New York Expands the Catskill Preserve with 900-Acre Addition, Improves Visitor Safety at Peekamoose Blue Hole
Marking a landmark win for conservation and outdoor recreation in New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the permanent protection of 900 acres in the Catskill Forest Preserve—the largest expansion to the preserve in 14 years. The governor also celebrated the completion of infrastructure upgrades at Peekamoose Blue Hole in Sundown Wild Forest, enhancing visitor safety and accessibility at one of the region’s most popular summertime destinations.
“900 Acres of Forested Beauty“
The newly acquired parcel sits in Ulster County, in the town of Olive, New York. It spans the eastern slope of Ashokan High Point and includes notable natural features such as Little High Point and Wagon Wheel Notch. Its acquisition will expand the public’s access to nature, protect wildlife habitats and the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, and ensure an undisturbed viewshed of the Catskill peaks, delighting the eyes of admirers from the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade all the way to the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.
The $4.2 million purchase was funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and supports the Governor’s 30×30 Initiative to protect 30 percent of New York’s lands and waters by 2030.
“With the acquisition of 900 acres of forested beauty and water quality protection, and enhancements at one of the State’s most frequented natural wonders, New York State is continuing to invest in the Catskills to ensure their continued natural legacy,” Governor Hochul said in the press release.
Enhancing the Blue Hole for a More Sustainable Future
Meanwhile, in nearby Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor, the state held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 9 to celebrate the construction of a new 60-car parking lot at Peekamoose Blue Hole and the completion of the first phase of a 3,270-foot accessible connector trail designed to improve visitor experience and promote sustainable trail use. The second and final phase, currently underway, will include a footbridge and retaining wall, further enhancing visitor safety and accessibility at one of the Catskills’ most visited destinations.
A reminder that visitor permits are required for the entire Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor, including the Blue Hole, between May 15 and September 15, and can be obtained through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.
A Team Effort, Many Years in the Making
Both achievements underscore what’s possible when the outdoor community comes together to protect wild spaces and expand access to nature.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation worked closely with the Open Space Institute to secure the 900-acre expansion of the Catskill Forest Preserve in Olive, New York, after OSI acquired the land from private owners the Golden family.
In 2017, when visitation at Peekamoose Blue Hole surged, the Trail Conference stepped up to play a key role in protecting the unique aquatic feature. Working closely with DEC and other partners, we first deployed our stewards to educate visitors and manage the influx of traffic. Later, we led cleanup efforts and helped convene roundtable discussions with local and state constituents to develop a long-term plan.
These efforts, which spanned years, laid the groundwork for a multi-tiered strategy rooted in trail sustainability and Leave No Trace principles—ensuring the Blue Hole remains protected for future generations.
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