Catskill Fire Tower Project

04/25/2026

Be bear aware on your hikes! Workshop opportunity.

Not every hike goes exactly as planned. Knowing how to respond when conditions change, you encounter wildlife, or something unexpected happens can make all the difference.

Join experienced outdoor educators Joe Galvan and Scott Fitterman of the TrailBound Project - NJ Outdoor School for a practical, hands-on workshop focused on hiking safety and wildlife awareness in the Catskills.

🗓️ Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
🎟️ $15 per person
📍 Catskills Visitor Center (5096 NY-28, Mt Tremper, NY 12457)

Participants will explore real trail scenarios and learn how to respond to encounters with bears, snakes, aggressive dogs, poison ivy, changing conditions, and more. The workshop will also cover essential lightweight gear, emergency preparedness, and useful tools and apps for planning safer hikes.

Whether you are new to hiking or looking to build your skills, you will leave with practical knowledge to help you explore the Catskills more confidently and responsibly.

Advance registration is required at catskillcenter.org/events

All proceeds support the Catskill Center.

04/25/2026

Know before you go! Check out the weekend conditions in the Park at the Catskills Visitor Center!

Catskill Park Trail Conditions for the weekend of April 24, 25, and 26.

Cloudy skies and passing rain showers stick around this weekend in the Catskills, so keep that rain gear handy. Friday begins with cloudy conditions, with partial clearing later in the afternoon. Expect steady rain through Saturday, with mostly cloudy skies closing out the weekend Sunday. Trails are often wet and muddy this time of year; waterproof gear is key. Wear waterproof footwear to help keep your feet dry. Even with good footwear, puddles happen. Be sure to pack an extra pair of dry socks which can make a huge difference mid-hike, and help prevent blisters.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Margaretville Telephone Company Fiber.

⛅Friday: Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High near 61°F, low 39°F.

🌧️Saturday: Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High near 46°F, low 38°F.

☁️Sunday: Considerable cloudiness. High 58°F, low 40°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

04/07/2026

04/02/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | April 3 - April 5

April showers are right on cue! A classic spring weekend is ahead in the Catskills. We’ll kick things off with partly cloudy skies, with rain showers developing late Saturday evening and continuing into Sunday. Trails will be muddy with soft footing and slick rocks. Wearing waterproof gear like quick-dry clothing, gaiters, and waterproof boots can help you stay comfortable, and even enjoy mud season.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Catskill Mountain Quilters Hall of Fame.

Trail Conditions & Tips:
• Stay on trail, even if it’s muddy. Trails can become very muddy and slick during mud season. Use caution, and walk directly through mud puddles to help prevent trail widening and damage to fragile ecosystems.
• Traction aids: trails are wet, slushy, or even icy in early spring; wear waterproof boots and gear, and use traction aids like trekking poles to help keep your footing.
• Water crossings: snowmelt is increasing water levels at stream crossings. Use extra caution at water crossings, and turn around if it looks unsafe.
• Check conditions before you go: weather conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Plan accordingly, and prepare to turn around if conditions worsen.

🌥️Friday: Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High near 66°F, low 50°F.

🌦️Saturday: Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High near 65°F, low 41°F.

🌧️Sunday: Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 55°F, low 33°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

02/12/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | February 13 - February 15

The Catskills are warming up just a bit this weekend. We’ll begin with mainly sunny skies, followed by a mix of sun and clouds for the remainder of the weekend. Expect daytime highs to reach the mid-30s to low 40s, and overnight lows to dip down into the 20s—so it’ll still feel very wintry after sunset. Temperatures will remain well below freezing at higher elevations, with even colder windchills. Hiking in below-freezing temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Extreme cold, icy trails, and limited daylight increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and falls. Consider postponing your hiking plans or choose a shorter, well-traveled trail that will limit your exposure. When in doubt, it’s safest to wait for warmer conditions.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by The Running Kind.

Trail Conditions & Tips:
• Be flexible: adjust your hiking plans if trail conditions worsen, or become unsafe.
• Look out for falling ice: as daytime temps warm and refreeze overnight, watch out for falling ice, and icicles. Ice can loosen from roofs, trees, and cliffs.
• Bring traction: pack crampons and/or snowshoes, and use trekking poles to help maintain footing on icy and snow-covered trails.
• Layer up: dress in layers, and be sure to keep exposed skin covered to help prevent frostbite.
• Don’t rely on your phone for GPS: carry a paper map and compass, and pack a headlamp or light source, along with extra batteries.

☀️Friday: A mainly sunny sky. High near 34°F, low 21°F.

☁️Saturday: Cloudy. High near 39°F, low 22°F.

🌥️Sunday: Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 41°F, low 29°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

02/11/2026

Seasonal job opportunities in the Catskill Park!

We're Hiring!

Love the outdoors and want to make a difference in the Catskills? 🌲

We’re seeking seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect the natural heritage of the Catskills. Catskill Stewards provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public at high-use recreation destinations throughout the region.

If you enjoy connecting with people, being outdoors, and caring for the places we all love, this role could be for you.

Visit https://www.catskillcenter.org/getinvolved?mc_cid=d50eee2bdf&mc_eid=UNIQID to view the full position description and learn how to apply.

01/08/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | January 9 - January 11

Get your umbrellas ready! We’re heading into a generally cloudy and damp weekend in the Catskills, with steady rain showers continuing through Saturday evening. Daytime highs will sit in the low to mid-40s, while overnight lows will range from the 20s into the mid-30s. As we move into Sunday, conditions improve a bit with a mix of clouds and some partial clearing by the afternoon, though temps will fall to near freezing as the day progresses. With rain forecasted, there is a potential for icy conditions on trail, especially at higher elevations where temps are cooler. Be sure to stay on established trails where foot traffic may have improved traction, and bring traction aids with you to help you keep your footing in snow and icy sections.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Whitecliff Vineyard

Trail Conditions & Tips:
• Bring traction devices: using crampons and/or snowshoes, and trekking poles can help you maintain your footing on icy and snow-covered trails.
• Wear layers: Dressing in layers during winter is crucial for regulating body temperature, and staying dry to prevent dangerous conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.
• Keep your feet dry: wearing wool socks will keep feet warm, and waterproof hiking boots are best if you’ll be hiking in snow.
• Don’t rely solely on your phone for GPS: be sure to carry a paper map, and pack a headlamp or light source, along with extra batteries.

🌧️Friday: Mostly cloudy in the morning then periods of showers later in the day. High near 45°F, low 35°F.

🌧️Saturday: Cloudy with rain developing later in the day. High around 41°F, low 36°F.

🌥️Sunday: Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 40°F with temps falling to near freezing, low 26°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

12/18/2025

See you on the trail!

Catskill Trail Conditions | December 19 - December 21

Be prepared for changing weather patterns this weekend in the Catskills. We’ll start with mild and wet conditions on Friday, with temperatures steadily falling to near freezing as the day progresses, bringing a mix of rain and snow by the afternoon. Saturday will be colder with mostly cloudy skies. By Sunday, we’ll see sunny skies in the morning, with increasing clouds developing later in the day. Daytime temps will range from the mid-30s to low 50s, with overnight lows dropping into the 20s and 30s. With winter conditions, especially at higher elevations, it’s important to keep your feet dry by keeping snow out of your boots. If your hike will take you through deep snow, wearing gaiters is essential. Gaiters cover the vulnerable tops of your footwear to fully protect your feet from the elements, and also add a bit of warmth in winter. Be sure to use waterproof/breathable gaiters for hiking in snow to help keep your feet dry.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast

Trail Conditions & Tips:
• Wear layers: choose base layers of moisture-wicking fabric to keep your skin dry.
• Plan ahead-know what time the sun sets and plan your hike so you can return before dark.
• Use traction devices; bring crampons and/or snowshoes, and use trekking poles to help you keep your footing.
• Pack a headlamp or light source, along with extra batteries.

🌧️Friday: Occasional rain. Some snow showers mixing in the afternoon. High near 53°F, with temps falling sharply to near freezing, low 23°F.

☁️Saturday: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High around 35°F, low 30°F.

🌥️Sunday: Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 39°F with temps falling to near 30, low 21°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

12/16/2025

There’s still time to complete your 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge!

The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is a fun way to experience the history of the Catskills. For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State, including the Catskill Forest Preserve, from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks to search for dangerous, telltale signs of forest fires. The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge highlights the park’s remaining public fire towers.

To participate, hikers must hike to all six DEC-owned fire towers in the Catskills between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025. Once completed, participants submit a log of their completed hikes along with a favorite photo to [email protected], or via mail.

Due to winter conditions, be sure to bring traction aids with you to promote a safe hiking experience.

Do you have a favorite fire tower hike in the Catskills? 📸 Tag us!