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A great summer hike in Sullivan County



#AdventureAtHome: Planning Safe and Fun Outdoor Adventures

hike, Sullivan County, family, kids, outdoors
Mongaup Pond Campground in Sullivan County

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.




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