The Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | September 4- September 6

Make the most of the unofficial last weekend of summer with a Labor Day adventure in the Catskills! The forecast is looking beautiful for hiking, camping, and exploring, with partly cloudy skies Friday and plenty of sunshine through the weekend. Expect highs near 79°F Friday, 75°F Saturday, and 71°F Sunday, with crisp overnight temperatures dipping into the 50s. Keep in mind that rain earlier this week may leave trails wet and muddy and some streams running higher than usual, so use extra caution at water crossings.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive $100 off any stay at Wilderkaat.

Trail Tips:
• Expect popular trailheads and destinations to be busier than usual over the holiday weekend. Have a backup hike in mind and never park illegally or block roadways.
• Rain earlier this week may mean higher water levels and more challenging stream crossings. Use extra caution around moving water, never attempt a crossing that feels unsafe, and be prepared to turn around or choose an alternate route.
• Heading out early or staying overnight? Temperatures could dip into the low to mid-50s, so pack an extra layer and an appropriate sleep system.
• Never transport firewood long distances. Buy it locally to help prevent the spread of invasive forest pests.
• Whether hiking or camping, follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring into the forest.

Weather Forecast:

🌤 Friday: Partly cloudy. High near 79°F, low 58°F.

🌤 Saturday: Mostly Sunny . High near 75°F, low 55 °F.

🌤 Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 73°F, low 52°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!

08/21/2026

Catskill Park Trail Conditions for the weekend of August 21.

A wet weekend is ahead in the Catskills, with Friday offering the best opportunity to hit the trails. Expect mostly sunshine on Friday, followed by cloudy skies during the day and occasional rain Saturday night and the potential for thunderstorms Sunday afternoon. Rain may leave trails muddy and stream crossings higher or faster-moving than usual, so never attempt a crossing that feels unsafe. If you hear thunder while hiking, move away from exposed summits, ridgelines, and fire towers, and seek lower ground.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by thePhoenicia Diner. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% off dining at the Phoenicia Diner.

Weather Forecast:

🌤 Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 76°F, low 59°F.

⛅ Saturday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers at night. High near 74°F, low 63°F.

🌩 Sunday: Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 76°F, low 58°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!

07/25/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | July 24 - July 26

Blue skies and comfortable summer temperatures are on tap for a beautiful weekend in the Catskills. Expect mostly sunny skies on Friday and Saturday, with a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. With highs around 81°F each day and cooler mornings, it's shaping up to be an ideal weekend for hiking, paddling, and exploring the region.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by Garden Cafe Woodstock. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% of dining at the Garden Cafe Woodstock.

Trail Tips:
• Start your hike early to enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes or routes with limited shade.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as exposed summits and overlooks can be sunny even on mild days.
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks after your hike and stay on marked trails to help protect sensitive habitats.
• Carry a map, headlamp, and basic safety gear, even on shorter hikes.
• Practice Leave No Trace by packing out everything you bring in and respecting wildlife from a distance.

Weather Forecast:

🌞 Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 80°F, low 58°F.

🌞 Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 81°F, low 61°F.

🌤 Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 82°F, low 62°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!

07/25/2026

Taste the homegrown flavors of the Catskills!

Join us for a uniquely local dining experience at the Catskills Visitor Center at our Farmed & Foraged Dinner.

🗓️ August 24, 2024
🕡 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 5096 NY-28, Mt Tremper, NY 12457

This multiple-course dinner, creatively conceived and prepared by Chef Rob Handel, will feature locally farmed and wild foraged ingredients from across the Catskills. Enjoy in the rich, natural flavors of the region with each thoughtfully crafted dish surrounded by nature under our outdoor picnic pavilion.

🍽️ $150 per person (includes gratuity)

Reservations are required and seating will be limited. View the full menu and reserve space for you and your party in advance at: www.catskillcenter.org/events

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/18/2026

Catskill Park Trail Conditions for the weekend of July 17, 18, and 19.

From hazy skies to summer storms and a pleasant finish, this weekend’s weather has a little bit of everything. Areas of smoke may reduce visibility at times on Friday, so expect hazier views than usual and consider limiting strenuous activity if you’re sensitive to smoke. Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected on Saturday. Sunday’s cooler temperatures and improving skies should make it the best day for a hike, though trails may still be muddy and slippery from Saturday’s rain.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Lamont Engineers.

Weather Forecast:

🌥 Friday: Sun and a few passing clouds. Areas of smoke reducing visibility at times. High near 81°F, low 64°F.

🌧 Saturday: Showers in the morning with a possible afternoon thunderstorm. High near 77°F, low 66°F.

🌤 Sunday: Partly cloudy to sunny skies. High 77°F, low 56°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!

06/29/2026

The Catskill Center recently completed its Strategic Plan for three of its key public sites: Platte Clove Preserve, Thorn Preserve, and the Catskills Visitor Center. We would love to hear what you think about the proposed priorities for each of these well-loved places. Please take the time to review

06/29/2026

The Catskill Park functions as a single landscape, and many of the challenges it faces require a coordinated approach that looks beyond individual sites and considers the needs of the park as a whole.

That’s the idea behind whole-park management: coordinating conservation, recreation, and community priorities across the Catskills as one connected system.

This vision was at the heart of the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group’s recommendations, and it’s beginning to take shape through visitor use management planning, increased stewardship investments, stronger partnerships, and on-the-ground projects throughout the region.

But realizing that vision will require continued coordination, sustained investment, and a long-term commitment to managing the Catskills as the connected landscape it truly is.

Read more about why the Catskill Center believes whole-park, active management is essential to the future of the Catskill Park and how it’s beginning to take shape across the region.

🔗 www.catskillcenter.org/news

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.

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!