Most trails are marked with small circular disks colored red, blue or yellow. All distances are round-trip.

How to Qualify for Catskill Adventure Patches

1. Hike, paddle, cross-country ski or snowshoe seven of the eighteen hikes described in this brochure.

2. Make certain to note trail names, dates and observations about your experiences on the "Adventure" record card.

3. When you have completed the above requirements, make sure your name and address are entered at the bottom of the record card and return it to "Adventure," Lands and Forests, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696.

4. After validating your Adventure record card, DEC will return your card along with a colorful Catskill Adventure-Forest Preserve patch. This patch is available only to those who complete this program. Sorry additional patches are not for sale. Supplies are limited.

5. Patches for successful completion of The Catskill Adventure will be awarded through December 31, 1998. Anyone submitting record cards after that date cannot be guaranteed receipt of a patch.

In This Brochure

Lakes accessible for boats:

Onteora, Alder, North South, Colgate, Big and Little Ponds

Best trails/locations for children under 5:

Alder Lake, Colgate Lake, Mary's Glen, Onteora Lake, Big and Little Ponds.

Onteora Lake
Town of Kingston, Ulster County

Bluestone mined in the area was taken by wagons to Kingston, where it was shipped to cities around the world. Currently, a 0.6 mile long unmarked woods trail (an old road) winds through upland oaks and pines, amid old bluestone mines, several ponds and dense hemlock forests, before ending on private land. A trail loop will soon be constructed. Please stay off private land. This trail is also excellent for a short mountain biking tour. A Bluestone Wild Forest Brochure is available from DEC offices listed in this brochure. West on State Route 28 from Kingston traffic circle, the lake entrance is about 3 miles on the right, just before LaBella Pasta and Lilly K's Family Restaurant. Drive the unpaved gravel road to a parking lot near the 16.5 - acre, 3/4 mile long lake.
Distance-1.2 miles

Giant Ledge
Town of Shandaken, Ulster County

Take State Route 28 from Kingston to Big Indian. South (left) on County Route 47 (Big Indian Hollow Road) 7 miles to parking lot on your right. Follow yellow Phoenicia East Branch Trail 0.75 miles to the blue Giant Ledge Trail, turn north (left), then 0.6 miles up to Giant Ledge (3200 feet) for multiple views of the mountains to the east and west (Wittenberg, Terrace, Cornell, Spruce, Hemlock and Balsam Mountains).
Distance-2.7 miles
Ascent-1,000 feet

Kanape Brook
Town of Olive, Ulster County

A 1.5-mile hike takes you along the Kanape Brook through remnants of hillside farms on what was once known as Freeman Avery Road John Canape was one of the first farmers in the area. You pass streams rushing to the brook, stone walls, farm foundations (on your left), Norway spruce plantings, a spring box built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at 1.25 miles, and finally a clearing where the trail crosses the brook (small trout have been spotted) Here the trail runs through a dark, dense plantation of Norway spruce trees. Once, these trees would have been used for lumber and logs and protected the farm that stood here from winds and snowdrifts. The road and trail continues up to Ashokan High Point Mountain (3,080 feet). Round trip is about 7 miles. The last I 1/4 miles are very steep. For more information, get the Sundown Wild Forest brochure from the DEC offices listed at the end of this brochure.

Take Route 28A around the Ashokan Reservoir and dams from Kingston or Boiceville to Watson Hollow Road (Co. Rte 42), then 3.75 miles to the Kanape Parking lot (on your right). The red trail crosses the road just downhill of the lot and crosses a wooden bridge. Trail register is just beyond.
Distance-3.0 miles
Ascent-500 feet

Vernooy Falls
Town of Rochester, Ulster County

Vernooy Kill Falls is a series of picturesque little waterfalls with pools, dropping about 30 feet in 4 stages. A foot bridge crosses the base of the falls for a nice view. Nearby is a tall stone wall, a remnant of the Vernooy Mill which 200 years ago was a major crossroads where farmers near and far brought their grain for milling. A major road ran through this area which now looks so wild. Recently 300 acres burned on nearby Cherrytown Mountain. For more information, get the Sundown Wild Forest brochure from the DEC offices listed.

Vernooy Falls is a 3.6-miles round trip from the parking lot on Upper Cherrytown Road (The first half is up a steep hill on the old road, now a snowmobile trail, Ascent-650 feet). Drive up unpaved Trails End Road for a more leisurely 1.2-mile hike (Ascent-200 ft.). The road is rough, so use a high-clearance/four-wheel drive vehicle. Park on the grass to the right of the road just beyond the curve.
Distance-2.4 to 3.6 miles
Ascent 200 - 650 feet

Colgate Lake
Town of Jewett, Greene County

Canoe or paddle (sorry, no motors allowed) the 26-acre lake. Mountains surround the valley with good views of the Blackhead Mountain Range. (Thomas Cole-3,940 feet, Black Dome-3,980 feet, Blackhead-3,940 feet). State Route 23A west to Tannersville, where you make a right on County Route 23C. Right onto Country Route 78. Park at any one of three parking lots along Route 78 and walk the road to or from Colgate Lake. The Colgate Lake Trail (yellow markers) from the last parking lot takes you to a beaver wetland (at 2.35 miles) and onward into the mountains).
Distance-Less than 1.0 mile

North-South Lake Hikes:
Catskill Mt. House Site
Alligator & Boulder Rocks
Town of Hunter, Greene County

This very short hike brings you to beautiful views of the Hudson Valley. On a clear day you can see five states. it is the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. In its heyday between the 1850's and the 1870's, this renowned hotel catered to 400 guests a night, including such notables as Presidents Arthur and Grant.

Drive through the North Lake Beach parking lot and park in the gravel lot just beyond (open May-October, day-use fee charged). Walk uphill through the lot looking for the blue trail markers and a sign directing you to turn right. Follow the blue markers uphill for .2 miles to the open ledges of this famous spot.

Day Use Area-CIC Site
Town of Shandaken, Ulster County

Two flat and easy-to-walk loop trails-the Old Field Trail and the Winnie Farm History Trail-help you interpret the meadows, woods and history of the area. An interpretive booklet for the Old Field trail is available from the DEC offices listed in this brochure. The trails will be fully open with interpretive booklets by Spring 1997. This property is the proposed future site of the Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC).

Take State Route 28 to Mount Tremper. Entrance off Route 28. Cross the bridge and park at the turnaround parking lot. Follow signs to interpretive trails.
Each trail loop is 0.5 miles

Rochester Hollow
Town of Shandaken, Ulster County

From the parking lot, the abandoned road climbs gently and steadily along the stream, passing two hemlock stands. At about I mile, the trail gets steeper for 1/2 mile, then becomes gentler, passing a 1921 John Burroughs Forest Memorial, two small ponds and house ruins ending at private land (about 3 miles) Good for cross-country skiing and limited mountain biking.

State Route 28 from Kingston, about I mile past Big Indian. Make a right turn onto small Matyas Road and follow to the parking lot just before the gate. Swim at the Pine Hill Day Use Area, 1 mile west on your left (day use fee charged).
Distance Up to 6 miles
Ascent-Up to 800 feet

Diamond Notch Falls
Town of Lexington, Greene County

From the last parking lot by the gate at the end of Spruceton Road, follow the Diamond Notch Trail (not the Spruceton Trail) east for I mile to the Falls. The trail, once a town road, rises gently with the headwaters of the West Kill River The falls drop about 25 feet into an amphitheater-like setting, with a small meadow nearby.

Take State Route 23A west to Lexington, left on State Route 42, left on Co. Rte 6 (Spruceton Road). State Rte 42 can also be reached from Shandaken on State Route 28 from Kingston and Margaretville. Spruceton Road becomes rough-paved and graveled after crossing two small bridges before reaching the parking lot. The 7-mile road is not busy and becomes quieter as one approaches the end. May be considered for mountain biking but be careful.
Distance-2 miles
Ascent-300 feet

Colgate Lake
Town of Jewett, Greene County

Canoe or paddle (sorry, no motors allowed) the 26-acre lake. Mountains surround the valley with good views of the Blackhead Mountain Range. (Thomas Cole-3,940 feet, Black Dome-3,980 feet, Blackhead-3,940 feet). State Route 23A west to Tannersville, where you make a right on County Route 23C. Right onto Country Route 78. Park at any one of three parking lots along Route 78 and walk the road to or from Colgate Lake. The Colgate Lake Trail (yellow markers) from the last parking lot takes you to a beaver wetland (at 2.35 miles) and onward into the mountains).
Distance-Less than 1.0 mile

North-South Lake Hikes:
Catskill Mt. House Site
Alligator & Boulder Rocks
Town of Hunter, Greene County

This very short hike brings you to beautiful views of the Hudson Valley. On a clear day you can see five states. it is the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. In its heyday between the 1850's and the 1870's, this renowned hotel catered to 400 guests a night, including such notables as Presidents Arthur and Grant.

Drive through the North Lake Beach parking lot and park in the gravel lot just beyond (open May-October, day-use fee charged). Walk uphill through the lot looking for the blue trail markers and a sign directing you to turn right. Follow the blue markers uphill for .2 miles to the open ledges of this famous spot.

Afterwards, go back to the gate at the end of the parking lot and follow the old carriage road for a gentle hike to Alligator Rock.
Distance (Mt. House)-0.5 mile
Ascent-80 feet
Distance (AIIigator Rock) 1.0 mile

To get to Boulder Rock; take the Blue Escarpment Trail from the Catskill Mountain House Site near the Historical Marker which leads to Boulder Rock Lookout offers views towards Palenville and Hudson Valley.
Distance-1.5 miles
Ascent-200 feet

For other hikes in this area, ask for Day Hikes at North-South Lake.

Mary's Glen/Ashley Falls
Town of Hunter, Greene County

This hike starts out a little rough-on a cobbled streambed. However, it's a good hike for parents with small children who want to avoid open ledges. The short easy hike takes you through a lovely wooded glen alongside a beaver meadow to the base of a heavily forested cascade known as Ashley Falls. The place name, Mary's Glen, remembers Mary Scribner, whose husband Ira once operated a sawmill on the creek.

As you enter North-South Lake Campground (open May-Oct., day-use fee charged) on North Lake Road going toward North Lake, trailhead parking is about I mile on the left. From this small graveled lot, cross over the stone bridge and turn right following the red trail markers and sign directing you to North Point and Mary's Glen. At 0.2 miles the yellow spur trail leads straight ahead (sign says Mary's Glen Falls) 0.1 miles to the rocky base of the falls.
Distance-0.6 miles
Ascent-20 feet

Kaaterskill Falls Trails
Town of Hunter, Greene County

Junction of Rt. 23A and Kaaterskill Creek. Parking is uphill to the west. Trail leaves north side of highway at Bastion Falls and follows stream through mixed hardwoods and hemlocks to the base of 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls. At 260 feet, these are the highest falls in New York State consisting of two tiers The upper falls drops 175 feet and the lower falls 85 feet into the rocky basin.

From the parking lot, walk downhill along the road, across the bridge and turn left onto the yellow trail. Take care walking along this narrow busy roadway. The trail climbs steeply from the road with several good spots from which to view Bastion Falls. After crossing several rock slides, the trail passes large 200+ year old hemlock trees on its way to the often mist-shrouded base of the falls. Please do not hike beyond the end of the trail or attempt to climb the falls as this is dangerous.
Distance-1.2 miles
Ascent-340 feet

Trout Pond
Town of , Delaware County

Trail starts near a small meadow, waterfall and the ruins of an old mill site, and follows the Trout Pond outlet stream to this manmade and very scenic 19-acre pond. Hike is a steady, gentle climb on a trail that serves snowmobilers in the winter. State Route 17 to Exit 93, right on Russell Brook Road for 3.5 miles (3 miles unpaved) to a parking lot on the left side of the road (0.5 miles south of junction with Morton Hill Road).
Distance-1.8 miles
Ascent-400 feet

Little Pond Campground and Big Pond
Town of Colchester, Delaware County

Start of yellow marked trail is at the end of the road on the west side of Little Pond State Campground. Open mid-May to mid-October (day-use fee charged). When closed there is a l-mile walk from the gate. Loop around the 13-acre pond will take you past a beaver lodge and an old stone fireplace (about 0.5 miles). From the north end of the pond, follow the trail paralleling the inlet stream to ruins of an old farm, pond and fields with fine views to the east (at about 1 mile).

At 50-acre Big Pond, a small parking lot allows you to put in boats without motors. Several unmarked trails and meadows connect a larger parking lot several hundred feet to the south with the lake. Big Pond is about one-half mile north of the entrance road to Little Pond Campground on Barkaboom Road.

Take Route 17 to Exit 96 at Livingston Manor; take first two right turns. Make a right just past Kings Catering House. Follow Co. Rte 151 to Co. 152. Campground is 8 miles on the left.
Distance--0.5 to 2 miles
Ascent-0 to 300 ft

Alder Lake
Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County

Streams, wet meadows and wetlands on the far side. Beautiful views of nearby hillsides, particularly impressive in the fall. Balsam Lake Mountain and Little Pond State Campground are nearby Walk past the Coykendall Lodge ruin, built in 1899 as a retreat for guests and friends of Samuel D. Coykendall (the great financier and railroad owner). Please stay away from the building, as it is closed. Walk to the lake, cross the dam and follow the old road/trail around the lake. Non-motorized boats are allowed on this 44-acre lake. Take State Route 17 to Exit 96 (Livingston Manor), then County Route 151 past Beaverkill State Campground to Co. Rte 152 (tow Beach). Continue on Rte 152 to Turnwood Road (Co. Rte 54) into Turnwood. Make a left on Turnwood Road. Turn right to Alder Lake at about 2.3 miles. Park at the lot near the gate. Trail register is just beyond.
Loop-about 1.0 mile

Balsam Lake Mountain Firetower
Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster Counties

Follow directions to Alder Lake, but continue straight about 5 miles in Turnwood to the end of the Beaver Kill Road. The last few miles are on a dirt road. Park at DEC parking lot at the end. From there, hike up 0.9 miles on the blue Dry Brook Ridge Trail to where the red Balsam Lake Mountain Trail intersects on the left. Then up a steep section 0.5 miles to two lean-tos and another 0.35 miles to the Balsam Lake Mountain summit (3723 feet) and firetower (currently closed). The summit is covered in balsam firs-the fragrant evergreens found on many of the highest mountains in the Catskills.
Distance-3.5 miles
Ascent-1,250 feet

Long Pond
Town of Neversink, Sullivan County

Follow red trail markers from the trailhead on Flugertown Road eastward for I mile to Long Pond. The trail (used by snowmobiles in winter) starts near Willowemoc Creek and leads through gentle forested hills to this 1 5-acre pond. A Willowemoc Wild Forest Map and Guide is available from DEC offices listed at the end of this brochure.

Route 17 to Exit 98 to County Route 85 (Cooley Road) and 84 (Parksville Road) to Willowemoc Road. Left from Willowemoc Road onto Flugertown Road. Parking lot is roughly 3 miles on the right.
Distance-2.0 miles
Ascent-200 feet

Frick Pond
Town of Rockland, Sullivan County

From the trailhead on Beech Mountain Road, follow the red markers one-half mile to 6-acre Frick Pond. A loop can be made around the pond following the yellow markers (about I mile). A Willowemoc Wild Forest Map and Guide and Mongaup Pond Public Campground Brochure are available.

From Route 17 at Exit 96 take County Roads 81 and 82 east to DeBruce. Turning left on Fish Hatchery Road you will go by the Catskill Fish Hatchery Turn left again on Beech Mountain Road (one mite south of Mongaup Pond State campground)' then drive up one quarter mile to the trailhead parking lot. The Catskill Fish Hatchery is open to the public for self-guided tours 7 days a week from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except during summer weekends and holidays when the hours are 8 AM till noon. For more information call (914) 439-4328.
Distance-1.0 to 2.1 miles
Ascent-200 feet

For More Information

From DEC: Catskill Forest Preserve Of Official Mop a/id Guide and Tips for Using State Land. Public campground information is available in a brochure Camping in the New York Stale Forest Preserve.

NYSDEC Offices In the Catskill Region

Ulster/Sullivan counties
Bureau of Public Lands
21 South Putt corners Road
New Paltz, New York 12561
(914) 256 3082, 3083

Greene/Delaware Counties
Bureau of Public Lands
Route 10
Stamford, New York 12167
(607) 652-7365

Environmental Education or Belleayre Mt. information:
c/o Belleayre Ski Center, PO Box 313
Highmount, New York 12441
(914) 254-5600 (Ext. 22)