Leave No Trace

The Catskill Park is a popular destination for environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and families looking to reconnect their children with nature. A mountainous region dotted with pristine lakes, free-flowing rivers and streams, and countless stunning waterfalls, the Catskill Region offers a wide variety of all-season outdoor recreation options, including hiking, paddling, climbing, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.

A unique combination of public and private lands, the region includes 287,500 acres designated as The Catskills Forest Preserve. This land is often referred to as “forever wild,” meaning the land cannot be sold or altered. It can, however, be used for sustainable outdoor recreation. These protected lands are a haven for wildlife, delicate plant species, and many other organisms that fail to thrive in the company of humans. In order to keep these precious lands intact for generations to come, follow these seven Leave No Trace principles when recreating outdoors.