Catskill Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

Winter 2023 Conditions, Access and More About the Catskills and its Resources

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 as we transition from fall to winter.

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. 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.

Catskills Visitor Center

The Catskills Visitor Center is open every day with all new interactive exhibits. Stop by for a visit before your next adventure. Have your questions answered, get trip planning advice, 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.

All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. Check out the How To Love Our New York Lands playlist on DEC’s YouTube Channel!

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.

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: Mid 40’s
Catskill Region Nighttime: Mid 20’s

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: 6:58 AM
Approximate Time of Sunset: 4:30 PM

Recent Notices

Delaware Wild Forest –The snowmobile bridge on the Campbell Mountain Trail between Route 206 and the Campbell Mountain lean-to has been closed pending replacement.

Sundown Wild Forest – Permits are no longer necessary to recreate or camp in the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor. As a reminder, permits are necessary to recreate or camp in the valley from May 15th – September 15th each year.  

Crystal Lake Wild Forest – DEC and Tahawus Trails LLC professional trail crew have completed trail work within the Crystal Lake Wild Forest. The trail crew installed stepping stones and built trail drainage features in order to keep trails dry and sustainable throughout the wetter months of the year. Wet trails are prone to erosion and widening, but by installing diversion ditches, drainage dips, and stepping stones, the trails are more likely to provide a sustainable surface for hikers for years to come.  

Slide Mountain Wilderness Area – The Table Mountain Lean-to, built in winter 2021, received a fresh coat of stain as a result of a volunteer work project collaboration between the New York New Jersey Trail Conference and the Catskill 3500 Club. Volunteers also installed oakum between the logs, which serves as a water resistant barrier and insulation for the shelter.   

Bluestone Wild Forest – In 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.    

Sundown Wild Forest & Willowemoc Wild Forest – Snowmobile trails 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.   

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.    

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 micro spikes or crampons. For your safety, avoid hiking near cliff edges and avoid the midpool area if you do not have traction devices.

Seasonal Roads – The following are seasonal roads and are not maintained during winter months:

• Platte Clove Road – Indian Head Wilderness (Town of Hunter)  - the eastern 2.5 miles of Platte Clove Road are closed November 1st to April 15th
• Roaring Kill Road – Indian Head Wilderness (Town of Hunter)
• Big Hollow Road – Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness (Town of Windham)
• Russell Brook Road – Delaware Wild Forest (Town of Colchester)
• Mary Smith Road – Delaware Wild Forest (Town of Colchester)
• Ploutz Road – Dry Brook Wild Forest (Town of Middletown)

Hunting Season

Hunting season is here in the Catskills. Some important dates to keep in mind for the southern zone region:   

• Early bow season Saturday, October 1st – Friday, November 18th.
• Regular hunting season (gun season) starts Saturday, November 19th, and ends on Sunday, December 11th.
• Late bow hunting season December 12th through December 20th, & December 26 through January 1st.

More information about hunting can be found on the DEC website. Hikers should be reminded to wear bright colors, and hunters to identify your target and hunt responsibly.    

2022 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge

Have you submitted your Catskill Fire Tower Challenge entry yet? Visit all six Catskill Fire Towers by December 31, 2022, to receive a commemorative patch and be entered to win great outdoor prizes.

With colder months, comes snow at higher elevations. Snowshoes, trail crampons, or micro spikes are recommended. Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out and follow winter hiking safety tips. Learn more about safe winter hiking. 

For more information visit the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge webpage.

Leave No Trace

The seasons are changing, check out these tips on how to Leave No Trace while enjoying your time outdoors. 

1. Prepare for Changing Weather: We are in between seasons and the mountains are cold. Expect temperatures on mountain summits to be colder than the trailhead. 
2. Pack it in, Pack it Out: Help leave the Catskill Mountains better than you found them —please be sure to hike out all your trash and dispose of it properly!