DEC - Latest Updates - July 2023

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Recent Notices

Sundown Wild Forest – The 2023 Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan Amendment has been finalized. The amendment builds upon DEC's previous efforts to encourage sustainable recreation by alleviating congestion at points of interest, enhancing public safety, and creating an experience that highlights the area's natural beauty. Phase one construction, including an 80-car parking area and an accessible connector trail to the Blue Hole, is scheduled for late summer 2023.

Delaware Wild Forest – In partnership with the DEC, volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference will be completing maintenance and repairs to two lean-tos and privies located at Trout Pond. The lean-tos may be unavailable between July 14th and July 25th . Nearby primitive tent sites will still be available.

Stewards in the Catskills – DEC has partnered with several organizations to provide trailhead and mountaintop stewardship throughout the Catskills during the spring, summer and fall of 2022. Stewards will be provided through partnerships with the New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Catskill 3500 Club, and the Student Conservation Association. On the ground stewardship is an effective way to provide outreach and education to visitors of the Catskills.

Peekamoose Blue Hole – Permits are required to visit the Blue Hole, or to camp at the nearby campsites in the Peekamoose Valley from May 15th through September 15th of each year. Permits can be acquired through the Reserve America website. Camping permits may be reserved up to 2 weeks in advance and sites can be reserved for up to 3 nights in a row. Day use permits for the Blue Hole can be reserved up to 1 week in advance and cost $10.00 each. We recommend that hikers avoid the Peekamoose Valley until the Fall time.

Kaaterskill Clove Visitor Use Management – DEC has awarded a Visitor Use Management (VUM) planning contract to Otak, a private consulting firm specializing in research, planning, and design to help develop sustainable recreation solutions in the Kaaterskill Clove area of the Catskill Park. The goal of this planning process is to develop strategies that ensure the popular destination provides positive visitor experiences while continuing to protect the Forest Preserve. The Kaaterskill Clove Visitor Use Management webpage hosts project information, updates, and opportunities to get involved.

Kaaterskill Wild Forest and Indian Head Wilderness – Please be advised that the Town of Hunter has parking restrictions on Route 23A and Platte Clove Road. Park only at designated DEC parking lots. Come prepared with backup options and move on if the area's parking lot is full. Any illegally parked vehicle may be ticketed and towed to the Town Hall Impound Lot.