IT'S HUNTING SEASON, SO WHERE CAN YOU HIKE?

Note:  For an updated post see here.November 29 , 2016   Sadly, there have been four hunting fatalities in New York this year so far. This is an unusually high number. Two have resulted from self inflicted wounds, but two have been the result of hunters failing to positively identify their target before shooting. We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing BLAZE ORANGE when going into the woods where hunting is allowed. Be smart, be careful and be safe.If you want to hike in the Catskills, the Catskill Park and DEP lands are open for hunting in most cases.REMEMBER TO ALWAYS WEAR BLAZE ORANGE during hunting season!We highly recommend that hikers who want to get out into the woods during regular hunting season consider going to a State Park or other lands where hunting is not allowed.Listed below are a number of relatively nearby state parks and trails where hunting is not permitted. Click the links for maps. And don't forget the CMC's Andes Rail Trail/Bullet Hole Spur and Delhi Trails or the combined Walkway Over the Hudson - Franny Reese State Park hike in Poughkeepsie/Highland.Bear Mountain State Park (near West Point)Harriman State Park (near Harriman)Highland Lakes State Park (near Middletown)Mills-Norrie State Park (near Staatsburg)Minnewaska State Park Preserve* (near New Paltz)Riddell State Park (near Laurens/Oneonta)*no hunting in the vicinity of hiking trails - check map