Weekend of April 22nd

Last updated: April 22, 2021

Catskill Park Trail Conditions – 4/22/2021

Prepare for wet and mud on all trails this weekend! A sunny day on Saturday, and then rain is expected Saturday night into Sunday. Temperatures will stay mostly above freezing which will bring about more melting of leftover snow and ice. Stay prepared for variable conditions.

Trail Conditions: Expect some lingering ice and snow above 3000′ in elevation, and mud at all elevations. Waterproof footwear is recommended, as well as trekking poles and gaiters. Warm layers are still important to have with you as the weather and temperature changes quickly at higher elevations. Hat, gloves, extra dry layers, and a waterproof rain layer will help you stay comfortable throughout your hike. Ticks are active whenever the temperature is above freezing. Staying on trails as much as possible, wearing light colored clothing, and doing a tick check after time spent outdoors help to prevent tick bites.

Weekend Weather Forecast (reporting for Mt. Tremper, NY — elevation 670’): Thursday, scattered showers before 10am, then a slightly chance of rain and snow showers between 10 and 11am. Partly sunny with a high near 45. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 30%. Friday, sunny with a high near 60. West wind 9 to 14 mph. Friday night, mostly clear with a low around 37. Saturday, mostly sunny with a high near 67. Saturday night, rain with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation 80%. Sunday, rain mainly before 2pm. High near 59. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Sunday night, a chance of rain before 8pm. Partly cloudy with a low around 38. (Source: National Weather Service, NOAA)

Trail Register Information: (the books found inside metal boxes at the start of all hiking trails): The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages all visitors to continue to sign in and out at trail registers. These provide important information on trail usage and hiker safety. It is suggested to choose one person in your group to fill in the register for everyone, consider bringing your own pen or pencil, and bring hand sanitizer to use before and after touching the trail register.

Temporary Closures: The following destinations are closed in the Catskills. For any information or clarification, please feel free to call (845) 688-3369 or email info@catskillcenter.org:

– The building of the Catskills Visitor Center in Mt. Tremper, NY is currently closed, however a window service on the side porch is available for visitor information from 10-3, every day except Wednesday. Staff is answering phone calls at 845-688-3369. Visitor Center trails are open.

– Platte Clove Road will be closed until at least May 1st due to rock fall blocking sections of the road.

– DEC has temporarily stopped issuing permits for backcountry camping for groups of 10 or more (link to: the DEC’s website). As of June 11, the DEC resumed issuing permits for groups of fewer than 10 people who would like to stay for more than three nights at one location on state lands. DEC is also temporarily restricting lean-to use to members of a single household at a time.

*511NY road closure map (updated daily)
*Catskills Trail Conditions Facebook Group (updated regularly by locals and visitors to the area)
*Catskills 3500′ Club Facebook homepage with updates

Doubletop and Graham Access: As of Wednesday, January 13th 2021 public access to the two peaks, Doubletop and Graham Mountain has ended. We at Catskill Center are thankful to the landowners who have made their property accessible to hikers for many years and respect their decision. The Catskill 3500′ Club has decided that the remaining 33 peaks will make up the collection of Catskill mountains to be hiked for membership of the club.

Peekamoose Blue Hole: No permits are required at this time. DEC permits are required to visit this site from May 15 – September 15. Permits are available as late as one day in advance, but more no more than seven days in advance. Permits can be acquired from the Reserve America website at: https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com

Hiking Tips to Prepare for Spring:

– Trails can get more slick, slippery and muddy. Bring traction devices for your feet for upper elevations and icy sections, trekking poles for your hands, and gaiters to keep the dirt out of your boots.

Sensitive plants coming in can be found near to walking paths, sticking to the center of trails helps these plants flourish.

– During mud season (aka Spring) follow best Leave No Trace practices by walking through the midline of mud and leftover snow and ice on the trails instead of walking around these areas.

– Temperatures are still low overnight and at high elevations. Bringing a full clothing layering system with you in your pack is essential for day hikes and overnight hikes. This includes noncotton layers, warm hat and gloves, and a “puffy” – an insulated jacket that’s easy to take on and off throughout your hike.

As always, bring a mask, even on the trails. While hiking with the people you live with, wearing a mask is not mandatory. However, while on summits, trailheads, points of interest, and even passing others please wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Especially in areas such as parking lots and trailheads, there has been a reduction in people actively wearing masks. The continued use of masks in these areas is incredibly important for the general the health and safety of all in the Catskills.

Recreate Responsibly: An informative new set of guidelines put together by several outdoor organizations. The Catskill Center recommends following the Recreate Responsibly principles and taking precautions before, during, and after your outing to decrease your chance of exposure to COVID-19.

Carry It In, Carry It Out: The Catskill Park is a carry it in, carry it out park—please be sure to hike out all of your trash and dispose of it properly!

Weather: Be aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions in the Catskills. Stay current with the National Weather Service Weather Forecast. The NY Mesonet has stations in and just outside of Catskills that provide real time weather data and forecasts. Hudson Valley Weather provides detailed forecasts for the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.

In An Emergency: Report backcountry emergencies, such as lost or injured hikers and forest fires to the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-408-5850 or call 911.

The Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) hosts a weather station in the MesoWest Network. Check the current weather conditions. The Center is located at 5096 Route 28 in Mt Tremper, NY. The Visitor Center building is currently closed, however trails remain open. Please remember to socially distance when visiting the CVC’s trails by giving other visitors 6 feet minimum distance and wearing a mask when you meet others.

Email us at the Catskills Visitor Centerinfo@catskillcenter.org, or call us at (845) 688-3369.

The Center’s online store carries trail mapstrail guides and more for purchase.

Most Recent Trail Update | NYSDEC Catskill Backcountry Info | CVC Online Gift Shop

3-day forecast

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