Catskill Backcountry Information
Welcome to the Catskills
The Welcome to the Catskills webpage is the place to go if you are interested in learning more about the Catskill Mountains. It provides information about the Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Leave No Trace. Be sure to check out the links to additional information and tips for recreating safely and minimizing your impacts on natural resources, recreational infrastructure, and other backcountry users in the Catskill Mountains.
For a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience on public lands in the Catskills and New York City s Catskill/Delaware Watershed, please consult DEC s regular updates, seasonal notices and general information below.
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COMMENTARY
“Porcupine,” Tempera and Sharpie with Quills on canvas, by Uma Szczesny
We came upon a dead porcupine recently… freshly dead most likely, the poor fellow well preserved but still soft, his brown and tan quills swaying in the forest wind.
My daughter had never seen a porcupine up close and it’s in her nature to be drawn to new things in the natural world.
I’m usually more circumspect when it comes to discovering dead things – more cautious. Perhaps the little rodent was scared and just playing dead and would leap up as we drew near and bulls-eye us with a quiver of quills. Or perhaps his body would burst forth with a tornado of flesh-eating insects.
First Day Hikes
Thank you to those who attended First Day Hikes 2021!
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the First Day Hikes program. Many New Yorkers across the state came out to lands, parks, trails, and other facilities to break in the New Year with a little fresh air and nature.
See photos from this year s event on DEC s Flickr album.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and requirements for safe outdoor recreation, the event options for hikes ranged from self-guided treks to small staff or volunteer-led hikes allowing participants the time and space to socially distance while still enjoying nature s winter wonders. New Yorkers are always reminded to PLAY SMART PLAY SAFE PLAY LOCAL while visiting the outdoors by recreating locally, practicing physical distancing, showing respect for all outdoor adventurers, and use common sense to protect themselves and others.