Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

January 2022

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Catskill Backcountry Information webpage for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Dispatch, 833-NYS-Rangers (1-833-697-7264).

Hike Smart by packing the proper gear. See our recommended packing list (PDF) and safety tips for the winter season.

Welcome to the Catskills

The Welcome to the Catskills webpage is the place to go if you are interested in learning more about the Catskills. It provides information about the Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Leave No Trace. Be sure to check out the links to additional information and tips for recreating safely and minimizing your impacts on natural resources, recreational infrastructure, and other backcountry users in the Catskill Mountains.

Recreation Highlight – Prepare for Winter Conditions

Current snow and cold weather are providing good conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Catskills.  To ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience, plan ahead and prepare with proper clothing and equipment  for snow, ice, and the cold weather.

This last winter storm brought about 12 inches of new snow to the mountains. Snowshoes will ease travel on snow and prevent "post holing," which leaves deep holes in the snow that can cause sudden falls and result in injury. Do your part and help prevent the posthole. Remember, microspikes or other traction devices should be used on icy portions of the trails, including summits and other exposed areas. Keep on reading to find out more about winter hiking essentials you don’t want to forget on your next outing.

Catskills Visitor Center

The Catskills Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. with all new interactive exhibits. Stop by for a visit before your next adventure. Have your questions answered, get trip planning advice, or pick up maps and local information and more! 

Contact the Catskills Visitor Center for more information: 845.688.3369 or info@catskillcenter.org.

For local trail conditions, visit the Catskills Visitor Center Trail Conditions webpage.

2022 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge

The 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, designed to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in New York's Hudson Valley, is now underway.  DEC challenges visitors to hike each of the six fire towers in Catskill Park and submit information about their visit at any time during the year to earn recognition and prizes.

The 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit the region's five historic fire towers located on Balsam Lake Mountain (Hardenburgh), Hunter Mountain (Hunter), Overlook Mountain (Woodstock), Red Hill Mountain (Denning), and Tremper Mountain (Shandaken), as well as a new sixth fire tower that was opened in the Catskills in the fall of 2019. The Upper Esopus Fire Tower is located at the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center in Mt. Tremper and allows all visitors who may not otherwise be able to undertake the challenging hike of several miles to experience a fire tower on the high peaks in the Catskills.

To participate in the challenge, hikers must hike to all six DEC-owned fire towers in the Catskills between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022. Once completed, participants submit a log of their completed hikes along with a favorite photo to the Challenge email address: CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov or via mail. Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 7, 2023. Participants that complete the challenge will receive a letter, commemorative 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge patch, and a one-year subscription to DEC's Conservationist magazine, currently celebrating its 75th year in circulation. Upon completion, finishers will also be able to download a customizable certificate and will be eligible to win hiking accessories after the challenge period is closed.

For more information visit the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge webpage.

Love Our NY Lands

All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. These lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Learn more about how you can Love Our NY Lands.

General Notices

Before you hit the trail, check out DEC’s Hike Smart NY webpage to learn about safety, best practices, preparedness, and the Hiker Responsibility Code (PDF). Discover trails less traveled, and visit when trails may not be as busy.

Winter Conditions: Be prepared for winter conditions. About 12 inches or more is present throughout the Catskills. Be prepared with warm, waterproof layers, extra layers, and proper gear for snow and ice, including snowshoes and microspikes. Snowshoes are recommended when the snow depth exceeds 8 inches. Warmer weather and rain will bring variable conditions to the Catskill region. Remember that conditions will change as you gain elevation, and cool, wet weather poses a significant risk of hypothermia.

Check the Weather: Check the National Weather Service for current conditions and forecasts for the locations where you plan to recreate. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Expect conditions to be cooler and more exposed on mountain summits. 

Mountain Summits: Check the National Weather Service to prepare for summit weather conditions.

Catskill Region Daytime: Low-mid 20s
Catskill Region Nighttime: Single digits - low teens

Manage your time wisely: Keep in mind, it gets dark early. Be mindful of sunrise and sunset times, and plan accordingly. Start long hikes early to maximize sunlight hours, and always bring a headlamp in case you are out longer than expected.

Approximate Time of Sunrise: 7:22 a.m.
Approximate Time of Sunset: 4:56 p.m.

Essentials for Winter Hiking:

• Waterproof hiking boots with wool socks
• Traction devices as there may be snow and ice on mountain summits
• Warm layers to prevent hypothermia including hat and gloves
• Wind protectant layer for open overlooks and summits
• Gloves & Hat
• Headlamp with extra batteries- even if you plan to be down in the daylight
• Plenty of food and water
• A thermos of hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or soup to warm up or in case of emergencies
• First aid kit
• Hand warmers

Emergency essentials you should always have in your pack:

• Space blanket
• Matches and fire starters
• Pocket knife
• Paracord or rope
• Iodine tablets or water filtration system
• Extra batteries. 

Visit DEC's website for more information on Winter Hiking Safety.

Recent Notices

Seasonal Roads and Road Closures: The following are seasonal roads and are not maintained during winter months. Please be aware of snowy conditions:

• Bluestone Wild Forest – the road connecting the upper parking area to the lower parking area is closed annually when the roadway becomes covered with ice and snow. The gate is generally closed right after or right before the first big snow of the year. The upper parking area will still be available for use.  
• Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest –The eastern 2 mile terminus of Beaverkill Road / Turnwood Road that leads to the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead is only seasonally maintained and not plowed throughout the winter. Visitors should note that this trailhead location is generally inaccessible throughout the winter.  
• Sundown Wild Forest –The section of Dinch Road that leads to the Red Hill Fire Tower Trailhead in the Sundown Wild Forest is only seasonally maintained and not plowed throughout the winter. Visitors should note that this trailhead location is generally inaccessible throughout the winter.  
• Indian Head Wilderness –  Platte Clove Road Indian Head Wilderness (Town of Hunter)  - closed November 1st to April 15th
• Indian Head Wilderness – Roaring Kill Road (Town of Hunter)
• Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness – Big Hollow Road (Town of Windham)
• Delaware Wild Forest  – Russell Brook Road (Town of Colchester)
• Delaware Wild Forest – Mary Smith Road (Town of Colchester)
• Dry Brook Wild Forest – Ploutz Road (Town of Middletown)
• Snowmobile trails in the Sundown Wild Forest and Willowemoc Wild Forest will be opened for use once trails are covered in ice and snow. Seasonal gates allowing access to snowmobile trails will be opened once the trails are sufficiently covered in ice and snow. 

Phoenicia – Mt. Tobias Wild Forest – The top cab of the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower has been closed and locked for the winter. Visitors can still climb the tower to the platform just below the cab.  

Elm Ridge Wild Forest – Access to the Escarpment Trail and the mountain bike trail network from Route 23 in Windham has been restored. After a bridge washed downstream during a flood in late October, Region 4 Operations staff retrieved the bridge and set it back in place. This project required extensive cribbing and stone work to repair the bridge abutments. The bridge is now over a foot higher and has an opening that is seven feet wider to allow more water to pass through.

The day after DEC Operations staff completed repairs to the bridge, Tahawus Trails used the bridge for access to install a new 75-foot boardwalk on the Escarpment Trail. This section of trail is open to hiking, biking, xc skiing, and snowshoeing.

Kaaterskill Wild Forest – Expect the trails in the Kaaterskill Falls area to be very icy. Hikers should use extreme caution, especially on icy stone staircases and other rock surfaces. Be prepared with traction devices such as microspikes or crampons. For your safety, avoid hiking near cliff edges and avoid the midpool area if you do not have traction devices.

The Molly Smith parking area on Route 23a in the Town of Hunter has been closed to improve visitor safety. You can still access Kaaterskill Falls from Laurel House Road, Schutt Road, or North South Lake Campground. You can find directions to these parking areas on DEC's website.

Slide Mountain Wilderness Area –The Terrace Mountain and Table Mountain lean-tos have been replaced. Forest Rangers, DEC Forestry, and Operations staff partnered with State Police to fly in the lean-to kits with helicopters. Big thanks to the Bruderhof community for building the lean-to kits in their wood working shop class and to the 3500 Club for the generous donations of roof and floor boards and shingles.  

Leave No Trace

Winter is here and it’s important to properly prepare for your winter adventure. Check out these tips to help you stay safe and warm all while practicing Leave No Trace in the mountains.  

1. Love to Layer: Are you prepared with a base layer, mid layer, and an exterior layer? Base layers of moisture-wicking fabric will keep your skin dry, mid/insulating layers such as wool or fleece will help keep you warm, and an exterior layer like a waterproof or water-resistant shell, will prevent moisture or wind from penetrating the inner layers. Remember that layers will help keep you warm and help you to regulate your body temperature while spending time in the mountains. Keep in mind that it is best to avoid cotton fabrics as they hold moisture and take a long time to dry.
2. Prevent the Posthole: Snowshoes will ease travel on snow and prevent "post holing," which leaves deep holes in the snow that can cause sudden falls and can result in injury. Help keep the trail in good winter hiking condition by properly planning ahead and bringing your snowshoes for winter travel.

For more information on the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, visit LNT.org. 

Trail Supporter Patch

Want to show your love of NY’s great outdoors? Order the latest trail support patch today! We’ll be releasing five recreation themed designs throughout 2022, each available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out!

Purchase a Trail Supporter Patch for $5 (or the full series for $25) at any sporting license sales outlet, or online at the DECALS website. The proceeds from patch sales go into the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance, and Development account to help maintain and enhance DEC's non-motorized recreation trails throughout the state.

For more information on the Trail Supporter Patch, visit DEC's website.