Trails worth the Trek
Pick a trail. Maybe it’s one you’ve walked or pedaled a dozen times. Maybe it’s one you’ve heard about but never quite got around to exploring. Or maybe you’ll come without a plan at all. In the Catskills of Sullivan County, some of the best adventures start with a local saying, “I know where you should go.” Chances are they’re right and before long, you’ll be out there discovering why this region is a paradise for hikers, bikers and wanderers of every pace.
Go where it’s vehicle-free
The O&W Rail Trail is a 50-mile corridor connecting Parksville, Liberty, Hurleyville, Woodridge and Mountain Dale—a car-free stretch of pure Catskills quiet. The Hurleyville segment offers 6.4 miles of trail, including 3.5 miles of ADA-accessible pavement, making it perfect for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned cyclists.
Head east toward Fallsburg for a peaceful meander through wetlands alive with kingfishers, blue herons and even the occasional bald eagle. Go west for a more secluded journey through woodlands and shifting seasonal color. Need gear? Fortress Bikes in Hurleyville rents everything from cruisers and tandems to e-bikes, trikes, kid trailers and even snowshoes.
A little farther west, the D&H Canal Towpath offers another flat, scenic ride or walk, tracing the historic route of the Delaware & Hudson Canal. Expect sweeping views of the Delaware River, glimpses of wildflowers and wildlife and pieces of history like Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct and remnants of the original canal that once linked coal country to the Hudson.
Get up to get down
If elevation is more your thing, Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty promises 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails across 265 acres of pristine terrain. It’s also home to Walnut Mountain, the second-highest peak in Sullivan County, offering panoramic views that make every climb worthwhile.
You can reach the summit from either the front or back side—each route offering a different kind of challenge and beauty. Local outfitter Morgan Outdoors can help you choose the perfect path and point you toward other hidden gems worth exploring on foot or two wheels.
Top 5 Catskills trails
- O&W Rail Trail (Hurleyville to Mountain Dale): A 50-mile, multi-use corridor of scenic, car-free adventure with ADA-accessible sections and wetlands teeming with wildlife.
- D&H Canal Towpath (Cuddebackville to Summitville): Flat, historic, and family-friendly, this riverside trail combines natural beauty with 19th-century canal history.
- Walnut Mountain Park (Liberty): 13 miles of wooded trails with rewarding climbs, mountain biking loops and the county’s second-highest peak.
- Beaverkill Covered Bridge Trail (Roscoe): A short, picturesque walk near one of New York’s oldest covered bridges and prime trout-fishing waters.
- Frick Pond Loop (Willowemoc Wild Forest): A moderate loop through forest and wetlands, perfect for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
- Jensen Ledges Trail (Long Eddy): A hidden gem offering sweeping views of the Delaware River Valley after a steady but rewarding climb.
Whether you come for a quick stroll, a challenging ride or just to breathe the mountain air, the trails of the Catskills are waiting. Here, every path leads you closer to the heart of what makes this place unforgettable.
