Things to do in Catskill Region, Catskill Region: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

February 23, 2022 Emerita Lamoureux

Discover the best top things to do in Catskill Region, United States including Sam's Point Preserve, John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, Catskill Center Thorn Preserve, Catskill Forest Preserve, Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center, Mohonk Preserve, Catskill Park, Frost Valley YMCA, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Falling Waters Preserve.
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1. Sam's Point Preserve

2.8 miles off State Route 52, Cragsmoor, NY 12420 +1 845-647-7989 http://www.nysparks.com/parks/193/details.aspx
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 120 reviews

Sam's Point Preserve

Reviewed By SueCatherine

We went here the last weekend in October. The weather was supposed to be meh but it turned out quite nice and Sam's Point was pretty crowded. The park opens at 9, but you need to get here not much later than 9:45 a.m. or you will not get a parking space ($10), and they don't allow shoulder parking on the access road. Trailhead has three toilets and there is always a line. There is a water bottle fill station and a visitor's center that offers a pretty useless map. It's okay because the trails are well marked. The morning started out cold but warmed up. Dress in layers and bring a hat and sunglasses because the trail to Verkeerder Kill Falls is along an exposed ridgeline and you'll get lots of sun along with great views of the valley. We did Sam's Point and the Verkeerder Kill Falls trail (in and out-did not do Ice Caves or High Point). It took us about 4 hours round trip, including a rest and a snack at the falls. We are kind of slow. This is a carry-in-carry-out park. There are no restroom facilities once you get on the trails. The park closes at 6. The Verkeerder Kill Falls trail has nice variety; there are some very rocky sections but you also walk through an oak grove and the view at the falls themselves is wonderful. I brought poles and found them helpful. Hiking boots (not sneakers) are a must because of the rocks. In late Oct. we had no problem with bugs. It's about 600 ft. elevation variatons to the falls and back up again. The walk up to Sam's Point itself is a paved access road and it's kind of boring. The fun starts when you get on the Verkeerder Kill Falls trail.

2. John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary

261 Floyd Ackert Road, West Park, NY http://johnburroughsassociation.org/index.php/visit
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary

Reviewed By CaptainCard - Highland, United States

A relaxing and revitalizing immersion in quiet forest, ridges, and some marsh. The central attraction is Slabsides, the cabin John Burroughs lived in into the early 20th century. If you intend to take the large trail circuit, it might be preferable to proceed Yellow -> Red -> White, instead of the reverse. This will enable you to attack the 60degree portion of the Ridge Trail climbing, instead of descending, as we did. It was steep and daunting enough to suggest "sitting and scooting" as the way to descend.

3. Catskill Center Thorn Preserve

55 John Joy Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498-2219 +1 845-586-2611 [email protected] http://catskillcenter.org/thorn-preserve/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Catskill Center Thorn Preserve

The Catskill Center's Thorn Preserve is comprised of 60 beautiful acres near the Town of Woodstock, Ulster County. The preserve boasts the most painted views of Overlook Mountain. Sweeping grassland habitat, riparian forest and ponds make this spot a profoundly relaxing and peaceful area. Mowed walking paths are easily accessible from John Joy

4. Catskill Forest Preserve

Big Indian, NY 12410 http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5265.html
Excellent
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Catskill Forest Preserve

5. Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center

404 W Main St, Hancock, NY 13783-1071 +1 607-637-5262 [email protected] http://hancockeducationfoundation.org/preserve.php
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center

The nature preserve provides recreational and educational experiences in a natural setting for visitors. Walkways around the property allow visitors to identify flora of a wide variety, trees from soft woods, hard woods, to evergreens of various types, and the observance and study of bird and animal life. Study the importance of the ecology of wetlands, pond life, and indigenous plant life.

6. Mohonk Preserve

3197 State Route 55, New Paltz, New York, New Paltz, NY 12561 +1 845-255-0919 http://www.mohonkpreserve.org
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

Mohonk Preserve

Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day for hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study. A current membership or day pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free.

Reviewed By UrbanMonkey48 - Langhorne, United States

Aside from the Mohonk Mountain House hotel itself, you can visit as a day guest, pay a fee and enjoy miles of hiking or cross country skiing on beautidul trails that go through the woods and/or cliffs. The scenic biews are spectacular.

7. Catskill Park

Sundown, NY [email protected] http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/BIW-balsam.html
Excellent
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Catskill Park

This mountainous region, comprised of both public and private land, lies in Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties, and includes 98 mountains and the 300,000-acre Catskill Forest Preserve.

8. Frost Valley YMCA

200 Whitmore Rd unit 12-13, Vaughan, Claryville, NY 12725-5221 +1 845-985-2291 http://www.frostvalley.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
44%
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

Frost Valley YMCA

9. Catskill Animal Sanctuary

316 Old Stage Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477-4453 +1 845-336-8447 http://casanctuary.org
Excellent
82%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Catskill Animal Sanctuary

No trip to the Hudson Valley is complete without visiting Catskill Animal Sanctuary. We’re open to the public for weekend tours from April-October and year-round for guests of The Homestead. • Meet cows, pigs, chickens, goats, ducks, sheep, and horses on a walking tour • Hear the stories of their lives and why they were rescued • Learn how you can help farm animals, your health, and the planet starting today Stay at The Homestead! Be our guest in one of three beautiful rooms, or a private suite, complete with your own kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and can explore the grounds at your leisure.

Reviewed By stevepK7426GL - Greenwich, United States

My girlfriend and I visited the sanctuary today and we had a great time. Our guide, Kaden did a tremendous job of bringing us around the farm to meet all the animals, describe their various situations and give us information about the different species.It's really a terrific way to spend a few hours, get some fresh air and learn a few things. On a side note, I'd like to address comments in some of the reviews I've read about so called " vegan lectures." We experienced no such thing. What we did learn is that all these animals, big and small have feelings, quirks and characteristics much the same as people. If that's something you can't handle for some reason? Your problem. Anyway, fantastic day! Thanks CAS!

10. Falling Waters Preserve

42.048552,-73.940732, Saugerties, NY 12477 +1 845-473-4440 http://www.hikethehudsonvalley.com
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 63 reviews

Falling Waters Preserve

Reviewed By Senona

Perfect for an easy walk. The view on the Hudson was lovely and the trail was very well marked and maintained.

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