RECHARGING NATURALLY

by Lisa M. Lyons

I’d like to shake your hand and welcome you to our corner of the Catskills. If you’re like many of the visitors to this land of pristine streams and scenic mountains, you arrived a little wound up and stressed out. Believe me when I tell you that a great experience to help you unwind and recharge is easy and free – a walk in the Catskill woods! Since a hike might not appeal to everyone, these two suggestions really are just walks. (And for those who like hiking, these two trails connect to longer trails.) There’s an added bene t to these two walks that you will thank me for later – they have no reliable cell service, so offer everyone a sanctuary from electronics. That’s why I picked them. After 18 years of recommending outings, I have seen amazing transformations when folks allow their minds to rest, awaken, and recharge. So let’s take a walk on your wild side! There are two beautiful hidden ponds just a few miles from Livingston Manor and Roscoe that are great destinations. #1 Frick Pond, Livingston Manor NY This pond is tucked away in Mongaup Pond State Park. The trail to it leads through the woods to a fork. Turn left downhill to a beautiful wide view of tranquil Frick Pond with majestic Beech Mountain in the distance. A photogenic spot! For a longer adventure, the loop trail around Frick Pond is easy to navigate. Sturdy boardwalks meander through tall hemlock trees. A sweet spot to listen to the wind. Distance: 1 mile round trip to pond. Loop trail around pond is 1.2 miles, totaling 2.2 miles round trip. Dif culty: level ground, with some tree roots and a few wet spots.

Photo by Natalie Roszkowski

#2 Trout Pond, Roscoe, NY Less than six miles from downtown Roscoe. A short, easy walk downhill and over Russell Brook. Upriver is a waterfall — take care with young children or anyone unsteady on their feet. Continue on the trail’s gradual incline toward Trout Pond. Trees open up to unveil the bowl that is its home. Evidence of beaver presence can be seen. I recommend walking to the far end of the pond. There are two lean-tos and a great view from the new wooden bridge. A hidden treasure! Distance: 1.8 miles round trip to Trout Pond dam, 2.8 miles to leantos at far end of Trout Pond. Dif culty: easy to moderate - gradual incline on dirt road with loose rock.

What to Know and What to Bring:

Stop by Old Souls, 46 Main St, Livingston Manor, or Morgan Outdoors in Hurleyville for gear, supplies, and advice from trusted sources.

Recommended Resources:

• Catskill Trail Maps, by NY-NJ Trail Conference. Six-map set. Revised 2016. Easy to read, tear-resistant, waterproof. Great maps to bring on hikes. Trails in Catskill Park, springs, lean-tos and parking areas. • National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Catskill Park Tear-resistant, waterproof. Includes all trails and nearby towns in Catskill Park. Great for trip planning and navigating to trailheads. Revised 2016.

Frick Pond Photo by Lisa M. Lyons

• Best Hikes with Children, Catskills and Hudson Valley by Cynthia Copeland and Thomas J Lewis, 2nd ed. 2002, Mountaineers Press. Excellent resource f or anyone who wants a gentlerhike. Very useful details. • The Nature Fix, Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams, 2017, W.W. Norton & Co. Investigates nature’s restorative benefits. Keen observations and an enjoyable read.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Both trailhead parking areas have a kiosk with a map of all marked trails. Frick Pond: From downtown Livingston Manor, turn onto DeBruce Road (CR 81) and follow northeast for 6 miles. Turn left onto Mongaup Road, follow 2.5 miles, passing NYS Trout Hatchery on right. At fork, stay left onto dirt road. Continue 0.2 miles to parking area on left. Trout Pond: From downtown Roscoe, follow Rt. 206 north (direction Downsville) for 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Morton Hill Road. Follow uphill for 3 miles to Russell Brook Road on left. White sign says “Seasonal Limited Use Highway.” Follow the single lane dirt road ½ mile down to parking area.

is article was originally written and published in 2018 and is reprinted with permission. e author, Lisa M. Lyons, is a year-round resident and community member of Livingston Manor, an avid hiker/snowshoer, and owner of Morgan Outdoors located at 234 Main Street in Hurleyville, serving the Catskills since 2005.

Photo by Peter Crosby

We are camp re country!

No matter the season there is nothing more enjoyable than a campfire with family and good friends. Sip a carefully concocted cocktail or cold craft brew, toast a marshmallow and make a s’more, dance around or just relax. A campfire just hits differently in our neck of the woods.