Navigation menu

Department of Environmental Conservation

D E C banner

Neversink River Unique Area

hikingpaddlingfishingtrappinghuntingaccess for people with disabilitiesparkingicon key

Neversink River Unique Area locator map

The 6,580-acre Neversink Unique Area features a spectacular gorge and several waterfalls, Denton Falls, Mullet Brook Falls and High Falls. The Nature Conservancy designated the Neversink River as one of the 75 "Last Great Places" in the United States, Latin America and the Pacific. This unique area is a great destination for hiking and fishing.

This Unique Area has special rules, including no swimming or camping. Please read all the specific rules before you visit.

Be aware that cell phone service here is poor and visitors of the property should not rely on their cell phones to navigate or contact anyone during their visit. If able, we recommend utilizing this property's GeoPDF while visiting.

Featured Activities

Hiking

hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Three marked hiking trails totaling more than 11 miles traverse the area.

  • Cold Spring Road Access Trailhead provides hiking access to the Neversink River on the RED marked trail. From the parking lot the river is about 3 miles.
  • Katrina Falls Trailhead provides access to the Mullet Brook loop about 5 miles on the BLUE marked trail. Also accessible from this point is the trail to High Falls; about 3 miles on the BLUE marked trail.
  • Wolf Brook Trailhead can also be used to access the Mullet Brook Loop and High Falls Trail.

Paddling

paddling

General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

The Neversink River offers whitewater paddling through the gorge. There are two major drops at the waterfalls.

Fishing

fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Considered the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, the Neversink River Unique Area offers world class trout fishing opportunities. Brown trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass are all common in the Neversink River.

Inland Trout Stream Special Fishing Regulations are in effect on the Neversink River.

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Neversink River, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map.)

Southeastern NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Hunting & Trapping

trapping
hunting

Wildlife Management Unit: 3K

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Hunting and trapping are allowed in the Neversink River Unique Area during appropriate seasons. Hunting, fishing and trapping are traditional uses which are encouraged on State Forest land. The eastern wild turkey is hunted in spring and fall. Furbearers, including beaver, fisher and coyote are harvested annually.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Accessible Features

access for people with disabilities

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

Neversink River Unique Area has a 1.5 mile trail open for ATV use by permit only for people with disabilities. The trail runs partially along the Neversink River starting at the parking lot on Katrina Falls Rd.

Directions

  • Eden Road Parking Lot (41.519317°N, 74.649589°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
  • Katrina Falls Road Parking Lot (41.583177°N, 74.621980°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
    • Katrina Falls parking area is the most popular location to access Neversink River Unique Area. During holidays and weekends, this area fills quickly. Do not park along Katrina Falls Road or block the DEC gate when this area is full. We encourage visitors to access the Unique Area from one of the other parking areas instead when Katrina Falls area is full
  • Hiram Jones Road Parking Lot (41.593642°N, 74.632639°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
  • Cold Spring Road Parking Lot (41.554307°N, 74.681649°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Neversink River Unique Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

  • The Neversink River Unique Area lands are managed for the protection and enhancement of the geological and ecological features that make this area unique. To protect this resource, the unique lands are only open to the public from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
  • Hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, hunting, fishing (artificial lures only), trapping and mountain bicycle riding are allowed.
  • Camping and fires are prohibited.
  • Swimming is prohibited on this property.
  • Rock climbing, motorized boats, motorized vehicles, snowmobiling, the use of horses, swimming, and hang gliding are also prohibited.
  • Trout fishing is catch and release only, and may be done April 1 through October 15. Only artificial lures may be used for trout.

Planning and Management

DEC has released a new 2022 draft Neversink River Unique area Mangement Plan (UMP)(PDF). DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Neversink River Unique Area Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) and the September 2013 Amendment: Neversink River Unique UMP (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Monticello, Rock Hill and Wurtsboro.

Sullivan County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.


Department of Environmental Conservation

Programs

Services

Agency Information

Help

Using this Site