Most travelers to the Catskills flock to the well-known peaks and photo-ready trails—but beyond the buzz lies a quieter magic. Tucked away in the folds of forest and field are parks you've likely never heard of, places where moss-covered paths and birdsong are your only company. These hidden gems offer the same breathtaking beauty—without the crowds. In this post, we’re letting you in on a few of our favorite secret spots. And who knows? With a little curiosity and a good pair of boots, you might just uncover a few of your own.
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground & Day Use Area – Mt. Tremper’s Tranquil Refuge
Located just outside Woodstock, the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground is surrounded by the picturesque Catskill Mountains. This secluded spot has dramatic mountain vistas and is bisected by a scenic river and pond. It offers wooded campsites, extensive nature trails, and a challenging mountain bike trail for advanced riders. You can fish and paddle on the pond, with a hand boat launch and boat rentals available. Don’t forget your fishing license, available online here! There’s also a fishing/viewing platform, picnic pavilion, and dog park. This delightful park is about midway between Woodstock and Phoenicia, making it a perfect stop for a day hike or overnight visits. Bonus: In the winter months it’s great for rustic cross-country skiing!
Address: 859 Wittenberg Road, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457
Operating Dates: May 16 – September 1
Camping Fees: $22 per night (additional $5 per night for out-of-state residents)
Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Contact: (845) 679-7020
Website
Phoenicia – A Trailhead to Stillness
Photo (c) Tom Ricci, Poughkeepsie Journal
The quaint hamlet of Phoenicia serves as a popular gateway to serene trails and natural beauty. The hard-to-find 2-mile Tanbark Loop trail starts near the middle of the town and offers a moderate to strenuous hike with panoramic views of the Esopus Valley, often without the crowds. Park in the free lot. The start of the trail winds through dramatic boulders and then proceeds at a moderate slope uphill to a trail junction. The views at the top are worth the effort! After your hike, the village of Phoenicia has a nice selection of dining and shopping options. Our faves: Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina for Mexican food and margaritas, and Tenderland Home for an eclectic selection of housewares and jewelry.
Google Maps Address: 18 Mount Ava Maria Dr., Phoenicia, NY 12464.
Open Year-round
Free
Website
Pratt Rock – New York’s Mount Rushmore
In Prattsville, the historic Pratt Rock Trail offers a short but steep hike leading to intricate stone carvings commissioned by Zadock Pratt. It was originally a monument for Pratt's son, George W. Pratt, killed in the Civil War. It is the first memorial created to commemorate the Civil War.
(c) Pratt Museum
Ripley's Believe it or Not once called it "New York's Mt. Rushmore. The trail is a 1.8 mile loop, which should take an hour or so. It’s pretty steep in parts, and leads to a stunning view of the area. This site combines rustic art, history, and nature. The park is open daily with no admission fee.
Location: 14296 NY-23, Prattsville, NY 12468
Free and Open Year-round
Website
Sojourner Truth State Park – A Tribute to A HERO
Opened in 2022, Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston honors the legacy of the renowned slave turned abolitionist Sojourner Truth. She lived in Ulster County for the first 30 years of her life. The park features 1.9 miles of paved trails, offering scenic Hudson River views, dramatic limestone cliffs and rock outcroppings, historic industrial ruins, and opportunities for biking, hiking, and fishing.
The park also contains a key segment of the Kingston Greenline called the Hudson River Brickyard Trail, connecting Kingston Point Beach with East Kingston. It’s one of the few places where the 750-mile Empire State Trail connects directly with the Hudson River. (Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails as future developments are underway.)
Operating Hours: Dawn to dusk
Free
Website
Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area – Delhi’s vast wilderness
Bear Spring Mountain offers a seemingly endless expanse of land, with multi-use trails, tranquil ponds, and equestrian-friendly paths. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a rustic and secluded outdoor experience. There is a rustic campsite and a lake for canoeing. This area is actively managed to promote wildlife. Hunting and trapping are allowed with permits, but most users are there for the amazing wildlife viewing. According to the NYS DEC: “Bear Spring Mountain contains various levels of topography from steep mountainsides to gentle valleys and everything in between. Multiple species of hardwoods dominate the forested areas including red oak, red and sugar maple, beech, birch, ash, and black cherry. There are some hemlock covered ridges and the remnants of spruce plantations as well. Many small fields are dispersed throughout the property and are often associated with old apple orchards that are still maintained by the state to provide food for wildlife. There are two streams that run southward and several small ponds that are remnants of early settlements.” Bear Spring Mountain is in the towns of Colchester and Walton along Route 206. Trout Brook Road and West Trout Brook Road run through the heart of the property from Route 206 and join at the southern end of the property. Parking areas are along each of these roads.
Directions: From Route 17 (Quickway) to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road, proceed 4-5 miles, campground is on right.
Operating Dates: May 16 – September 1
Entry is free, but there are camping Fees of $18 per night (additional $5 per night for out-of-state residents)
Website
Onteora Lake – A Forest Embraced by Still Waters
Part of the 3,000 acre Bluestone Wild Forest near Kingston, Onteora Lake is a serene spot featuring a flat trail that loops around the lake. It's perfect for leisurely walks, mountain biking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the calm waters. If you’re ambitious, you can explore the larger Wild Forest on foot or mountain bike, on newly created sustainable mountain bike trails. The area is open year-round with no admission fee. Parking is right off Route 28, with a short walk down to the lake.
Address: 906 State Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401
Website
These secret parks of the Catskills offer unique experiences, each with its own charm and tranquility. Whether you're seeking a peaceful hike, a historical exploration, or a secluded camping spot, these lesser-known destinations provide the perfect escape into nature. To spend more quality time in nature and discover your own secret parks, consider a move to the beautiful Catskill Mountains!
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