Prepare for spring conditions in the Catskills this weekend. Generally trails are beginning to dry out and should be in nice conditions. Prepare for some mud, especially in shady and low areas. Water is flowing consistently across the region with springs and streams at high levels. Stay safe, consider alternate plans, and please continue to follow New York State and CDC regulations before traveling.
Trail Conditions: The Catskills are beginning to leaf out as warmer weather becomes more regular. This weekend is going to be gorgeous, however be prepared for muddy sections of trail. Prepare for your hike with gaiters, boots, and trekking poles.
Weekend Weather Forecast (reporting for Mt. Tremper, NY): Thursday night, mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph in the evening. Friday, isolated showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday night, mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Saturday, isolated showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday night, partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Sunday, a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Sunday night, a chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 30%. (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.
– 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: Permits are required beginning this weekend, Saturday the 15th. DEC permits are required to visit this site from May 15 – September 15. Permits can be acquired from the Reserve America website at: https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Be aware that new regulations are in place for 2021, you can find a press release from the DEC with details of these new regulations here.
Hiking Tips to Prepare for Spring:
– Trails can get more slick, slippery and muddy. Trekking poles, boots, and gaiters are useful to keep the dirt out of your boots.
– During mud season (aka Spring) follow best Leave No Trace practices by walking through the midline of mud and leftover snow on the trails instead of walking around these areas.
– Temperatures are still low overnight. 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 Center: info@catskillcenter.org, or call us at (845) 688-3369.
The Center’s online store carries trail maps, trail guides and more for purchase.
Most Recent Trail Update | NYSDEC Catskill Backcountry Info | CVC Online Gift Shop
