Hiking

Join the National Park Service and the Lets Move Campaign

Get outdoors, get great exercise, and earn a free Upper Delaware Hikes patch.

1. Hike all of the trails listed on the Take a Hike! brochure.

2. Record your hikes on the Upper Delaware hikes checklist.

3. Return the checklist to any Upper Delaware location to receive your free patch.

Trails on the Checklist: Bouchoux Trail, Cobey Pond Trail PA Game Lands 316, Damascus Forest Trail, Minisink Battleground Park Trails, Mongaup River Trail and Tusten Mountain Trail.

Download a 3-page PDF of the trails for the “Take a Hike” Campaign!

Visit the NPS website to learn more.

TrailKeeper.org

Location: Sullivan County, NY

Use: Direct access to trail information and maps for: upland, wetland, hiking trails, handicapped access, boat access, parking lot, viewing tower, scenic vistas, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and trapping.

Bashakill Wildlife Management Area

Location: Orange County, NY

Size of Area: 2,213 acres

Geography and Use: upland, wetland, hiking trails, handicapped access, boat access, parking lot, viewing tower, scenic vistas, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and trapping.

This Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) is located 65 miles northeast of New York City, south of NYS Route 17 and east of NYS Route 209 with major access points from Haven and South Roads.

Bouchoux Trail

(Jensen’s Ledges) NY DEC GL 209

Location:in the Town of Hancock, Delaware County, NY
Bouchoux Road
Lordville, NY
GPS 415231.6 – 751047.8

Length: 2 miles
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficult: steep inclines, uneven footing

Geography and Use: Day Hiking, wildlife viewing and camping.

General Site Information: NYSDEC Region 4 (518) 357-2234

A difficult hike leads to an amazing panoramic view of the Upper Delaware River Valley at the summit of Jensen’s Ledges. Quarrying of bluestone was once a large industry in the area as evidenced by the large bluestone piles.

To get to the trail in Lordville, NY turn onto Bouchoux Road. Travel 2.8 miles to the end of the road. The trail head is on the left side at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Cobey Pond Trail PA Game Lands 316

Location: Wayne County, PA
Plank Road
Masthope, PA
GPS 0493513 – 4600411

Length: 3 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Moderate: some inclines

A leisurely stroll around this moderate 3 mile loop trail offers hikers ample opportunities for wildlife and waterfowl viewing.

From PA Route 590 in Lackawaxen, PA turn onto Masthope Plank Road and travel approximately 9 miles. PA Game Lands 316 is on the right side.

Crystal Lake State Reservation

Location: Delaware County, NY

Size of Area: 497-acres with a 32-acre man-made lake

Geography and Use: Recreational activities are abundant here: hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, small-craft boating (electric motors only) and swimming.

Damascus Forest Trail

Location: Wayne County, PA
MacCubbins Road
Beach Lake, PA
GPS 413808.4 – 750343.8

Length: 2 miles
Duration: 45 minute
Easy: level terrain

Enjoy the varied landscape of wetlands, uplands and old growth forests on this easy 2 mile loop trail. A large stand of old growth hemlocks remind us of the virgin forests that once stood.

From PA Route 652 near the Narrowsburg Bridge turn onto River Road. Turn left on MacCubbins Road. Travel .6 miles. The parking lot is on the right hand side.

Elks Brox Memorial Park

Location: in Port Jervis, Orange County, NY
Managed by the City Department of Public Works
845-858-4017

Size of Area:

Geography and Use: Park with picnic areas, bathrooms, trails and panoramic vistas of the Shawangunk and Kittatinny mountains, along with the Delaware and Neversink river valleys.

General Site Information: In 1914, the Elks, seeing the possibilities of the development of the area as a public park, raised the necessary funds to purchase the tract under the leadership of the Rev. William J. Donohue, then pastor of the Most Sacred Heart Church. The property was named Elks Park.

In the years that followed, Skyline Drive, a four-mile road that ran along the crest of the two mountains, was built and other improvements to the park were made. In 1932, Sarah Belle Thorne made a substantial donation in memory of her brother-in-law, Charles Brox, and the property was conveyed from the Elks to the city and became known as the Elks-Brox Memorial Park. In later years, part of it was used as a Girl Scout Camp and as late as the 1980s, a public campground. In 1996 the park was reopened and new picnic areas, trails, and bathrooms were constructed.

French Woods State Forest Preserve

Location: in the Town of Hancock, Delaware County, NY

Size of Area: __ acres

Geography and Use: Day hiking, wildlife viewing and camping.

General Site Information: NYSDEC, Region 4, (518)357-2234

Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area

Location: in the Town of Highland, Sullivan County, NY,
1.5 mi. Southeast of Eldred
(845) 255-5453

Size of Area: 1,064 acres

Geography and Use: Recreational activities are abundant here: hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, hunting, camping and mountain biking.

Lake Superior State Park

Location: Sullivan County, NY, (845) 794-3000, ext 3006

Size of Area: 1,409 acres

Geography and Use: Features Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. Lake Superior offers fishing (DEC fishing license required), a boat launch (electric motors only), a beach, swimming area, picnic areas, full service concessions, restrooms and volleyball court.

General Site Information: The beach area operates for swimming on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through June. Daily beach operation commences on or about June 21 through Labor Day. The park is open year round.

There is a per person fee at the beach area from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day as follows:
County Resident Day Pass $2.00
Non-County Resident Day Pass $3.00

County Resident Season Pass $10.00
Non-County Resident Season Pass $20.00
Group Rates are available to groups of 10 or more people. Call (845) 794-3000 Ext. 3066 for details.

Minisink Battleground Park

Location: in the hamlet of Minisink Ford in the Town of Highland, Sullivan County, NY

County Route 168
Barryville, NY
GPS: 0502479 – 4592744

Length: From .25 – .5 miles
Duration: 30 minutes min.
Easy: level terrain

Size of Area: 57-acre

Geography and Use: Mildly groomed trails with a low to moderate rise in elevation.

General Site Information: Country park and site of a Revolutionary War battle. More in-depth information on the Minisink Battleground.

This easy loop trail system allows you to visit the site of the only revolutionary war battle fought in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

From NY Route 97 turn onto County Route 168 (across from the Roebling Bridge) and travel .8 miles. The park entrance will be on the left.

Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area

Location: parts of the Towns of Deerpark and Highland

Route 97
Town of Deerpark, NY
GPS 412537.8 – 744519

Length: 2 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Moderate: some inclines

Site Name: Mongaup Valley Bird Conservation Area

State Ownership and Managing Agency: Department of Environmental Conservation

Size of Area: 11,967 acres

Geography and Use: upland, wetland, hiking trails, handicapped access, boat access, parking lot, scenic vistas, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and trapping.

Bald Eagle Observation Blind (on the left side of the road, just before the Mongaup Falls Reservoir bridge). Inside the blind you will find a map and display describing the New York State Bald Eagle Restoration project, along with other interesting information about bald eagles.

Location: Sullivan County, Towns of Forestburgh, Lumberland; Orange County, Town of Deer Park.

Follow Route 97 north from Sparrowbush approximately 3 miles to the confluence of the Mongaup and Delaware Rivers.

General Site Information: The Mongaup Valley Bird Conservation Area includes all of the Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area, and consists of a series of reservoirs, the Mongaup River, and creeks flowing through the Mongaup River Valley to the Delaware River. The river corridor is surrounded by relatively undisturbed and forested rolling hills. The area hosts one of the largest Bald Eagle wintering sites in the state, and also supports several active eagle nests. Rare communities include: a perched bog, a flood-plain forest, and a pitch pine-oak-heath woodland. Rare species, other than birds, include Timber Rattlesnake and Spotted Salamander. Vision Statement: Continue current management to conserve the diversity of bird and wildlife species using the area, particularly Bald Eagles. Develop systems for monitoring status of bird species at the site, especially state-listed species.

The linear trail provides a moderate hike with abundant opportunities to view eagles and waterfowl. Large Eastern Hemlocks trees tower overhead and shade this steep ravine landscape. Closed from 12/1 – 4/1.

The trail is located just south of the Mongaup River on Route 97. Look for a small pull off with a bulletin board.

Tusten Mountain Trail

Location: in the Town of Tusten, Sullivan County, NY
Crawford Road
Narrowsburg, NY
GPS 413316 – 750108.9

Length: 3 miles
Duration: 1 – 3 hours
Difficult: steep inclines, uneven footing

Size of Area: 3-miles round trip

Geography and Use: Approximately 500 vertical feet, for a moderately strenuous hike. Allow 1.5 to three hours minimum. Open from 8:30am until 6:00pm only. View the Tusten Stone Arch Bridge, Tusten Rd. at Ten Mile River, on the National Register of Historic Places.

General Site Information: In July 1999, the National Park Service (NPS) entered into an agreement with the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America to provide public access to one of its trails along the Delaware River. Please respect the authority of the Ten Mile River Scout Camps as you enjoy their Tusten Mountain Trail near Narrowsburg, New York.

Restrictions: No fires or camping. No bikes or motorized vehicles. Pets must be leashed. Hunting in season by permit only.

Trailhead: The trailhead is near the Ten Mile River public access site off New York State Route 97 – between Barryville and Narrowsburg, New York.

A trail brochure is available from the National Park Service
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
274 River Road
Beach Lanke, PA 18405
570-685-4871

From Narrowsburg, NY: Take New York Route 97 South approximately 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

From Barryville, NY: Take New York Route 97 approximately nine miles. Turn left onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

From Lackawaxen, PA: Cross Roebling Bridge. Turn left onto New York Route 97 North. Go approximately six miles. Turn left onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

Leave NO Trace

If we want to continue enjoying the beauty of our local trails, forest preserves and State Parks we need to treat them with respect. We all have to do our part to protect the outdoors from abuse and overuse. From day hiking to extended backpacking trips, anyone who spends time outdoors should be familiar with the practice — Leave No Trace.

Here are some tips to help you “Leave No Trace:”

Plan ahead and prepare.
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
Visit the backcountry in small groups. Small groups are quieter, safer and do less damage to the trail. Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
Choose equipment and clothing in subdued colors. Repackage food into reusable containers. Camp and travel on durable surfaces.
Leave gates as you found them, and leave the land undisturbed for others to enjoy.

Remember, our open spaces and wildlands are protected for all generations. It is up to us to keep them healthy, beautiful, and open to the public for recreation, reflection, and revitalization! Enjoy and learn from historical and archaeological sites, but respect these sites and treasures. Some of these sites are sacred to Native Americans or are important cultural reminders of our heritage.

On the Trail:

Stay on designated trails.
Walk single file in the middle of the path.
Stay on the trail even if it’s wet and muddy. Slog through it. Going around widens the footpath and contributes to erosion.
Do not shortcut switchbacks. When traveling cross-country, choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Use a map and compass to elimate the need for rock cairns, tree scars and ribbons.
Step to the downhill side of the trail and talk softly when encountering pack stock.

At Camp:

Choose an established, legal site that will not be damaged by your stay. Restrict activities to the area where vegetation is compacted or absent.
Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from lakes and streams.

Pack it in, pack it out

Pack everything that you bring into wild country back out with you. Better yet, go one step further and pick up litter along the route using a side-pocket in your pack for trash.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations securely. Pick up all spilled foods. Properly dispose of what you can’t pack out
Deposit human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them out in plastic bags.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes, and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter dish water after removing all food particles.
Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay.
Pack out all trash: yours and others’.

Leave what you find

Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rock, and historical artifacts as you find them.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site should not be necessary.
Let nature’s sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum.
Control pets at all times. Remove dog feces from trails or camping areas.
Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.

Minimize use and impact of fires

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Always carry a lightweight stove for cooking.
Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires.
Do not scar large rocks or overhangs.
Gather sticks no larger than an adult’s wrist from the ground.
Do not snap branches off live, dead or downed trees.
Put out campfires completely.
Remove all unburned trash from fire ring and scatter the cool ashes over a large area well away from camp.

Tips for Hiking and Paddling with Kids

When hiking, stop frequently to observe plants, animals, or views. If you don’t stop to look around, children will find hiking (and looking at the ground) pretty boring.
Rest frequently when hiking. Merely waiting for your children to catch up, then walking again, does not allow time for rest.
Let children lead and set their own pace. Don’t be upset if you don’t complete the trail. Have fun!
Carry plenty of water/fluids. Children lose fluids during exertion faster than adults, particularly during warm weather. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to offer liquids.
Carry lots of snacks. Always carry a compass and a good map (with topography) of the area you are hiking.
Encourage young hikers to carry their own daypacks with a jacket, water and snacks.
Stop during the trip to look at the topography and see if youngsters can match it to the map. Teach them how to use a compass. Kids like to know what they are looking at and where they are.
Explain why youngsters should stay on the trail: to protect plants, contain erosion AND prevent anyone from getting lost.
Whenever children go into the backcountry, they should wear a whistle. If they get separated from the family, it is easier to blow regular blasts on a whistle than to shout over a long period of time.

Paddling

When canoe paddling, children must wear USCG approved floating devices, and to serve as good examples, their parents should too.
Flotation devices for all passengers must be in the boat.
Avoid canoeing in early spring or late fall when water temperatures are frigid. Tipping over in summer is inconvenient. Tipping over in spring or fall can mean hypothermia and even death.
Weather changes quickly in the region. Carry rain gear and extra clothing at all times, since hypothermia can set in even when temperatures are as high as 50 degrees Farenheit. Cotton clothing conducts the cold — try to avoid wearing jeans and cotton sneakers.