Hiking
What's true for biking is also true for hiking: Gilboa and the western Catskill Mountains is sparsely populated and therefore offers a wealth of hiking trails at all levels of length and difficulty. At one extreme, we have the Catskill Scenic Trail that is a conversion from the relatively flat rail line. We also offer the Long Path (The Indian foot trail from the Hudson River in New Jersey to the Mohawk River and on to the Adirondacks) that goes right through our home town. And, for birders, we offer the Minekill Falls Overlook and Bluebird trail at Minekill State Park.
These trails and more are discussed at the Chamber of Commerce page.
Catskill Scenic Trail
607.652.2821
Lies on top of the former railbed of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad and offers a hard-packed surface that makes it perfect for all recreational use. A unique feature of the trail is the very gentle grade. Young and old will find thin an easy and enjoyable trek through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The Trail is owned and maintained by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, a not-for-profit organization.
Caverns Creek Grist Mill Museum
259 Caverns Road
Howes Cave, NY, 12092
518.296.8448
Nat'l Historic Register
1816 water-powered mill grinding corn meal and flour. Country store, museum, nature walk, guided tours and picnic grove by the old mill pond.
DEP Land
Like many, I have had a negative attitude towards the DEP, but I understand from a couple of good sources that this is changing — that permission to hunt, hike, and fish is more easily gained, and that additional lands are continually being opened to these activities.
For instance, Doug wrote "The permit is good for access on lands posted 'entry by permit only' which is most of the land that dep has purchased 'in fee.' There does seem to be some land particularly in proximity to the dams themselves that are posted 'no entry' or something like that. Also it has been my observation that sometimes when they first purchase land they seem to post it 'no entry' and several months later repost it 'access by permit only' ... I really do not know if it is policy or just what. The permit does not apply to lands where they have purchased a conservation easement since that land still belongs to the private deed holder and it is up to them to give or deny access. (It is still private land)"
According to the DEP website , DEP issues a comprehensive access permit that allows fishing and hiking on certain designated areas in the watershed, and holders may also obtain a DEP hunt tag for deer and a DEP boat tag for keeping a rowboat at one of the reservoirs for fishing.
You can mail an application for this permit (2-week turnaround) or fill it out on line for immediate access (if you are over 18 and have the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Hanford Mills Museum
P.O. Box 99
East Meredith, NY 13757
607.278.5744, 800.295.4992
Whether you are visiting on your own or with your family, Hanford Mills Museum offers something for everyone. Explore the mill at your leisure or take a guided tour. Walk our nature trail, and view exhibits of local and regional history in our exhibit gallery. Visit our gift shop filled with items made by local craftspeople, children's items, and great books for young and old on related topics. Overlooking the mill pond is a beautiful picnic area, and you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy our site. For your convenience the Museum operates a snack shop during the Museum's special events. Come spend the day with us.
The Museum is open Tuesday thru Sunday, closed on Mondays except holiday Mondays (Open these Mondays: May 29, July 3, & September 4) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, May 13 – October 15. $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 6 – 12, and FREE for children under 6 and Hanford Mills Museum Members.
Landis Arboretum
PO Box 186, 174 Lape Road
Esperance, NY 12066
518.875.6935
The Landis Arboretum is a public garden on 548 acres and six miles of hiking trails overlooking the Schoharie Valley near Esperance, NY. Forty acres are developed with plantings of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials from around the world. The remainder of the property consists of natural areas, woodlands, and open fields reminiscent of the former farm on the site. Trails and trail maps help guide people through the formal collections and natural areas. These maps can be found in the kiosk in the main parking lot.
The grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk. Suggested donation of $5.00 The office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Unlike many arboreta having the financial endowment large enough to support their operations, Landis was developed, with limited assistance from a small endowment, on a farm in rural Schoharie County. With the devotion and hard work of many volunteers, the Arboretum has become a significant educational and cultural asset in the surrounding region.
The Long Path
The Long Path begins in Fort Lee, on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. Downstate, it parallels the Hudson, and then climbs the escarpment of the Shawangunk Mountains and then crosses the Rondout Valley to enter the Catskill Park. The Long Path continues through the Catskill Park and a State reforestation area. At the western edge of the Huntersfield Ridge, the trail makes a gradual descent to the Schoharie Reservoir. Upon reaching the Schoharie Reservoir, the Long Path heads north for 30 miles through the beautiful Schoharie Valley. The Schoharie Valley was home to many early settlements and was once a major Indian route. As the trail passes through the valley and the highlands to the west, there is much evidence of early settlement. At the northern end of the valley, the trail passes over the sentinel of Vroman's Nose, with its magnificent view, before descending to Middleburgh. In Middleburgh the Long Path turns east and traverses a region known as the "Endless Mountains" to reach the Helderberg Escarpment. Upon reaching the escarpment, the Long Path turns north again to follow the escarpment into John Boyd Thacher State Park. The trail currently ends in Thacher Park at the northern end of the historic Indian Ladder Trail. The guardians are the Long Path North Hiking Club
PO Box 855 Schoharie, NY, 12157
518-295-8039
Minekill Falls Overlook and Bluebird Trail
New York Power Authority Barn
Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center, Lansing Manor,
Mine Kill State Park
800.724.0309.
A 2-1/2-mile birder's paradise due to the NYPA efforts to help restore populations of New York's state bird. The Bluebird Trail traverses a rolling hillside from the Visitors Center to Mine Kill State Park.
Utsayantha Trail System
Stamford
607.652.7581
The marked Utsayantha Trail System is made possible through the cooperation of the towns of Stamford, Jefferson, and Harpersfield and those private landowners through whose land the trail extends. The trails have been designed to provide enjoyment and challenge to all outdoor recreationalists. Included within the system are many fine examples of the scenic mountain tops and serene valleys which have earned Stamford, NY, its "Queen of the Catskill" reputation.
