Catskill Fire Tower Project

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

This weekend!

How’s your woodlore?

Can you identify the trees around you? Explain why they grow where they do? Recognize the ways they’ve shaped our landscapes, communities, and daily lives?

Join the Catskill Center and Levi O’Brien of Levi O'Brien Tree School for a deep dive into the world of trees and the stories they hold.

🗓️ Sunday, June 21, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Catskills Visitor Center
🎟️ $30 per person

Part tree identification workshop, part natural history walk, and part exploration of our relationship with forests, this program will examine the trees of the Catskills through a mix of biology, ecology, history, and culture. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize common species, understand their place in the forest ecosystem, and uncover the many ways people have relied on, worked with, and learned from trees for generations.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most knowledgeable and engaging tree educators.

Advance registration is required at catskillcenter.org/events

06/17/2026

06/13/2026

Catskill Park Trail Conditions for the weekend of June 12, 13, and 14.

Near-record temperatures are headed to the Catskills this weekend, with a heat advisory in effect Friday. Friday starts with partly cloudy skies, with rain and potentially severe thunderstorms developing later in the day. Temperatures will soar to near record-highs, making it feel more like midsummer than early June. Saturday brings a pleasant change with mostly sunny skies, while Sunday wraps up the weekend with partly cloudy skies early with increasing clouds and showers developing later in the day.

Spring and early summer are nesting seasons for many ground and low-nesting birds, including bobolinks, dark-eyed Juncos, and other songbirds. Their nests can be difficult to spot and are often hidden along trail edges or in low vegetation. Be sure to stay on designated trails, keep dogs leashed, and give nesting or distressed birds plenty of space.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Campmor. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 15% off your purchase at checkout in their store.

⛈️Friday: Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High near 88°F, low 59°F.

☀️Saturday: Sunny skies. High near 82°F, low 61°F.

🌦️Sunday: Partly cloudy early followed by increasing clouds with showers developing later in the day. High 81°F, low 55°F.

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

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

06/13/2026

Learn the language of trees!

Join the Catskill Center and Levi O’Brien of Levi O’Brien Tree School on June 21st from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM at the Catskills Visitor Center for a guided walk exploring the fascinating world of trees.

Build your tree identification skills while discovering the ecology, history, and stories woven throughout the Catskills landscape.

Visit https://givebutter.com/Tree-ID-Tour-and-Woodlore-of-the-Catskills?mc_cid=714737dc05&mc_eid=6e26c985a5 to learn more and register for this unique experience.

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!

04/02/2026

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!