Catskill Park
Find waterfalls, fire towers, forest trails, and lake-country escapes.
Artwork inspired by Jasper Francis Cropsey
Catskill Park is a broad mountain region, not a single ticketed attraction. Its public Forest Preserve lies among towns, roads, and private holdings within the Blue Line. Visitors can choose a short waterfall walk, a fire-tower climb, lake paddling, or a demanding backcountry route.
New York DEC lists specific hiking and camping areas, each with its own access, rules, and conditions. Choose one before leaving; the Google park pin is only a regional marker. Expect variable trail surfaces and changing mountain weather. Popular sites can have restricted or full parking, while some campgrounds and day-use areas charge fees even though general Forest Preserve access does not.
- Landscape
- Mountain forest
- Access
- Multiple public sites
- Plan
- Pick a trailhead
Quick guide
- Choose an outing
- Waterfalls, towers, and lakes have different starts.
- Check access
- Private land also lies inside the park boundary.
Know before you go
- Follow DEC guidance
- Find a named recreation area.
- Start modestly
- Lake walks differ from summit ascents.
- Check parking
- Busy trailheads can fill early.
- Watch weather
- Conditions can change with elevation.
Good to know
The linked Catskill Park listing is regional, not a trailhead. For a waterfall, lake, or summit trip, follow its own DEC directions.
Notice these
- Forest Preserve
- fire towers
- North-South Lake