RECREATION

FACILITIES

TEAMS AND CLUBS --- SCHEDULES --- EQUIPMENT

See below for CAMPGROUNDS and RESORTS for facilities available only to guests
See below for OUTDOOR RECREATION in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains

BALLFIELDS: BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, SOCCER, SOFTBALL

BASKETBALL COURTS - OUTDOOR (SEE GYMNASIUMS FOR INDOOR)

BICYCLING

BILLIARDS

BOATING

FISHING

GOLF

GYMNASIUMS - BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, GYMNASTICS

HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTERS - KARATE

HIKING AND WALKING TRAILS

HORSES - RIDING/LESSONS/STABLES

HUNTING

MOTOCROSS RACING

PICNIC TABLES

PLAYGROUNDS

RIFLE RANGES

ROCK CLIMBING

SCUBA DIVING

SKIING: CROSS-COUNTRY

SKYDIVING

SWIMMING INDOOR

SWIMMING OUTDOOR

TENNIS COURTS

TRACK: RUNNING AND WALKING

CAMPGROUNDS

The Shawangunk Mountains
The Shawangunks are actually a ridge running North-East to South-West, located 6 miles west of New Paltz. For years climbers have used the abbreviated name "the Gunks" to refer to this ridge. An intricate system of carriageways allows walkers, joggers, hikers, cyclists, climbers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers to easily access parts of the ridge. Additionally, foot trails allow the hiker to reach backcountry areas and ridgetops. Overnight backpacking is not permitted in the Shawangunks. Rock climbing is allowed in designated areas.

The Catskill Forest Preserve
This land, encompassing almost 300,000 acres, includes 98 peaks over 3,000 feet. A large portion of the Preserve lies within Ulster County, as close as a 30-minute drive from New Paltz. Opportunities exist for extensive day and overnight hiking as well as a variety of other activities,  Skiing is also available in the Catskill Mountains at several locations approximately an hour's drive from New Paltz.

Preserves

• Minnewaska State Park Preserve
• 
  P.O. Box 893, New Paltz, NY 12561 - (845)255-0752
  A "Carry In - Carry Out" Park with regularly scheduled public programs.
  •     hiking, biking, swimming
  •     rock climbing (Peter's Kill Climbing Area)
  •     cross-country skiing on groomed trails

   

• Mohonk Preserve
• 
  1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561 - (845)255-0919
  The largest privately owned nature preserve in New York State. Environmental and recreational programs scheduled.
  •     hiking, biking
  •     rock climbing
  •     cross-country skiing

   

• Sam's Point Preserve
• 
  [managed by The Nature Conservancy
  251 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 - (518)272-0195]
  The former Ice Caves Mountain. Hiking is permitted on designated trails. For availability of other activities and programs, please contact the Conservancy. 

Organizations

• NY State Department of Evironmental Conservation
• 
  DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners, New Paltz, NY 12561 - (845)256-3000
  Manages the Catskill Forest Preserve as well as state Forest Preserve land locally (such as the Multiple Use Area off Route 299). Regulates and provides information on fishing and hunting. Brochures and maps available. Walk-in information center open Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:45.
   
• New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
• 
  G.P.O. Box 2250, New York, NY 10116 - (212)685-9699
  A federation of individuals and organizations involved in trail building and maintenance as well as preserving open space. Organized outings and volunteer work. Provides information on its many member clubs, such as The Appalachian Mountain Club.
   
• The Adirondack Mountain Club
• 
  814 Goggins Rd., Lake George, NY 12845 - (518)668-4447
  Works toward conservation and responsible recreation in New York State's forest lands and waters. A local Mid-Hudson chapter holds meetings in Poughkeepsie and runs outings in the Gunks and Catskills, as well as the Adirondacks.

Businesses

• Campgrounds
• Rock Climbing

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Page Last Modified: December 23, 2007
For comments and suggestions on the Outdoor Recreation pages please e-mail: drtrauffer@earthlink.net