Are Hiking Trails in the Catskills Open?

The Catskills, located in the southeastern corner of New York State, are a popular outdoor recreation spot for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rich history, plentiful wildlife, and beautiful scenery, the Catskills offer something for everyone. But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in place to slow the spread of the virus, many have wondered: Are hiking trails in the Catskills open?

The answer is yes. The trails in the Catskills are still open to visitors and hikers.

However, hikers should be aware that certain safety guidelines need to be followed while exploring these trails. These include wearing face masks while on the trail and practicing social distancing while passing other people.

Hikers should also be aware that there may be limited access to some areas due to restrictions put in place by local governments. For example, some parks may have limited access or require reservations for access. Additionally, some of the more popular trails may have fewer people allowed on them at one time due to capacity limits.

Despite these changes, there are still plenty of great places to explore in the Catskills. Hikers can find a variety of trails ranging from shorter day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Some popular places include Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain near Phoenicia; Slide Mountain near Oliverea; and Overlook Mountain near Woodstock.

In addition to hiking trails, visitors can also take advantage of other outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, paddling or even mountain biking. Many campsites have reopened along with trails and other outdoor recreation areas.

Conclusion:

Yes – hiking trails in the Catskills are open. Visitors should follow safety guidelines such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing while on the trails. There may also be limited access due to capacity restrictions or local government regulations but there are still plenty of great places for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to explore in this beautiful region of New York state.

Photo of author

Chris Powell