Catskills -- Western
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Park Overview:
With miles of easily accessed trails -- some on wide, grassy roads, others more challenging -- and no 3,500-foot peaks to climb, this region of the Catskills offers more relaxed paths to nature.
Park Description:
Western Catskills
The trails in this gentler area of the western Catskills are concentrated in the towns of Colchester and Andes in Delaware County, south of the Pepacton Reservoir and north of Route 17 around Roscoe, NY. These trails are not as heavily used as those elsewhere in the Catskills; thus, they are ideal for the hiker who is seeking greater solitude.
Resources:
Trails Overview:
Catskills – Western sub-region contains 17 trails. They range in length from 0.7 mile to 7.3 miles. Totaling 63 miles, some are mixed-use with snowmobiles. In addition another 20 miles of unblazed snowmobile pathways traverse parts of the Willowemoc Wild Forest and Delaware Wild Forest. These trails are displayed, and snowmobile pathways clearly marked, on NY-NJ Trail Conference “Western Catskill Trails” Map 144. The map’s reverse provides information about the 17 trails, including trailheads and turning points linked to mileage.
Some of the trails in the area (summarized below) can be combined to form a continuous 25-mile one-way hike, but since there are many road crossings, individual trails can be hiked in day trips.
- Touch-Me-Not Trail (6.7 miles, red blaze, TC Map 144, map grid E7/D7, trail designation TO). The most easterly section of the Delaware County trail system, the Touch-Me-Not Trail begins at the Alder Lake parking area in Ulster County.
- Middle Mountain Trail (2.3 miles, red, map grid D7, trail designation MM). The trail begins on Beech Hill Road, 0.2 mile north of the western end of the Touch-Me-Not Trail, passing a spring not far from its start.
- Mary Smith Trail (4.5 miles, red, map grid C7/D7, trail designation MS). The trail begins on the west side of Mary Smith Hill Road, opposite the western end of the Middle Mountain Trail.
- Campbell Mountain Trail (6.3 miles, blue, map grid B7, trail designation CM). The trail begins at the junction with the Little Spring Brook Trail (yellow) and the Pelnor Hollow Trail (blue).
- Trout Pond Trail (5.1 miles, blue, map grid A8/B7, trail designation TP). The last link in this chain of trails starts at Campbell Mountain Road across from the west end of the Campbell Mountain Trail. It ends at a parking area on Russell Brook Road, 0.5 mile south of its junction with Morton Hill Road. Follow woods road along outlet stream of Trout Pond.
West of Mongaup Pond. To the west of Mongaup Pond State Campground in the Town of Rockland is an extensive trail system, composed primarily of wide, grassy roads designed primarily for snowmobile and/or cross-country ski traffic. These gentle roads also make appealing hikes.
- The trail system can be accessed via the snowmobile trail which heads west from the campground, or by driving up Beech Mountain Road to its end. The Flynn Trail (3.3 miles, blue, TC Map 144, map grid E8, trail designation FY) begins here heading north. The Quick Lake Trail (7.2 miles, red, map grid E8, trail designation QL) heads in a more northwesterly direction from the same trailhead parking area.
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Various towns /Delaware /UlsterWith miles of easily accessed trails -- some on wide, grassy roads, others more challenging -- and no 3,500-foot peaks to climb, this region of the Catskills offers more relaxed paths to nature.
Western Catskills
The trails in this gentler area of the western Catskills are concentrated in the towns of Colchester and Andes in Delaware County, south of the Pepacton Reservoir and north of Route 17 around Roscoe, NY. These trails are not as heavily used as those elsewhere in the Catskills; thus, they are ideal for the hiker who is seeking greater solitude.
Resources:...
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Various towns /Delaware /UlsterContact Information
Web Link:
Department of Environmental Conservation – Region 3Phone:
(845) 256-3083Fees:
Not availableDogs in park:
Dogs off leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Use Loacation Tab:
- Alder Lake: Take Exit 96 off of N.Y. Route 17 and go to the T-intersection near Livingston Manor. Turn right, go approximately 1 mile and make a right onto Johnson Hill Road (Sullivan County Route 151/Beaverkill Road). At the steel bridge in Turnwood, turn left onto Alder Creek Road (Ulster County Route 54). Go past the Beaverkill Fish Hatchery and continue until the road changes to dirt. Make a right onto Access Road to Alder Lake. About 3 miles north of Turnwood. GPS: 42.049412,-74.680767
- Russell Brook Road: Take N.J. Route 17 north to the New York Thruway and continue to Exit 16. Proceed west on NY 17 to Exit 94 (Roscoe). Turn left at the end of the ramp onto County Route 179, which becomes N.Y. Route 206 in half a mile. In 2.6 miles (from Exit 94), you’ll cross the Beaver Kill. Just beyond the bridge over the stream, turn left onto Morton Hill Road. Follow this road for 3.1 miles to the intersection with Russell Brook Road (on the left). Turn left onto Russell Brook Road and follow it downhill for about half a mile to a parking area on the right. GPS: 41.994696,-74.940856
- Mongaup Pond State Park: From Route 17 West (quickway) to Exit 96 at Livingston Manor; make a right off the ramp then make a left onto Old Route 17, make first left onto County Road 81 & 82, 6 miles to DeBruce; turn left at signs on Mongaup Road, 3 miles to campsite. Street address: 231 Mongaup Pond Road, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
- Trailhead parking is before the entrance to the park on Beech Mountain Road. GPS: 42.049412,-74.680767
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