All Trails

A lollipop loop hike that begins right off of Route 28A (look for signage about 0.2 miles after you pass the western Ashokan Reservoir Promenade Parking Area). This two mile trail has interpretive signage about the Catskills and the Watershed. Hikers pass by a quarry that was used in the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir […]

Some steep climbs heading out of downtown Phoenicia lead to beautiful views. Good for hikers and families looking for a moderate challenge.

The Nature Trail is a 1/2 mile loop trail on the south side of the Plattekill Creek that gives visitors the opportunity to walk along the creek, see the top of Platte Clove and walk through the ruins of a former boarding house that existed on the site in the 19th century. The trail starts […]

The Waterfall Trail is an approximately 1/3 mile, one-way trail to the base of Plattekill Falls. The trail begins at the trail junction in front of the informational kiosk just above the Red Cabin. From here the trail goes eastward and slopes downward to the edge of the clove and then turns and descends to […]

Mowed paths lead you through the Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve. The preserve boasts the most painted views of Overlook Mountain. Sweeping grassland habitat, riparian forest and ponds make this spot a profoundly relaxing and peaceful area. Thorn Preserve is an undeveloped landscape, which will can offer nature-based education, sustainable agriculture, model stream management, and an ideal […]

The Esopus Creek Trail is approximately 1/2 mile out and back. It travels from the Visitor Center across Route 28 and to the bank of the Esopus Creek. This trail is constructed to ADA accessibility standards and provides a family-friendly route to the banks of the Esopus where you can enjoy the mountain and river […]

The Upper Ridge Trail is approximately 1/2 mile out and back. It ascends the slope behind the Catskills Visitor Center main building and ends at a rustic picnic area. The trail, originally built by the NYNJ Trail Conference showcases trail building techniques used throughout the Catskills on new, sustainable trails and trail reconstruction projects.

This popular trail leads to some of the best views in the Catskills. There are multiple ledges providing sweeping vistas. You can continue on the trail to summit Panther Mountain for additional views. Parking is limited and the trail sees high traffic, especially during the summer and autumn.

The Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) is a partnership between the Catskill Center and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Opened in 2015, the CVC connects residents and visitors with the ecology, history, and culture that make the Catskills unique Interpretive Loop Trail (red trail markers, easy): approximately ½ mile, […]