Catskill Region Maps:

Catskill Trail Maps, by NY-NJ Trail Conference

Five-map set from the NY-NJTC. Revised 1998 edition. These great maps include wilderness areas, wild forests, state campgrounds, bus stops, viewpoints, lean-tos, springs and parking areas. These maps are easy to read (100' contours), 5 colors, tear resistant, and waterproof. A must for avid Catskill Mountain enthusiasts.

Catskill Region Map , from The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development

This map from The Catskill Center covers the entire Catskill region;defined as Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and southern Albany Counties. Our Catskill Region is larger than the State of Connecticut, and this shaped-relief topography map is the only one that depicts it with great detail and in full-color. It includes historic sites (points of interest), peak elevations, recreations areas, Catskill Park boundary, NYC Watershed area, state parks, and wildlife areas.

2007 Catskill Region Topo Map (Outdoor Edition) , from Venture Out Maps

Have you ever driven to a mountain or scenic place where once you arrived you realized it was on private land? This Catskill Map indicates the public land from the private with designated colors. It also has a GPS UTM Grid which will enable anyone with a hand-held gps device to find thier location on our maps. With the topographic (elevation contour) lines you will have a better understanding of the terrain when planning a hike. This map serves as a reference guide for a majority of outdoor activities. It includes the entire Catskill Park, surrounding areas, and a portion of the mountainous region west of the park which is famous for having blue ribbon Trout streams and cool tail waters from NYC Reservoirs.

Outdoor Recreation Books:

An Ice Climber's Guide to the Catskill Mountains, by Marty Molitoris
Avid ice climber, Mary Molitoris, produced this guide as an attempt to offer in depth information and education to current and future ice climbers of the Catskills. It contains valuable information on ratings, weather, equipment, amenities and ethics as well as detailed directions to, and descriptions of, many of the finest climbs the Catskills has to offer.

The Catskills: A Cross-Country Skiing Guide , by George V. Quinn

This book presents 27 cross-country trails and areas in all parts of the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains with skill levels, directions, maps, and scenic views.

The Catskills: A Bicycling Guide , by Pierre Menrtrier & Jay Wenk
Jay Wenk and Pierre Menetrier take riders of all skill levels on road tours through the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains.

Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons , by Carol & David White
Covers 60 hikes throughout the Catskill Mountains. Difficulty ratings, distances, and trailheads, as well as descriptions. Includes information on hiking with children and seasonal concerns. 176 pages. Softcover.

Catskill Mountain Guide (Hiking Guide Series) , by Peter Kick

This 300 page book published by the Appalachian Mountain Club covers 300 miles of trails in the Catskill Mountains. Inside you'll find detailed descriptions of trails to suit every ability level - from easy strolls along wooded slopes to strenuous climbs with expansive vistas to multiday thru-hikes. Tips on trip planning and map and compass use, plus notes on the geology, flora, and fauna of the region make this guide an ideal addition to your pack. Inside you'll find: more than 90 trail descriptions;full-color GPS-rendered pull-out map; guidelines for backcountry hikers.

Best Hikes With Children in the Catskills and Hudson River Valley , by Cynthia Lewis, Thomas J. Lewis, Sheila Buff
Completely revised and updated, with trips suitable for preschoolers to teenagers.This edition guides you to some of the Empire State's most kid-friendly outdoor excursions, all of which are located within two and a half hours of New York City. It features 51 short, spectacular hikes for kids, seniors and anyone looking for an easy escape to the outdoors, practical advice for hiking with children and engaging them in the natural world, and includes optional turn-around points for tired feet.

Catskill Trails, Book 1 - The Northern Catskills & Book 2 - The Southern Catskills, by Edward G. Henry

Hike the Catskills with a Forest Ranger by your side! This includes hikes through some of the most magnificent scenery in the Eastern US, the rugged wilderness terrain of the Catskill Forest Preserve. These books tie geology, forest ecology, meteorology, wildlife biology, geography, economics, and history in order to offer a well-rounded perspective of the region.

Catskill Region Waterfall Guide, by Russell Dunn

Russell Dunn takes on the Catskills and the Shawungunks, leading the way to some of New York’s most famous cascades in the land of the Hudson River School and John Burroughs. Dunn guides the reader to more than 70 waterfalls, including New York State’s tallest, providing detailed directions, maps, historical and anecdotal accounts, and vintage postcards. Waterfall adventures for every level of ability include wilderness treks and roadside views, even a kayak paddle through a secluded chasm.

New York Walk Book - Sixth Edition, from the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

This book covers everything from the Catskills to Fahnestock State Park to Westchester County to Long Island. Mountain ecology, the geology, are discussed. The color maps show each area covered in the book including the hiking trails, the geology, topography, etc. This book will prove to be a necessary asset to a hiker wishing to see all of the natural wonders of the Hudson River Valley and its surroundings.

Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills , by John P. Freeman

Fire towers are being saved from destruction owing to the efforts of volunteer organizations throughout the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. This guide describes 28 fire tower trails, how to get to each, the condition of the tower and whether or not it is open to the public.

Publishers of Local Books:

Adirondack Mountain Club
Black Dome Press
Overlook Press
Purple Mountain Press