Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

December 2021

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 - @NYSDECAlerts

Planning an outdoor adventure this weekend? Follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter for real-time updates to help you prepare. @NYSDECAlerts provides updates for DEC-managed lands throughout New York State, including the Catskill Mountain Region.

Discover what parking areas are full before you arrive so you can move straight to your back-up location and get on the trail sooner. Check for special advisories or links to alternate hikes. Love our NY Lands by hiking responsibly and planning ahead with the help of the most up-to-date information.

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.

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. Discover trails less traveled, and visit when trails may not be as busy.

Winter Conditions: Be prepared for winter conditions. Snow and ice are now present on many summits. Be prepared with warm, waterproof layers, extra layers, and proper gear for snow and ice, including 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.

Wet and Muddy Trails: Not all trails are covered in snow just yet. Wear waterproof shoes and walk through mud, not around it, to help protect fragile trail edges. Gaiters help keep feet dry and trekking poles provide added stability.

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 Highs ~ Mid-High 30s
Catskill Region Nighttime ~ Mid- High 20s

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: 7:20 a.m.
Approximate Time of Sunset: 4:27 p.m.

Essentials for Early Winter Hikes:

• 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

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.  

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

With the mountains freshly coated in snow, it’s time to break out the microspikes, snowshoes and skis for a long-awaited 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 & 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. Pack it in, Pack it out: Anything you carry out into nature with you, should be carried out with you. If you see trash on the trail, pack it out. Help leave our natural spaces better than you found it.

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

First Day Hikes

Looking forward to a fresh start in 2022? Why not plan for something fun on New Year's Day! Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of the many events across the state and nation.

DEC and State Parks invite New Yorkers to kick off 2022 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State.

The event options for hikes range from self-guided treks to staff - or volunteer-led hikes, with some locations offering multiple options allowing people the time and space to social distance while still enjoying nature's winter wonders. The walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions.

Pre-registration is required at some events. Check out NYS Parks website for a Google Map of the host sites.

Arbor Day Poster Contest

The deadline is fast approaching for DEC's annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. Capture a contest-winning photo of your favorite tree or forest scene on your next outdoor adventure for a chance to have your work featured on the 2022 Arbor Day Poster. Not a photographer? Submit a drawing or painting instead!

Submit original photographs and artwork by Dec. 31, 2021 to arborday@dec.ny.gov and include your name, address, and, if submitting a photograph, where the photo was taken. Entries must feature trees within New York State. Participants are limited to three submissions. Model consent forms are required for people in submitted photos.

For more information about the contest, visit DEC's website or email arborday@dec.ny.gov.

The State Launches New 'Take Your Shot for an Outdoor Adventure' Vaccine Incentive Sweepstakes for Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts

New York State has a new vaccine incentive to bolster vaccination rates among New Yorkers who enjoy the great outdoors. Anyone who receives their first vaccine dose between December 1 through December 31, 2021, will have the opportunity to enter the 'Take Your Shot for an Outdoor Adventure' sweepstakes and a random drawing to win special prize packages tailored to anglers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Five entrants will be randomly selected to receive the grand prize and the opportunity to choose one of the following deluxe packages valued at approximately $2,000:

• Fishing: Lifetime fishing license, fishing kayak, vest, rod and reel;
• Bowhunter: Lifetime hunter and bowhunting license, high-quality crossbow package or compound bow package with ½ dozen bolts or arrows, ladder tree stand, safety harness/fall arrest system, and 10x42 binoculars;
• Rifle hunter: Lifetime sportsman license, high-quality riflescope, ladder tree stand, safety harness/fall arrest system, and 10x42 binoculars;
• Turkey hunter: Lifetime sportsman license, high-quality ground blind, turkey hunting vest, hen decoy pair, shotgun optical sight, slate call, and 10x42 binoculars; and
• Birding: 20-60x spotting scope, 10x42 binoculars, bird feeder, bird seed, bird house, deluxe birding guide, and I Bird NY materials

Twenty-five entrants will be randomly selected to receive second tier prizes and the choice of one of the following packages, valued at approximately $1,000:

• Fishing: Annual fishing license, fishing kayak, vest, rod and reel;
• Bowhunter: Annual hunter and bowhunting license, high-quality crossbow OR compound bow package with ½ dozen bolts or arrows, a ladder tree stand, a safety harness/fall arrest system, and 8x42 binoculars;
• Rifle hunter: Annual hunting license, high-quality riflescope, a ladder tree stand, a safety harness/fall arrest system, and 8x42 binoculars;
• Turkey hunter: Annual hunting license and turkey permit, high quality ground blind, turkey hunting vest, hen decoy, slate call, and 8x42 binoculars; and
• Birder: 8x42 binoculars, birdfeeder, bird seed and I Bird NY materials.

The first 2,000 people to receive their first vaccination between December 1 through December 31, 2021 and enter the sweepstakes by Dec. 31, 2021, will receive a tree seedling from DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Tree Nursery in Saratoga, and their choice of either a $25 gift card for a free night of camping at a DEC campground, or a $25 gift card to a major sporting goods retailer. In addition, the 2,000 sweepstakes entrants will receive a one-year subscription to DEC's Conservationist magazine, which is currently celebrating its 75th year in publication.

Information about how to enter the sweepstakes is available on DEC's website. All eligible, vaccinated entrants must adhere to all applicable requirements to receive a hunting or fishing license in New York State, including completion of required Hunter Education courses and other rules. For more information, visit DEC's Hunting Licenses  and Fishing Licenses webpages.