Weekend of September 15th

Last updated: September 15, 2022

Looks like a beautiful weekend for hiking. Keep in mind the temperatures are getting cooler especially in the evening and at higher elevations. Be sure and prepare by bringing extra layers of clothing with you. 

This week’s Trail Conditions are brought to you by Freshtown of Margaretville. With some rain coming through recently expect trails to be wet and muddy in some areas. When encountering an area like this be sure and walk directly through the mud rather than around to prevent trail widening. Temperatures are starting to cool off as we approach the fall season. It’s best to bring extra layers as the weather can be quite chilly in the evening and at higher elevations. 

Sunrise is at 6:38 am and sunset at 7:07 pm. Always remember to bring a headlamp or flashlight when you head out and never rely solely on phone flashlights. 

Photo by Jenny Flavin

Weekend Weather Forecast (reporting for Mt. Tremper, NY): Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Sunday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday Night: A chance of showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Source: National Weather Service.gov 

This week’s hiking tip:

– Bring a paper map. 

While a phone GPS or online app is a great way to get started with planning your hike, it is best to also bring a paper map with you. In the event of a dropped or dead phone, a paper map can help to identify your area and which way to go. 

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2022: the DEC has announced the return of the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge for 2022! Starting on January 1st, 2022, and going through December 31st, 2022, hikers can earn a prize and a certificate for completing all six of the fire towers in the Catskill Park: Overlook, Red Hill, Balsam Lake, Mount Tremper, Hunter, and the Upper Esopus. Learn more by visiting the Catskill Fire Tower Project website and the DEC’s Fire Tower Challenge website.

Catskills Visitor Center (CVC): in Mt. Tremper, NY is open from 9:30-4:00 pm every day including newly installed exhibits, maps, information, and a gift shop. A fire tower is located on the property as well as nature trails. Call the Visitor Center at 845-688-3369 or email info@catskillcenter.org. Visitor Center trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Hunting Season Notices: Regular hunting season has ended, however, some small game is still in season.  Please review the DEC hunting season map for specific information.

Fishing Season Notices: 

  • From October 16th to March 31st, trout fishing is permitted for catch and release only. Valid fishing licenses and 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″.

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.

Seasonal Roads and Trailhead Closures: The following are seasonal roads and are not maintained during winter months and are generally closed from November to April 15th of each year:

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:

– 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.

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.

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! Note that most trails will not have any garbage receptacles. Always be prepared to take any garbage back in your car with you.  

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 open from 9:30 am-4:00 pm Trails open from dawn to dusk. The CVC does require masks upon entry to the building and please remember to socially distance when visiting the 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

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