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Visit Bashakill, a 3,000-acre treasure for walking, hiking, birdwatching and for just enjoying life



Bashakill Wildlife Management Area with its easy and flat terrain

Bashakill, Sullivan County, wildlife, hiking, trails, families

DEC suggests great hiking spots. Check out more sites: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89987.html

The Bashakill, in Sullivan County, with its more than 2,000-acre mix of marsh and woods comes alive with birdsong and blossoms as mild weather returns to the Northeast. Bashakill is excellent for year-round hiking and spring bird watching is especially spectacular. You'll discover abundant wildlife, rare plants and the ruins of old farms too.

Trails: Several miles of trails trace an old rail line and the towpath of the former Delaware & Hudson Canal on the eastern and western sides of Bashakill Marsh. The Nature Trail off South Road takes you into the marsh, as do Haven Road and Birch Trail. A fishing pier for those with mobility limitations and four viewing towers offer scenic vistas.

Surface: Soil and both paved and unpaved roads (Bring boots; trails can be muddy in spring)
Length: More than 14 miles of trails circle and traverse the marsh and upland areas
Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain

Wildlife and Natural Attractions: In spring, Bashakill is a birders paradise with more than 200 species recorded. Bird lovers come from everywhere to watch nesting bald eagles, ospreys, owls, migrating warblers, vireos, ducks, geese and herons. Helpful volunteers escort eagle watching groups on weekends. Muskrat, beaver, deer and fox are commonly seen, as are turtles, snakes, frogs and salamanders. Anglers can cast for several fish species, including bass and bowfin. Bashakill also boasts a diversity of dragonflies and damselflies. And over 40 species of butterflies pollinate its more than 200 species of wildflowers.

Getting There: From NYS Route 17, take Exit 113. Turn onto NYS Route 209 south. Several major access points, parking areas and cartop boat launches (electric motors only) are available along Haven and South roads.

More Information: Basha Kill Area Association
Nearby Attractions: The Shawangunk Ridge and Sam's Point Preserve



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