Combine
hiking with camping at this great location. Not counting New York
City's reservoirs, the 120-acre Mongaup Pond is the largest body of water in the
Catskill Park. After your hike, cool off with a swim at the campground beach,
have a picnic lunch, or go fishing or canoeing around the pond. Canoes and
rowboats may be available for rent, or there is a car top boat launch for your own
boat. The campground also includes several accessible features for those with
mobility difficulties.
Trails: Miles of foot and
multi-use trails begin in and around the Mongaup Pond Campground which extend
into the surrounding Willowemoc Wild Forest and Big Indian Wilderness Area. Popular
hiking destinations include Frick and Hodge ponds, which can be accessed via
the Frick Pond trailhead located on Beech Mountain Road, just south of Mongaup
Pond Campground. Dress appropriately for summertime activities, and take plenty
of water with you. As well as bug spray. After hiking check for tics.
Surface: Soil or rocky
terrain ranging from old logging roads to simple foot paths
Length: More than 40 miles
Difficulty: Easy to challenging (rocky terrain is slippery during wet
weather)
Wildlife
and Natural Attractions: Black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, beaver, fisher
and coyote
Getting There: If heading east on Route 17, take Exit 96 (Livingston
Manor). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto White Roe Lake Road. Drive
a short distance and turn left at the intersection of Old Route 17. Take the
first left onto DeBruce Road (County Route 81/82) and go six miles. At the fork
at the end of DeBruce Road, bear right onto Willowemoc Road. Drive a short
distance and turn left at the intersection of Mongaup Road. Drive three miles
to the campground entrance. If heading west on Route 17, take Exit 96
(Livingston Manor). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Debruce Road
(County Route 81/82) and continue as described above.
More Information and Directions: Mongaup Pond Campground or call 845-439-4233
Nearby Attractions: DEC's Catskill Fish Hatchery, Catskill Art
Society Arts Center and Catskill Fly Fishing Center in Livingston Manor
This
is part of a series provided by the NYS DEC. Helping us to have safe and fun
outdoor adventures. New York is home to thousands of miles of trails for
walking and hiking for all ages and abilities.
The
NYS DEC manages nearly 5 million acres of land with close to 2,000 miles of
trails.
