Catskill Forest Preserve
Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The Catskill Forest Preserve was created in 1885 to protect the area’s water resources, as well as to provide public outdoor recreational opportunities. New York City alone relies on the Catskills to provide nearly 90 percent of its drinking water supply.
A land of legendary wilderness, Slide and the surrounding mountains formed the core of the original Catskill Forest Preserve. Prior to its creation, most of the primeval forests were devastated in the mid-1800s by the leather tanning industry, which required an exhaustive supply of hemlock bark, and then by the successive harvesting of the area’s hardwood forests for a growing demand for furniture and other wood products. A few stands of old growth forest escaped the lumberman’s axe. For example, virgin mountain spruce-fir forests, generally above 3,500 feet in elevation, can be found on some of the area’s highest peaks.
Management of the Preserve is dictated by the “forever wild” provision of the state’s Constitution which states:
“The land of the state, now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed...”
Recreational use of this area began in the nineteenth century when summer resorts and boarding houses first opened, and flourished with the development of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad. A number of guides sprang up during this period, many of whom were excellent woodsmen who laid out and maintained the trails they used.
James Dutcher was among the best of all mountain guides and the guardian spirit of Slide Mountain. In the 1870s he blazed a trail up the mountain from Winisook Lake, building stone steps where needed. While the “Dutcher” or “Step” Trail as it came to be known is no longer used today (it crosses private land), a trail nearly as old is still in use.
In 1891 the first public funds to be allocated by the New York State Legislature for Forest Preserve trail development were used to construct a “public path” to the summit of Slide Mountain. The present Burrough’s Range Trail follows this route as it ascends Slide, and the vestiges of the original stone work which built up low portions of the path can still be seen.
BEFORE YOU SET OUT, BE SURE TO:
- Get a detailed map and compass and acquaint yourself with the area.
- Draft and review an emergency plan should someone in your group become ill or injured. Be specific. Indicate at various points along your intended route which way is the quickest route out to a phone. Carry emergency phone numbers with you.
- Check the weather forecast and local conditions.
- Get an update on back country information and State land regulations.
- Leave written word at home or with a friend of your specific plans.
- Dress for the weather.
- Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills so plan your trip accordingly.
- Expect snow and ice from November through April.
- Please sign in and out at trail registers. In case of an emergency it could help locate you more easily. It also lets the DEC know which trails are being used most.
WINTER ADVISORY
Winter wilderness travel requires added skills and precautions. Weather can vary greatly both from year to year and from valley to mountaintop. Be prepared to encounter snow, freezing rain and ice. Carry snowshoes and crampons.
Cotton is a poor choice for the backcountry. Wear wool or a synthetic material such as polypropylene, pile or thermax, which dries quickly and insulates even when wet. The saying in the mountains is, “cotton kills”.
Dress in layers and carry extra clothing, food and water - and don’t forget a hat!
When planning a winter trip, stow a metal-edged shovel in your car and allow for additional time should you need to either shovel in or out of a parking area. Not all DEC parking lots are maintained in the winter and drifts or plows can leave you stranded.
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
To protect backcountry resources, state law requires all campsites to be at least 150 feet from any road, trail or water source, except at sites designated by the DEC. A designated site is either a lean-to or a campsite marked with a yellow “camp here” disc.
- Camping is also prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment.
- Groups of 10 or more must obtain a camping permit from the area Forest Ranger before entering state land. In a wilderness area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12 individuals to protect the wilderness character of the area, especially the opportunity for other visitors seeking solitude. Larger groups can be accommodated in Wild Forest areas such as Balsam Lake Mountain or Sundown Wild Forests.
- Whenever possible use an existing designated campsite to lessen your impact.
- Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down wood may be used. In a designated campsite, use the existing fire ring and burn wood no larger than that which can be snapped in your hands - it’s sure to be dead and dry, and will burn down to ash. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure your fire is cold before breaking camp. Camp stoves are a much safer option.
- Keep a clean camp. Wastewater should be taken a minimum of 150 feet from any water source and gently sprayed into the underbrush as against pouring it into a sump hole. Cooking water should be strained of any food particles and treated in a similar fashion. This distributes rather than concentrates the dirty water, dispersing both the impact and related odors that attract wildlife. All food waste should be packed out.
- Human waste - If available, use the privy. If not, dig a “cat-hole” 6-8 inches deep, a minimum of 150 feet from any water source. Cover waste with soil and leaf litter. Minimize the use of toilet paper and burn or pack it out. When appropriate, use leaves instead. (But be careful what you use!) Treat feminine products as you would all other garbage and pack out as well.
- Drinking water - The DEC can’t ensure the purity of any water source. Giardia lamblia is a water bourne parasite which can cause severe and prolonged intestinal disorder and has infected the water supply as a result of poor human sanitation habits. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically. Water can be scarce, especially in the summer, so make sure you bring enough!
- If you bring a pet - Your pet must be under control at all times. When others approach, particularly small children and other animals, leash your dog. Keep your pet quiet. Remove droppings from the trail and camping areas.
Detailed trail maps, published by The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, are available at The Catskill Hiking Shack.
SLIDE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AREA
The Slide Mountain Wilderness, encompassing over 47,500 acres, is the largest and most popular wilderness area in the Catskills. Extensive foot trails provide access to the remote interior, often climbing over lofty peaks with spectacular views. Slide Mountain, the tallest peak in all of the Catskills, inspired poet and naturalist John Burroughs to write: “Here the works of men dwindle, in the heart of the southern Catskills.” A plaque commemorating both the man and the mountain graces the face of the summit rock, in tribute to Burroughs and his vision. Aside from the trail system the Slide Mountain Wilderness offers an expansive trailless area providing visitors with the solitude, challenge and independence commonly associated with wilderness.
Wilderness is an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man - where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. Unlike other public lands that are managed for a higher degree of public use, wilderness is managed to offer “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.”
In keeping with this definition, your wilderness experience may include day hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting and trapping, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, observing and photographing nature and enjoying solitude.
Because wilderness challenges you to be self-sufficient, no motorized equipment or vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles) are allowed.
Location
The Slide Mountain Wilderness is located in the northwestern corner of Ulster County. It encompasses Forest Preserve lands in the towns of Shandaken, Denning and Olive. Crescent shaped north to south, this area straddles the Esopus, Neversink and Rondout watersheds.
Terrain
This is a rugged, mountainous wilderness that includes Wittenberg, Cornell, Panther, Lone, Rocky, Balsam Cap, Friday, Peekamoose and Table as well as Slide Mountain, from which the area takes its name. Elevations range from 1,100 to 4,180 feet.
Access
This area is easily reached from the northeast by State Route 28, from the south by Ulster County Rte 42, and the west by Ulster County Rte 47. Several established trailheads and parking areas provide developed access.
From the north...
- Big Indian Forest Preserve access - Town of Shandaken, 1/4 mi east of Big Indian on Route 28.
- Fox Hollow Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, Fox Hollow Road, 1.6 miiles south of Route 28.
- Woodland Valley State Campground and Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, Woodland Valley Road, 5 miles south of Route 28.
From the east...
- Mount Pleasant Forest Preserve Access - Town of Shandaken, on south side of Route 28.
From the south...
- Peekamoose Trailhead - Town of Denning, 10 miles southwest of West Shokan on County Rte 42.
- Denning Trailhead - Town of Denning, end of Claryville Road, 8 miles northeast of Claryville.
From the west...
- Biscuit Brook Trailhead - Town of Denning, 13 miles south of Big Indian on County Rte 47.
- Slide Mountain Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, 10 miles south of route 28 on County Route 47.
- Giant Ledge Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, 8 miles south of Route 28 on County Route 47.
Hiking
All 35 miles of trails in this area are open exclusively to foot travel, affording the visitor an uninterrupted back country experience. Harboring the tallest of the Catskill Peaks and offering numerous trailside vistas, the Slide Mountain trail network is quite attractive and, as a result, is the most heavily visited wilderness trail system in the Catskills. Visitors seeking solitude are less likely to encounter others during mid-week.
Woodland Valley-Denning Trail
9.8 miles, yellow markers, moderate - 2,300 foot elevation gain.
For all but the northernmost mile, the Woodland Valley-Denning trail follows an old carriage road, making this an easy to moderate hike with steady, moderate ascents. Other than its historical significance as the sole thoroughfare from Phoenicia to Claryville in the days of horse and carriage, its greatest attribute is that it offers the public access to other trails.
The Burroughs Range Trail
9.75 miles, red markers, challenging - 3,620 foot elevation gain.
Accessed either from the Woodland Valley Campground on the east or the Woodland Valley-Denning Trail on the west, this trail provides a challenging route through the heart of the Slide Mountain Wilderness, ascending Wittenberg, Cornell and Slide Mountain. The eastern approach is notably more difficult, often requiring the use of one’s hands to negotiate several rock ledges. At higher elevations, thick stands of Balsam Fir channel the hiker upwards, adding an element of surprise to the beautiful panorama that unfolds on the various summits.
Slide Mountain
The shortest, most direct route up Slide Mountain is from the Slide Mountain Trailhead parking area. Follow the yellow marked Woodland Valley-Denning Trail southwest .70 miles to its juncture with the red marked Burroughs Range Trail. Turn left, heading east 2 miles to the summit rock and Burrough’s Plaque. Total distance: 2.7 miles (5.4 miles round trip). Elevation gain: 1,780 feet.
Curtis-Ormsbee Trail
1.6 miles, blue markers, moderate - 900 foot elevation gain.
Often referred to as the scenic route up Slide Mountain, the Curtis-Ormsbee Trail provides the hiker with three panoramic vistas to the south and west and a moderate “terraced” ridge hike through stunted northern hardwoods. It is named in honor of William Curtis and Allen Ormsbee who originally blazed this route and later lost their lives during a mountaineering expedition in the White Mountains in 1900.
Giant Ledge-Panther Mountain-Fox Hollow Trail
7.45 miles, blue markers, challenging - 2,620 foot elevation gain from Fox Hollow.
This trail follows along a north-south ridge that offers spectacular views to the north (the Devil’s Path) and to the east (Woodland Valley) from both Giant Ledge and the summit of Panther. The ascent from either direction is interspersed with level stretches suggesting a “terracing” effect through mixed hardwoods at lower elevations and ultimately through the scent-laden balsam fir. Popular in part but noticeably less traveled north of Panther Mountain, this section of the trail provides the hiker with a sense of solitude.
Giant Ledge
The shortest and easiest route up Giant Ledge is from the Giant Ledge Trailhead. Begin by crossing the road and following the yellow-marked Woodland Valley-Denning Trail east .75 miles until its juncture with the blue-marked Giant Ledge-Panther Trail. Turn left, heading north .85 miles to the summit and excellent views to both the east and west. Total distance: 1.6 miles (3.2 miles round trip). Elevation gain: 1,100 feet.
Terrace Mountain Trail
0.9 miles, yellow markers, easy - 300 foot descent.
Accessed from the Burroughs Range Trail, the Terrace Mountain Trail is a short and easy hike with a very gradual descent, ending at the Terrace Mountain Lean-to. Bare rock outcroppings and low blueberry bushes best characterize the open “meadows” interspersed along the trail.
NOTE: There is no water source at The Terrace Mountain Lean-to.
Peekamoose-Table Mountain Trail
7.15 miles, blue markers, challenging - 2,820 foot elevation gain from Peekamoose Road.
Spotting a vehicle at either trailhead for the Peekamoose-Table Mountain Trail, thereby doing this trail as a through hike, affords the hiker maximum enjoyment. This is a less traveled area that presents a sense of remoteness, complemented by beautiful views at timely intervals. A distinct sense of history is evidenced by the red pine plantation, pioneer species indicating former pasture and stone walls on the southern end, contrasting sharply with the old growth forest in the interior.
BIG INDIAN WILDERNESS AREA
The Big Indian Wilderness Area encompasses over 33,500 acres of “forever wild” Forest Preserve lands in the heart of the Catskill Park. 
The Big Indian Wilderness Area provides the user with the longest stretch of trail through uninterrupted virgin forest in the Catskills, offering numerous opportunities for solitude in a remote and rugged environment.
Location
The Big Indian Wilderness Area is in the northwest corner of Ulster County, just south of the Hamlet of Pine Hill, nearly evenly divided between the neighboring towns of Denning, Hardenburgh and Shandaken. Crescent-shaped, the area also straddles the divide between the Delaware and Hudson River basins. It is bounded on the north by the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, on the south by the Willowemoc-Long Pond Wild Forest and is immediately adjacent to the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area to the east.
Terrain
The Big Indian Wilderness can best be described as a rugged, mountainous area marked by deep glacial cuts resulting in a series of parallel, steep-sided hollows. The area is host to eight prominent peaks including Balsam, Fir, Haynes and Eagle, as well as several unnamed mountain tops. Elevations range from 1,500 - 3,860 feet.
Access
This area is accessible from several trailheads that have parking lots.
From the east...
Route 28 to Big Indian, south on County Rt 47 as follows:
- Lost Clove Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, 2 miles south of Big Indian, end of Lost Clove Road.
- McKenley Hollow Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, 4 miles south of Big Indian, end of McKenley Hollow Road.
- Biscuit Brook Trailhead - Town of Denning, 13 miles south of Big Indian on County Rte 47.
From the South...
- Black Bear Road Trailhead - Town of Denning, 2 miles northwest of Claryville.
- Mongaup Pond Trailhead - Town of Rockland, Sullivan County, at Mongaup Pond State Campground.
From the West...
- Hardenburgh Trailhead - Town of Hardenburgh, on Beaverkill Road, 6 miles east of Turnwood.
- Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead - Town of Hardenburgh, end of Beaverkill Road, 6 miles east of Turnwood.
- Seager Trailhead - Town of Hardenburgh, end of Dry Brook Road, 9 miles south of Arkville.
- Rider Hollow Trailhead - Town of Hardenburgh, end of Rider Hollow Road.
From the North...
Pine Hill-West Branch Trailhead - Town of Shandaken, 1 mile south of Pine Hill, take Bonnie View Ave. to Station Road to Woodchuck Hollow Road.
Hiking
All 30 miles of trail in this area are open exclusively to foot travel, affording the user seeking solitude the guarantee of an uninterrupted backcountry experience. Some suggested hikes include:
McKenley Hollow Trail
1.9 miles, red markers
This trail, which provides access from the east to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail, is at first deceptively easy but becomes a progressively strenuous climb.
Rider Hollow-Mine Hollow Loop
4.8 miles
Beginning at the Rider Hollow Trailhead, follow red trail markers .4 miles to the Mine Hollow junction. Turn NE on yellow markers for a 1-mile ascent to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail. Turn south. Follow blue markers 2 miles up and over the summit of Balsam Mountain which provides a window view of the Hamlet of Big Indian. Proceed to the junction of the McKenley Hollow-Rider Hollow Trail. Turn NE on red markers, 1.4 miles back to the parking area.
Pine Hill-West Branch Trail
This trail offers a moderate ridge hike spanning five peaks that is long and somewhat strenuous. The easiest approach is from the south. Spur trails provide access to lean-tos and water, allowing for excellent backcountry opportunities.
Pine Hill-West Branch Trail
6.4 miles, blue markers
With less dramatic ascents, the views from this trail are obstructed until after leaf drop. However, this moderate, mid-elevation hike usually provides a greater chance to observe a variety of bird and animal life. This trail is best used in conjunction with the neighboring trail network to the south in order to loop back to the point of origin for either a one or two-day venture.
BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN WILD FOREST
Located in the southwest corner of Catskill Park, Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest contains more than 13,500 acres of “forever wild” Forest Preserve. With an extensive trail network to several ponds, this wild forest is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking, canoeing and cross-country skiing.
Location
The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is 8 miles south of Margaretville (Route 28) an 18 miles north of Livingston Manor (Route 17). It lies mainly within the Ulster County town of Hardenburgh, with small appendages in the towns of Middletown and Andes in Delaware County.
Terrain
The terrain is a combination of high mountain ridges, steep sided valleys, numerous brooks and ponds, with elevations ranging from a low of 1,740 feet along Mill Brook to a high of 3,723 feet at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain.
History
Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is at the head of the Beaverkill Valley, an area famous as the cradle of fly fishing in America. The most significant fishery within this wild forest, Alder Lake, is rich with history. Originally a natural pond, it was drained to create a hay field for farmers who settled the area. In 1889 the farm was flooded to create a lake and developed for a fishing resort to attract tourists. Originally stocked with native brook trout from the Beaverkill, a hatchery was built below the dam in 1890 to enhance the fishery. It was the first trout hatchery in the Beaverkill region.
In 1899 Samuel Coykendall, a millionaire railroad and steamboat company owner, acquired the property to create a stylish estate and fishing preserve. He constructed a grand mansion overlooking the lake and entertained national and international celebrities.
The Coykendall family sold their Alder Lake property to a trout fishing club from Liberty in 1945; in 1960 the Boy Scouts of America acquired the property for a summer camp. The State of New York acquired the property in 1980 for inclusion in the Forever Wild Catskill Forest Preserve. The Coykendall Lodge and fish hatchery remain on the property as a reminder of the area’s rich history. However, due to the advanced state of decay, neither building is open to the public and their fate is uncertain.
Fire Tower
Casting a watchful eye from the head of the valley, Balsam Lake Mountain has played an equally important role in the area’s history. As early as 1887 when a modest wooden tower was erected on its summit, Balsam Lake Mountain has been used for fire detection, making it the oldest fire tower in New York State. The present steel tower was erected in 1930 and was staffed until 1988. After years of neglect, efforts are now underway to rehabilitate the tower with hopes of once again opening it to the public.
Access
Several trailheads and parking areas provide developed access to the area...
- Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead is on Mill Brook Road in the town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County, 8 miles south of Arkville.
- Kelly Hollow Trailhead is on Mill Brook Road in the town of Middletown, Delaware County, 13 miles southeast of Margaretville.
- Alder Lake Trailhead is at the end of Alder Creek Road (County Route 54) in the town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County, 18 miles north of Livingston Manor (2.6 miles north of Turnwood).
- Hardenburgh Trailhead is on the Beaverkill Road in the town of Hardenburgh, 6 miles east of Turnwood.
- Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead is at the eastern end of the Beaverkill Road in the town of Hardenburgh, 8 miles east of Turnwood.
Hiking
More than 22 miles of trails traverse the area.
Alder Lake Loop Trail
1.5 miles, red markers
An easy hike around the lake.
Mill Brook Ridge Trail
5.9 miles, yellow markers, 1520 foot elevation gain
Accessed either from the Alder Lake Loop on the west or the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail on the east, this trail is a challenging route through the heart of the wild forest, providing access to the Beaver Meadow Lean-to (2.25 miles from the Alder Lake Trailhead).
Balsam Lake Mountain
The most direct route is from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead on Beaverkill Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail north 0.9 miles to its junction with the red-marked Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn left and follow it northwest .85 miles, passing a lean-to before reaching the summit. Total distance: 1.75 miles (3.5 miles round-trip), elevation gain: 1,200 feet.
The most popular route begins at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead on Mill Brook Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail south 2.25 miles to its junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn right and follow this red-marked trail southwest .75 miles to the summit. Total distance: 3.0 miles (6 miles round-trip), elevation gain: 1,120 feet.
The most ambitious route begins at the Alder Lake Trailhead and follows the Alder Lake Loop and Mill Brook Ridge Trails eastward to the summit. Total distance: 6.7 miles (13.4 miles round-trip), elevation gain: 1,520 feet.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Kelly Hollow Loop (4 miles) and Alder Lake Loop (1.5 miles) are well suited to cross-country skiing.
Boating
Only 200 yards from the parking lot and nearly 1/2 mile long, Alder Lake offers an enjoyable opportunity for hand launched boating. Electric motors are allowed, but gasoline motors are prohibited.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist throughout the wild forest, including:
Alder Lake, a 45-acre impoundment with a maximum depth of 22 feet, supports a high quality wild
brook trout fishery and is one of only a few ponds to provide such a fishing experience in the Catskills. A minimum size limit of 10 inches and a possession limit of 3 fish per day are currently employed to maintain this quality fishing experience. In addition, the use of any fish as bait is prohibited to prevent the establishment of species that would compete with the native brook trout.
Many perennial streams provide excellent brook trout fishing as well, including Alder Creek, Black Brook, Balsam Lake Brook, Mill Brook, Gulf of Mexico Brook and the headwaters of the Beaverkill. Please note however, that the lower part of the Beaverkill is in private ownership. There is no roadside public access to the Beaverkill along Beaverkill Road. To access the Beaverkill one must begin at the end of Beaverkill Road at the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead and hike east, following the Neversink-Hardenburgh Trail for 2.1 miles to reach the publicly-owned Beaverkill.
WILLOWEMOC WILD FOREST
Located in the southwest corner of the Catskill Park, Willowemoc Wild Forest contains more than 14,800 acres of Forever Wild Forest Preserve. With an extensive trail network to several ponds, this wild forest is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, dogsledding and cross-country skiing.
Location
The Willowemoc Wild Forest is eighteen miles north of Liberty and nine miles northeast of Livingston Manor, the closest village with amenities. It lies largely within the northern Sullivan County towns of Neversink and Rockland, with small appendages in the towns of Hardenburgh and Denning in Ulster County. The Wild Forest surrounds the Mongaup Pond State Campground and abuts the Big Indian Wilderness.
Terrain
Although generally quite hilly, Willowemoc Wild Forest does not include a named summit. Most of the terrain does not vary more than 1,000 feet in elevation.
Trailheads
Trailheads with parking include:
- Black Bear Road Trailhead is in the town of Denning, Ulster County, two miles northwest of Claryville.
- Long Pond Trailhead is in the town of Neversink, Sullivan County, on Flugertown Road, 3 miles northeast of Willowemoc.
- Mongaup Pond Campground is in the town of Rockland, Sullivan County. From Rte 17 at exit 96, take County Roads 81 and 82 east to DeBruce, turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road and drive north 3 miles to the campground. A day-use fee must be paid to enter the campground May through December, when it is open.
- Frick Pond Trailhead is in the town of Rockland, Sullivan County. Follow directions to Mongaup Pond Campground (see above). From Fish Hatchery Road, turn left onto Beech Mountain Road (one mile south of campground) then drive 1/4 mile.
- Two small parking lots along Johnson Hill Road (County Route 151) provide access to Waneta Lake, in the town of Rockland, Sullivan County, five miles north of Livingston Manor. Primitive camping is allowed at six designated campsites on the far shore of the lake.
Hiking
Willowemoc Wild Forest is laced with over 40 miles of recreational trails. All trails are open to foot travel. Approximately 15 miles are for hiking only, such as the Mongaup-Hardenburgh Trail to the Big Indian Wilderness. Some suggested hikes:
Frick Pond Loop
One mile around the pond, 2.1 miles round trip
From Frick Pond Trailhead, follow red DEC markers northwest 1/2 mile to Frick Pond. A loop around the pond can be made by following the yellow DEC markers.
Hodge Pond Loop
Total distance 6.3 miles
From Frick Pond Trailhead, follow the blue DEC markers of Flynn Trail north to Beech Mountain Nature Preserve, a private inholding with a NYS easement for a public footpath. The trail passes by the south shore of Hodge Pond, about 2.4 miles from the parking area, before returning to the State Forest Preserve. Continuing westward, the Flynn Trail ends at Junkyard Junction (3.2 miles). From here, you can return to the trailhead parking lot via the red DEC markers of Quick Lake Trail, passing by Frick Pond.
Quick Lake Trail
Follow red DEC markers from Frick Pond Trailhead past Frick Pond, then up and over a long ridge before descending to Quick Lake. Distance from trailhead parking lot to Frick Pond, 0.5 miles; Junkyard Junction, 3.1 miles; Quick Lake, 7.2 miles.
Long Pond Trail
Follow orange DEC snowmobile markers from the trailhead on Flugertown Road northeastward one mile to Long Pond.
Cross-Country Skiing
All trails are open to cross-country skiing. The foot trails from Frick Pond trailhead are particularly suitable. Different trail combinations offer skiers loops of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, ranging from the leisurely Frick Pond Loop (2.1 miles) to the more ambitious Hodge Pond Loop (6.3 miles), to the all-day adventure of the Quick Lake Quest (14.4 miles out and back).
Mountain Biking
While there are no trails designated for bicycles, Willowemoc Wild Forest offers an outstanding variety of trails suitable for bicycles. The snowmobile trails are most appropriate, but foot trails are open to bicycles as well. Please use caution and yield the right-of-way to pedestrian or horse, regardless of where you bicycle.
Horseback Riding
Horses are permitted throughout the Willowemoc Wild Forest, except on marked foot trails, in Mongaup Pond Campground, or on snowmobile or cross-country ski trails covered with snow or ice.
Horseback riding is not encouraged on snowmobile trails in spring due to erosion; but riding is welcome in summer and early fall. Access is best from Black Bear or Long Pond Trailheads, where there is adequate parking for horse trailers.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist on several waterbodies:
- Long Pond (15 acres), Frick Pond (6 acres) and Quick Lake (4 acres), all likely contain brown bullhead, golden shiner and chain pickeral. They may also provide seasonal habitat for brook trout.
- A NY State easement allows for public fishing on Hodge Pond (19 acres). It likely contains the same species as the State ponds.
- Waneta Lake (30 acres) and Mongaup Pond (122 acres) also provide excellent fishing opportunities. Many perennial streams provide excellent trout fishing, especially the Willowemoc, where brown and brook trout abound.