Catskill Park Print E-mail
"In 1885 a law was passed by the NY State Congress which established the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve. From the beginning this land was protected by the State constitution as Forever Wild land, never to be subjected to development or extraction of natural resources. In 1904 the Catskill Park was designated, which established a boundary, or blue line around the Forest Preserve, and private land as well. Over the years the Forest Preserve and the Catskill Park grew, with the Catskill Park now comprising approximately 700,000 acres, about half of which is public Forest Preserve."
from CatskillPark.org, Historykatsclove3
Kaaterskill Clove by Th. Cole
ashokan reservoir Glance at an Ulster map and you'll see it: the whole northwest half is Catskill Park, a protected Forest Preserve wonderland. The vast freen forests and mountains offer something for everyone:

  • Water! First-rate, well-stocked Fly-fishing; waterfalls and cascading streams; rivers 'n rapids for canoeing, kayaking and tubingl; lakes and ponds and beaches, for lazy campside afternoons (and for the adventurous: ice-fishing); breath-taking, scenic reservoirs; and the list goes on and on. More precipitation falls on the Catskills each year than any other place in the northeast, and nowhere is it easier to find the sweet spot for relaxation and outdoor watery fun.

  • 300 miles of well-maintained hiking trails beckon to Ulster visitors and residents. Densely wooded canyons, abundant wildlife, jagged rocky peaks (yes, here in the east!), and sweeping vistas await the entrepid hiker.

  • Ancient Catskill peaks rise in grandeur from the riffling lowlands of the Hudson Valley; 35 of them over 3500ft in elevation. Slopes are covered in blueberries, blackberries and thimbleberries, streams full of trout rush and tumble between them, and even the thunderstorms here are part of American literature. Hike to the summits of each of these peaks and you'll earn membership in the Catskill 3500 Club.

Lookout Towers
Five Catskill peaks, Hunter, Overlook, Tremper, Balsam Lake, and Red Hill, have fire towers on their summits; remnants of an era gone by. The Catskill Fire Tower Restoration Project restored these towers, making them safe so that the excellent views and educational aspects of the towers can now be enjoyed by the public.
Mountain biking
...has become very popular throughout the country, and here in the Catskill Mountains it is no different. Cyclists can choose to ride the very challenging terrain of the hiking trails, or you can opt for any of the local ski centers that offer downhill riding opportunities during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Skiing
The Catskill Region is known for its great downhill skiing. With three ski areas inside the Catskill Park (Belleayre Mountain, Hunter Mountain, and Ski Windham), and two more (Bobcat Ski Center, and Ski Plattekill) just outside the boundary, you are never too far away from great skiing.

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