A recent storm brought considerable rain to the Catskills Region this week. Trails will be very wet and muddy this weekend. Additional rain is predicted for Friday night into Saturday. Streams and creeks will be running very high. If you decide to hike, be sure to stick to trails and walk directly through mud puddles to reduce trail widening impacts. While the Catskills are just past peak foliage for this weekend, the colors are still beautiful.
Trail Conditions: Peak foliage has just passed, and colors like gold, bronze, and dark red can still be seen around the region. Trails are expected to be very wet and muddy this weekend due to heavy rain on Tuesday. Additional rain is predicted for Friday night into Saturday. In addition to mud and high streams, expect slick sections of trail due to fallen leaves and pine needles. Prepare for any hiking with sturdy boots, ankle gaiters to keep out mud, and trekking poles to ensure easy travel through the middle of muddy sections to reduce trail widening impacts. Consider postponing hiking plans until water levels have a chance to recede.
Weekend Weather Forecast (reporting for Mt. Tremper, NY): Friday, a chance of rain after 2pm, partly sunny with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday night, rain, mostly after 8pm. Low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation predicted between three quarters and one inch possible. Saturday, rain likely. Mostly cloudy with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday night, a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Sunday, Halloween, a chance of showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday night, mostly cloudy with a low around 45. (Source: National Weather Service, NOAA)
I Love NY Fall Foliage Report: The Catskills may be just past peak foliage, but the region is still seeing beautiful colors!
Looking for a scenic drive, a view without a hike, or a place to take an easy walk? Visit our fall foliage guide for some suggestions!
Hunting Season Notices: Please review the DEC hunting season map for specific information. Early season is in effect, consider wearing bright colored clothing while hiking. NEW Deer and Bear Hunting Opportunities and Requirements for 2021
- Daily hunting hours for deer and bear extended to 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Hunters must wear a fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat or vest when hunting deer or bear with a firearm.
- Antlerless harvest allowed again during the early muzzleloader season in Northern Zone WMUs 6A, 6F, 6J.
- Bear season in the Adirondacks is simplified by extending the regular season to cover the full hunting period.
- 12- and 13-year old hunters may hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow in counties that passed a local law to participate in the opportunity. See Junior Big Game Hunting for a map of participating counties.
- Holiday Deer Hunt is an extension of the late bow and muzzleloader season from December 26 – January 1 in the Southern Zone.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.
Fishing Season Notices:
- From October 16th to March 31st, trout fishing is permitted for catch and release only. Artificial lures are required.
- From April 1st to October 15th, trout fishing is permitted for harvesting with a valid fishing license. Three fish are allowed per day, with one over 12″.
Catskills Visitor Center: in Mt. Tremper, NY is open from 9:30-4pm every day. Staff members answer phone calls during operating hours at 845-688-3369.
Starting Tuesday, November 2nd, the Catskills Visitor Center will be open every day except for Tuesdays. Visitor Center trails are open from dawn until dusk. The Upper Esopus Fire Tower Cab is open to the public during operating hours from Friday to Monday.
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 foot bridge on Elm Ridge Wild Forest located just east of the parking lot on Route 23 was washed out when a beaver dam broke due to the rain we had on the 26th. The parking lot also suffered some damage. The NYSDEC is working on a repair plan and will give an update as soon as possible. They ask for patience as they determine the best way to replace the bridge and carry out the repairs.
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 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 not required at this time. Permits are required every day during the week to access the entirety of the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor during the permit season. This includes day hike access to Peekamoose and Table Mountains, camping, access to the Blue Hole, and Buttermilk Falls. 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
Fall Time Hiking Tips:
– Trekking poles, boots, and gaiters are useful to keep dirt and ticks out of your boots. Finish each hike or excursion outdoors with a thorough tick check.
– Fall brings with it slick and hard to see trails. Be prepared to take your time on these trails to avoid personal injury.
– Sunsets are getting earlier: this Saturday, October 30th the sun will go down at 5:54 pm EST. Keep this mind on a hike and always bring a flashlight or a headlamp in case of unexpected night hiking.
– Keep a close eye and ear to encroaching weather and prepare by bringing rain gear on all hikes. Consider bringing a water filter on longer hikes.
– Temperatures will get quite cold overnight. Bringing a full clothing layering system with you in your pack is essential for day hikes and overnight hikes. This includes non-cotton layers, warm hat, gloves, and a “puffy” – an insulated jacket that’s easy to take on and off throughout your hike.
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.
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
