The Catskills Lean-to Local Trail Committee Chair (Lean-to Chair) is an important part of the Trail Conference. Our Lean-to Chair takes the big-picture view of a region and works with a Program Coordinator and the Lean-to Assistant Chair to build a positive future for all the lean-tos and volunteers they oversee. The Lean-to Chair empowers a team of volunteers and identifies the short- and long-term needs of the lean-tos in their assigned area to ensure the public has a safe and positive experience in the outdoors.  

Looking to plan your next adventure? Stay updated with all the latest closures, park updates, and trail improvements, listed in one place. 

Pro tip: Bookmark this page + refer to it as an essential step of your trip planning.

Remember to #RecreateResponsibly.

The Trail Conference is proud to be a part of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's strategic planning initiative to promote the sustainable management of public use in the Catskill Park. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group's (CAG) Immediate Action Recommendations Report for public review and comment.

The report includes proposed actions that DEC and its state and local partners could undertake, pending available funding and continued partnership, to balance increasing and diverse recreational use of the Catskill Forest Preserve, protecting the park’s natural and historic resources, and ensuring the experience of using the park is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.

The Trail Conference is seeking a Volunteer Engagement Manager, Long-Distance Trails Program Coordinator, and a Grant and Contract Manager to provide management support for our volunteer, trail, and grant programs. These are all full-time positions based out of our headquarters in Mahwah, N.J.

Have fun, stay fit and be safe on the trails this winter! Join Trail Conference's Director of Donor Advising and author Don Weise for a webinar on tips for finding and preparing for successful winter hikes on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m.

In this webinar, you'll get advice on trip planning, winter gear, packing and dressing for safety and comfort, dealing with winter trail conditions, and  leading a successful group outing. Don has led more than 600 hikes and trail runs for the Trail Conference, the West Milford 13ers Hiking Group, Trail Conference Trail Runs, and other groups. 

The Orange County Planning Department, in partnership with the Orange County Land Trust, is updating the County’s Open Space Plan and will be seeking public input over the coming months.

Check out the Open Space Plan web page to join the community and stay current on upcoming virtual and in-person opportunities to contribute your thoughts and ideas.

Trail Conference Trail Runs is a group that meets for monthly runs, often highlighting trails or areas that the Trail Conference has recently improved. Join us for an upcoming run:

– Saturday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.: Schiff Nature Preserve, Mendham, N.J.
– Sunday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m.: Lenape Trail, Cedar Grove, N.J.
– Saturday, Mar. 26 at 9 a.m.: Hook Mountain, Valley Cottage, N.Y.

Please note that order processing and shipping is currently delayed. All orders are being handled and shipped carefully.

Get tips on where to hike or learn a new skill with our recorded workshops and talks, available to watch anytime.