🏕️ Outdoor & Recreation

One of the best remaining examples of an inland pine barrens ecosystem in the world, spanning 3,000 acres across Albany, Guilderland, and Colonie. Home to the rare Karner blue butterfly and over 50 other rare or uncommon species. Features 20+ miles of hiking trails through open pitch pine and scrub oak barrens, wetlands, and vernal pools. The Discovery Center off New Karner Road offers free interpretive exhibits, trail maps, and guided programs. Open year-round; trails open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission.

A Trout Unlimited chapter in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, serving the Ashokan and Pepacton watershed communities — the "Cradle of American Fly Fishing." Works to protect and restore the Upper Delaware, Esopus, Neversink, and their tributaries through habitat conservation, water quality advocacy, and community education. The watersheds this chapter serves supply drinking water to New York City while supporting world-class wild trout fishing.

New York State's largest freshwater wetland south of the Adirondacks, spanning 3,206 acres in western Sullivan County along the former Delaware and Hudson Canal and O&W Railroad corridors. A designated Bird Conservation Area with over 200 documented species including osprey, great blue heron, bald eagles, and waterfowl. Features 6+ miles of flat trail along the historic D&H Canal towpath, kayak and canoe access, fishing, and hunting. A premier birding destination in the Hudson Valley region. Free and open year-round.

The Battenkill River in Washington County is widely regarded as one of the finest wild trout streams in the eastern United States — a clear, cold freestone river running through pastoral farmland and woodland from Vermont to the Hudson. Dozens of public fishing access points along the river are maintained by the DEC and Battenkill Conservancy. The river is open to non-motorized paddling with multiple launch points. The surrounding countryside features quiet country roads ideal for cycling. Free public access at all DEC-marked points year-round.

Premier Battenkill River outfitter operating since 2003, offering customized canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals with shuttles to and from river access points. Off-grid facility adjacent to a state hiking trail with parking, restrooms, a small retail shop, and riverside lodging. Trips run one hour to all day. Fly fishing supplies in stock. Founding member of the Battenkill Conservancy. Located two miles from the NY/VT state line.

A community sportsmen's club established in 1941 in the Orange County/Hudson Valley area, now based at 186 acres across 7 parcels in Plattekill. Offers hunting, fishing, trap shooting, pistol and rifle range, archery, and boating for members. Runs annual pheasant and chukar hunting events at the Hoekstra Farm lease in Montgomery. Scholarship program for members. An important Orange County outdoor sporting club serving the lower Hudson Valley.

A conservation club in Canaan, Columbia County, promoting outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation, and sporting traditions in the upper Columbia County community near the Massachusetts border. Member of the NYSRPA affiliate network.

Otsego County's premier paddling destination operating since 2009, with three locations: flagship on the Susquehanna River and Goodyear Lake in Portlandville, Brookwood Point on the southern end of Otsego Lake, and Glimmerglass State Park on the north end. Rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and SUPs. Sells new boats with free daily demos. River shuttles and multi-mile point-to-point trips available. Fishing pole and tackle rentals included.

The world's largest center dedicated to fly fishing, situated on 53 acres on the banks of the Willowemoc Creek in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County — the birthplace of American dry fly fishing. Houses the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, Wulff Gallery of fishing art, Bamboo Rodmakers Workshop and Heritage Crafts Center with live demonstrations, a diverse book shop with hundreds of titles, gift shop, casting fields, and 2 miles of trails open daily. Bamboo rod making classes, guided nature walks, and over 100 events per year. Museum open Friday-Monday 10am-4pm, April-December. Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Admission $12.

A sportsmen's club with nearly 100 years of history in Hunter, Greene County, serving the Great Northern Catskills outdoor community. One of the longest-running fish and game clubs in the Catskill region, celebrating the fishing and hunting traditions of Greene County and the Northern Catskills.

A 700,000-acre public park spanning Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties — the largest park in New York State and one of the largest in the Eastern United States. Established in 1885, the park encompasses the Catskill Mountains with over 300 miles of marked hiking trails, 35 DEC campgrounds, 2,000+ miles of streams and rivers open for fishing, and some of the most dramatic wilderness in the Northeast. Home to Kaaterskill Falls, the highest two-stage waterfall in New York State. The Catskills Visitor Center in Arkville provides maps, exhibits, and trip planning resources.

A 26-mile multi-use recreational trail on the former railbed of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad, winding through some of the most scenic countryside in upstate New York. Managed by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation and owned by the Delaware & Ulster Railroad. With a wide path, gentle grade, and durable surface, the trail is ideal for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling year-round. The trail passes through beautiful Catskill Mountain terrain following the West Branch of the Delaware River and meanders through farmland and open countryside. Trailheads accessible at Route 10 in Bloomville and Routes 30 and Hardscrabble Road in Roxbury. Free and open to the public.

The Capital Region chapter of Trout Unlimited, watching over the Battenkill, Kayderosseras, Catskill Creek, White Creek, Dwaas Kill, Indian Kill, Schoharie Creek, Patroon Creek, Onesthequaw-Coeymans, and other coldwater streams in the Capital District. Monthly meetings the third Monday at 7pm, beginning with an informal gathering and fly tying at 6:30pm, at the American Legion Zaloga Post in Albany. One of the most active TU chapters in the Capital Region, with stream restoration work on the Battenkill and fly tying workshops.

The county-wide federation of sportsmen's clubs in Columbia County, coordinating hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation across the county. An umbrella organization representing Columbia County's sporting clubs and their members in advocacy and conservation efforts.

A premier fly fishing and upland hunting guide service operating in the Catskill Mountains, based out of Roscoe — known as Trout Town USA. Owner and NYS-licensed guide Joe Heusinger leads wade fishing trips on the Willowemoc, Beaverkill, Delaware, Neversink, and Esopus, and offers ruffed grouse and woodcock wingshooting trips in fall across Delaware and Schoharie counties. All gear is available for rental; group trips are accommodated.

A gun and archery shop in Coxsackie, Greene County, featuring a TechnoHunt simulated indoor archery range where bowhunters can practice shooting at a screen of animals using their own bow and arrows. Serves hunters and archery enthusiasts throughout Greene County and the Northern Catskills.

A sportsmen's club in Coxsackie, Greene County, serving the lower Hudson Valley outdoors community near the Greene-Columbia county line. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports programming for members in the greater Coxsackie area.

A full-service hunting, fishing, archery, and ammunition sporting goods store in Sloatsburg, Rockland County, located just south of Harriman State Park on Route 17. Carries firearms, hunting supplies, fishing tackle, archery equipment, and ammunition for sportspeople throughout Rockland County and the lower Hudson Valley.

New York State DEC fish hatchery near Livingston Manor in Sullivan County, sited between two of New York's legendary trout streams — the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Creek. Specializes in rearing brown trout for stocking public waters across the state, with brood stock capable of producing two million eggs annually and total annual production of about 115,000 pounds. Open to the public year-round with a visitor center, viewing areas, and self-guided grounds. One of 12 hatcheries DEC operates statewide.

Heritage excursion railroad based at Arkville Station on State Highway 28, offering scenic train rides through the heart of the Catskill Mountains along the East Branch of the Delaware River. The D&U traces the route of the original Delaware and Ulster Railroad founded in 1866, once called "The Only All-Rail Route To the Catskill Mountains." After a multi-year closure, tourist train service resumed in 2025 through a partnership between the Catskill Revitalization Corp. and Delaware & Ulster Railroad LLC. Trips run 75 minutes roundtrip to Halcottsville or 2.5 hours to Roxbury. Wildlife viewing includes beaver, deer, bald eagles, and blue heron. Special events include a dinner train, train robberies, Twilight on the Rails, Silver Sleigh Flyer, and a fall pumpkin patch run for kids. Gift shop and historical exhibit at the Arkville depot.

A fish and game club in Queensbury, Warren County, serving the Lake George and southern Adirondack outdoor sporting community. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation programming in the gateway to the Adirondacks.

A sportsmen's association in Fishkill, Dutchess County, promoting hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation for the southern Dutchess County community. Member of the NYSRPA affiliate network.

A sportsmen's club in Altamont, Albany County, serving the Helderberg highlands community of western Albany County. Offers hunting, fishing, and shooting sports for members in the foothills between the Catskills and Capital Region. An affiliate of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.

A fish and game club in Wynantskill, Rensselaer County, serving the Capital Region eastern bank community of Troy and the Rensselaer highlands. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation for members in Rensselaer County.

A fish and game club in Hudson Falls, Washington County, serving the upper Hudson Valley sporting community near the Vermont border. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation in Washington County.

A regional organization serving as a valuable resource for hunters exploring The Great Northern Catskills and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Promotes science-based deer management, habitat improvement, and quality hunting experiences throughout the region.

A sportsmen's club in Livingston, Columbia County, promoting hunting, fishing, and shooting sports along the Roeliff Jansen Kill watershed. Member of the NYSRPA affiliate network.

A family-owned river outfitter operating since 1955, offering rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on 50 miles of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. Three riverfront campgrounds provide electric sites, lean-tos, hot showers, and camp stores along the banks of the Delaware. Suitable for all experience levels, from calm flatwater paddlers to those seeking white water at Skinner's Falls.

A private members-only sporting preserve in Verbank, Dutchess County, established in 1948. Members hunt deer, pheasant, wild turkey, and fish for trout on club lands. Trap shooting, 5-Stand, and sporting clays events open to the public on Friday evenings and select Wednesday evenings. Home to white-tailed deer, pheasant, wild turkey, trout, coyote, and diverse wildlife. A committed steward of Dutchess County land and hunting traditions.

A community sportsmen's club in Middleburgh, Schoharie County, running one of the largest youth archery programs in the region — with 120+ Schoharie County youth participating each season. Provides archery, hunting, and outdoor skills programming. A pillar of the Schoharie Valley outdoor sporting community.

A 200-acre public garden at 2,400 feet elevation in the Catskill Mountains, founded in 1977 by physician Peter Ahrens and his wife Bonnie to study the winter hardiness of native and exotic trees. Today the grounds combine cold-hardy tree collections with meadows, wetlands, boardwalks, and Devonian bedrock outcrops accessible via well-maintained trails. A timber-frame Education Center anchors a robust calendar of workshops in foraging, natural dyeing, herbalism, field botany, forest bathing, pinhole photography, and the arts; the annual Canopy Dinner is the marquee summer fundraiser. Members free; $5 suggested donation for non-members.

A community sportsmen's club in New Paltz, Ulster County, offering hunting, fishing, shooting sports, and youth outdoor programs in the shadow of the Shawangunk Ridge. Promotes safe and ethical hunting and shooting sports for the New Paltz and mid-Hudson Valley community.

The statewide organization representing New York's nearly 10,000 trappers — men, women, and children dedicated to protecting and preserving the heritage and tradition of trapping in New York. Employs a full-time lobbyist in Albany. Provides trapper alerts, insurance for affiliates, educational scholarships, and member resources. Publishes the Trappers Post Magazine. Holds an annual convention with demonstrations from top trappers. An affiliate of the National Trappers Association. Critical advocacy resource for any trapper in the Hudson Valley or Capital Region.

The most popular destination in the Catskill Park, featuring two adjoining lakes at 2,200 feet elevation near the site of the historic Catskill Mountain House hotel. Features a swimming beach, boat rentals, 109 tent and trailer campsites, picnic areas, and access to 18+ miles of hiking trails including the iconic escarpment trail to Kaaterskill Falls and Artist Rock. The former hotel site offers sweeping panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and beyond. Open May through Columbus Day weekend.

The Northern Catskills chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, serving as a welcoming gateway into the region's rich wild turkey hunting heritage. Connects hunters, visitors, and members with the traditions and resources of Catskill turkey hunting in Greene County and the Great Northern Catskills.

A wildlife club in the Great Northern Catskills offering families, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts an authentic Catskills sporting traditions experience rooted in hunting, fishing, and wildlife appreciation.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for New York State. Licenses available online via DECALS, by phone at (866) 933-2257, or at 1,200+ licensed agents statewide. Hunting licenses run September 1 through August 31; fishing licenses valid for 365 days. New for 2025-26: crossbow legal in same seasons as vertical bow for deer and bear statewide. Free licenses available for active military, NY Guard, and reservists.

A 4,500-acre New York State DEC Wildlife Management Area on West Mountain in the Town of Berne, among the highest terrain in Albany County at 1,600–1,900 feet elevation. Former abandoned farmland transferred to the state in 1962, now featuring natural hardwood stands of maple, ash, birch, and hemlock alongside 1930s–40s spruce and pine plantations. Over 40 miles of old CCC fire roads and single/double track trails for hiking, birding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, trapping, and fishing in numerous ponds. A designated pheasant release site; popular for ruffed grouse, wild turkey, whitetail deer, black bear, and waterfowl. Warm-water sport fish fill the ponds. Multiple waterfalls in the southern section. Part of the 6,594-acre Helderberg Bird Conservation Area. Remote and largely unmarked — GPS recommended.

One of the oldest sporting clubs in the Hudson Valley, the Philmont Rod & Gun Club has operated in the Village of Philmont, Columbia County since the late 1890s, incorporated in 1923. A 200+ member organization with outdoor shooting ranges, trap ranges, sporting clays, 3D archery, a fishing pond, and over 900 acres of owned and posted land for deer, turkey, and small game hunting. Dedicated to sportsmanship, conservation, open space preservation, and legal safe gun ownership. A cornerstone of the Columbia County outdoor sporting tradition.

Family-owned and operated ski resort in Roxbury — called "The Alta of the Catskills" by Powder Magazine. Owned by the Vajtay family, offering 38–40 trails across 1,100 feet of vertical drop on a 3,500-foot summit, with terrain from gentle beginner cruisers to expert double-black diamonds. Features skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, glade skiing, an alpine racing program, full ski school, equipment rentals, and a rental shop. Summer season brings lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and free outdoor concerts. Also hosts mountaintop weddings and camping. Located 3 hours from NYC. Apres music every Saturday 3–6pm in season.

A community sportsmen's club in the Great Northern Catskills celebrating the region's rich fishing and hunting traditions. Offers family-friendly outdoor experiences rooted in Catskills tradition — hunting, fishing, and conservation education for the Greene County community.

A specialty fishing store in Catskill, Greene County, run by a fisherman for fishermen. Stocks rods, reels, thousands of lures, accessories, and live bait with a particular focus on Hudson River stripers, bass, and Catskill trout. Also provides fishing information and local water knowledge for the Hudson River and surrounding Catskill streams and rivers.

The county-wide umbrella conservation and sportsmen's federation for Schoharie County, coordinating multiple member clubs including Middleburgh Rod & Gun, West Fulton Rod & Gun, Central Bridge Fish & Game, and Richmondville Fish & Game. Promotes hunting, fishing, trapping, and natural resource conservation across Schoharie County. A model county sportsmen's federation with active programs in youth archery, stream habitat, and land conservation.

A state historic site preserving the most complete surviving section of the original Erie Canal in New York State, at the point where the canal crossed the Schoharie Creek via the longest aqueduct ever built on the Erie Canal. The 624-foot stone aqueduct ruins sit along a scenic 2.5-mile linear trail connecting Fort Hunter to Yankee Hill Lock, with interpretive signs explaining the canal's construction and operation. Open year-round for hiking, cycling, and fishing. Free admission. Visitor center open seasonally.

A multi-use rail trail along the former Schoharie Valley Railroad corridor through the scenic Schoharie Valley, connecting Middleburgh and surrounding communities. Open year-round for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Passes through agricultural countryside with views of the Helderberg Escarpment and Vroman's Nose. Free and open to the public.

A community sportsmen's club in the Great Northern Catskills celebrating the region's rich fishing and hunting traditions in Greene County. Brings together area hunters, anglers, and shooting sports enthusiasts to preserve and share Catskill outdoor heritage.

A premier hunting outfitter in Stuyvesant, Columbia County, managing over 3,000 well-kept acres directly on the Hudson River in the Atlantic flyway. Offers guided hunts for white-tail deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, coyote, and small game. Facilities include a 5-station trap range, skeet range, archery club, fishing, and hiking. Home-cooked meals included. Known as "the Saskatchewan of Turkey Hunting" in the region.

A family-owned full-line sporting goods store in Walden, Orange County, serving the Hudson Valley since 1955. Carries rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and ammunition alongside a complete fly fishing selection with thousands of lures, rods, reels, and live bait. Also stocks hunting gear, camping equipment, kayaks, outdoor apparel, and work footwear. Operated by local residents who know the hunting and fishing conditions of the region firsthand. The Hudson Valley's premier independent sporting goods store.

Family-run shooting preserve in the Town of Clinton, Dutchess County, established in 1966 by the Mackin family and operated today by Tom and Carol Mackin. DEC-licensed for upland bird and waterfowl shooting on hundreds of acres divided into multiple 100-acre hunting areas, each managed with a blend of natural and cultivated cover. Quarry includes ring-necked pheasant and chukar partridge October through March, plus mallard duck shooting from blinds on a pond October through November. A regulation sporting clays course is also available, and the hunting lodge welcomes guests for coffee, lunch by the stone fireplace, and bird-exchange or take-home options after the hunt.

A 73-mile stretch of the Delaware River forming the New York-Pennsylvania border, designated a National Wild and Scenic River and managed by the National Park Service. One of the finest flatwater and whitewater paddling rivers in the Northeast, with Class I-III rapids at Skinner's Falls and miles of calm water perfect for canoes and kayaks. The river corridor includes dozens of public river access points, fishing areas, hiking trails, riverside campgrounds, and historic sites. Bald eagles are frequently sighted. Visitor centers in Narrowsburg and at Zane Grey's home in Lackawaxen, PA. Free access at all public points.

County-operated public fish hatchery on 38 acres along the Hudson River in the Town of Warrensburg, in operation since 1914 (state-owned through 1982, then transferred to Warren County). Raises domestic brook trout, rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and heritage brook trout to stock Warren County waters and improve regional sport fishing. Ten display ponds plus a rearing pond, fed by gravity-flow springs producing up to 500 gallons per minute year-round; pellets to feed the display fish are available for a quarter. Grounds include two picnic pavilions (reservable), restrooms, a children's playground, canoe access to the Hudson, and a disc golf course. Free to visit. Tours by appointment for school groups and organizations.

A fish and game club in Westerlo, southern Albany County, serving the Helderberg highlands community near the Greene County border. Promotes fishing, hunting, and outdoor conservation in the Basic Valley region of Albany County.

A community sportsmen's club on 82 acres in Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County, founded in 1935 by railroad employees and local community members. Open to the public for pistol, trap, and archery. Members enjoy hunting across club-owned and leased land in Schoharie (421 acres with cabin), Ulster (383 acres with cabins), and Sullivan (170 acres with 2 cabins) counties. Full-service clubhouse with kitchen, social room, 10-lane indoor 50-ft archery range, 75-ft indoor pistol range, and outdoor pavilion seating 400. Meetings first Thursday of each month at 7pm on-site. New members welcome.

A sportsmen's club on East Lydius Street in Schenectady, serving the Capital Region outdoor sporting community. Hunting, fishing, and shooting sports programming for Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region.