News & Culture
Catskills hiking news, hiking product reviews, hiking tips, trail info, best practices, product reviews, history, culture, flora, fauna…
DEC Announces Addition of 241 Acres to Catskill Forest Preserve
This has been some time in the planning. It’s great news for the area just east of the Ashokan Reservoir. The new parcel sits between Jockey Hill and Onteora Lake. Its acquisition connects all three parcels, and allows for the the construction of connecting trails to unify the area.
The Fried Chicken War of 1881
This weird news clipping popped up in my Catskills Twitter feed today and sent me down an internet rabbit hole full of ding-dong Catskills drama. Oh, the shade!
Accessing Doubletop & Graham Requires Advance Permission
For Graham & Doubletop, a reminder that permission to hike these lands is required in advance — and is currently being granted only to hikers who live in neighboring counties.
The Great Twin Reroute Controversy of 2019
Until the middle of 2019, the trail from Pecoy Notch to the northern summit of Twin Mountain included a difficult rock ledge that required a semi-technical lift. The lift itself depended on a single tree root as a handhold. It was super fun.
Catskills Hemlocks Under Threat
Spend any time in the Catskills and you’ll see how special our hemlock groves are, and how unique their micro-environment is. Learn about Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and how you can help.
COVID-19: New York Pushes Back Opening State Campgrounds until June
According to the DEC’s 2020 Campground & Day Use Area Schedule, all state campgrounds will remain closed until at least June 1. ”To reduce potential community spread of COVID-19, all campgrounds, and pavilions are closed to overnight visitation through May 31.
The Best Hiking Apps for 2020
The best hiking apps broken into four categories: navigation/planning, field identification, photography, and fun. Whether you enjoy easy scenic trails or challenging mountain hikes, these apps will help you plan, plot and prepare for your next adventure.
Best Places to Eat in the Catskills for Hikers 2020
This up-to-date list of the best Catskills cafes and restaurants will help make your next pre- or post-hike chow extra-awesome Best Catskills Eats I love Phoenicia Diner on Rte 28 for a glorious post-hike chow. So many great dishes, and their Bourbon Milkshake is such a fantastic adult treat.
Open Space Institute Secures 871 Acres Near Ashokan High Point
The Open Space Institute has just announced the acquisition of two properties adjacent to the Catskill Park’s Sundown Wild Forest. The newly-protected properties have the potential to serve as a new access point to the Ashokan High Point hiking trail.
Ashokan Rail Trail Now Open
The newly-opened Ashokan Rail Trail on the north side of the Ashokan Reservoir is ridiculously wonderful. Ulster County and the DEP have absolutely aced this project. If you’re a walker, runner or cyclist, this is nine miles of absolute heaven. And unlike other promenades around the reservoir, dogs are allowed.
Trail Maintenance 101 in Mine Hollow
Look at this place. What a day to be outside in such a beautiful setting. The very next day, it snowed all over the Catskills—in mid-May! But on this perfect spring day, I joined a small group of fellow trainees for Trail Maintenance 101.
