The Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve

The Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve Platte Clove Preserve is 208 acres with beautiful waterfalls at the head of the rugged and scenic Platte Clove owned and managed by the Catskill Center.

The work of the Catskill Center presently focuses on five major program areas. Advocacy

In 2012 twelve people joined the Catskill Center and the Catskill Park Coalition in Albany to demand equity in state resources for our region. The Catskill Center continues to organize the region politically for both equal representation and protection through tools like the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)

and Aid to Localities. In 2015, acting as co-chair of the Catskill Park Coalition, we secured funding through a significant line item in the state budget for the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve. Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center

Few places on earth have the abundance of the Catskills' pristine natural beauty so close to so many people. With hundreds of thousands of acres of publicly accessible land, we help visitors and residents alike interpret the natural and cultural resources of the Catskills. The Catskill Interpretive Center opened summer 2015. Visit catskillinterpretivecenter.org for more info. Invasive Species Protection

Through the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) we are working to turn the tide on invasive species such as Emerald Ash Borer and prevent the spread of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid through innovative work like our Save the Hemlocks biocontrol, currently being established at our Thorn Preserve. Riparian Zones

Working in partnership with the largest landowners of the region, our innovative and groundbreaking work in riparian zones is building the architecture for the Catskills a century into the future. Catskill Center Land Trust

The Catskill Center currently holds 17 conservation easements comprised of 43 individual parcels, totalling 2,550 acres. In addition to our easements, we own and maintain four properties comprised of 9 individual parcels for a total of 367 acres. These include our Thorn Preserve and Platte Clove Preserve, both of which are open to our members and the public year-round.

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!

04/25/2026

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!

Learn about how to hike and camp responsibly in bear country.
04/25/2026

Learn about how to hike and camp responsibly in bear country.

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.

04/07/2026

A Visitor Use Management report has been released for Kaaterskill Clove.

The public comment period is now open for NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Kaaterskill Clove Project Area Recommendations Report and Monitoring Plan.

This plan will help shape the future of one of the Catskills’ most iconic and heavily used landscapes. Comments will be accepted through June 1, and a virtual public meeting will be held on April 29 at 6:00pm.

Read the Catskill Center’s full statement and learn how to participate at catskillcenter.org/news.

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!

Address

Elka Park, NY
12427

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

(845) 586-2611

Website

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