bank of less traveled and less popular trails and areas. Explore them when there are times of high use in the highly popular places. Some of the best destinations and views are found on the trails less known.

Recent Notices

Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work completed by DEC and its partners. Check the Catskill Backcountry Information for more detailed information.

Peekamoose Blue Hole – Don’t forget! You are required to get a permit when visiting the Peekamoose Blue Hole on weekends and holidays from May 15 - October 15. Acquire permits  from Reserve America.

• Get your free permits 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 six individuals. Visitors must always have a permit with them.

Upper Cherrytown Road Parking Area will be closed for expansion/construction through mid-late July.

Camping season is upon us! For more information on campgrounds in the Catskills, check this useful Campground Information.

Kaaterskill Falls

• Stick to the trail and avoid hiking near cliff edges.
• Area is closed from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, except for fishing
  NYCRR Title 6 Section 190.36 Northern Catskill Riparian Areas

Be sure to submit your photos for a chance to be featured in our newsletter!