Our famous trout streams-the Beaverkill and East Branch, are known world over. American fly fishing was born here-fishermen make the pilgrimage just to claim the experience. Canoeing the East Branch is a passage of peace and tranquility. Full canoe services are right at hand. Our campgrounds attract hundreds each season of the year and fall and winter lure the hunter and the skier. Horse and hiking trails lace the mountains and hollows. All in an unspoiled oasis that sharpens the spirit and refreshes the senses!
Fall and Winter
We are proud that Colchester is an all-season Mecca for all who love the outdoors. Our Fall foliage is spectacular and equal to any in the United States – and hundreds of miles closer than other popular areas. Every turn in the road opens a new door to color and beauty. Hiking is particularly rewarding during the foliage season in early Fall.
Hunting is an age-old tradition. From the days when venison provided a major role in the family larder to today’s recreational hunter who tests his skills, our forests and mountains are a paradise for hunters.
Deer and wild turkeys abound and, for the small-game hunter, grouse and rabbits are ready to test your skill.
Winter brings a special beauty and our carefully planned and marked trails provide new opportunities to test outdoor muscles and open a whole new winter world. Cross-Country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling will take you into hidden valleys and spectacular winter settings.
Nothing beats the crisp, invigorating cold of a clear winter day to sharpen the senses and absorb the beauty of the Catskill winter.
Trails for all Seasons
Each of nature’s four seasons has its own appeal to the outdoor enthusiast. Some enjoy all four seasons equally, others find a special attraction based upon their own hobby, skill or preference.
The snowmobiler and the cross-country skier are dependent upon the snowfall for enjoyment. Their usage of the trails is highly seasonal, but intense during that season.
The hiker tends to be a three-season user, with special fondness for spring and summer. The fall foliage season draws its own enthusiasts and our foliage is spectacular and unsurpassed anywhere in the country.
For horse owners, the Bear Spring Mountain area offers and excellent opportunity to enjoy nature at its finest. Bear Spring is the best-kept secret in the New York State Horse Trail system but horse owners that have discovered it have found camping facilities and trails both challenging and enjoyable. Tie stalls are located right in the camping area. In addition, there are horse trails located in the Catskill Park system, which are accessible from Campbell Brook, Cat Hollow and /or Russell Brook.
Colchester has sought to meet the challenge of seasons and users’ needs with a unique system of all-purpose, multi-use trails – one of few such systems available in New York State.
So, no matter what the season, no matter what your taste in outdoor recreation, we have a great trails system for the outdoor family – one which all can enjoy – no matter what the season, the vehicle, or the family preference.
Rules of the Road!
When we create trails where we give access to nature and provide for a wide variety of recreational use, we impose a special obligation to the users – an obligation to respect the natural setting, the flora and fauna and the quiet simplicity of natural surroundings.
This involves a code of conduct – not an elaborate set of rules and restrictions, but a common sense, good manners approach to sampling the joys of nature without jeopardizing the future use and without demeaning the facilities that have been provided.
Everyone needs a reminder now and then and here’s one for the use of the trails:
- Be considerate of other users. Be patient and courteous when meeting others on the trails.
- Snowmobilers should give the right of way to skiers and hikers, and should give way to horses. At the same time, snowmobilers and riders must exhibit common courtesy to those who are afoot.
- Observe the rules of the area with respect to fire and camping. Not knowing the rules is not an excuse.
- Do not chop down trees, cut wood, or trim branches. The trails are maintained and kept in natural order.
- Whatever you carry in should be carried out. Do not leave papers, cartons, cans or garbage for someone else to pick up. You are responsible for your own debris. Make certain you remove it.
- Treat the trails with respect and consideration. They are a unique resource and are multi-use trails. How they are expanded – and even their continued availability – is dependent upon how you treat them.