Overlook Mountain Wild Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; R3Forestry@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911
- Location: Town of Woodstock, Ulster County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3A
- Map: Overlook Mountain Wild Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The Overlook Mountain Wild Forest offers a unique combination: a historic fire tower, mountain house ruins, and impressive views of the Hudson River Valley and the central Catskills all within an under five-mile hike. The view of Overlook Mountain from the Hudson River appealed to many writers and artists making the area famous and laying the foundation for a wilderness concept and ethic in the United States. The summit of Overlook Mountain is one of the top three most visited locations in the Catskill Forest Preserve (after Slide Mountain and North-South Lake).
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Visitors to the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest can travel the Overlook Mountain Spur Trail to the summit and historic fire tower, or choose an easier and shorter hike on two trail loops. The Meads Meadow Trail and Overloop Trail offer short family friendly style hikes. The loop trails can be accessed from both the Meads Meadow Trailhead on Macdaniel Road or the Overlook Mountain Trailhead on Meads Mountain Road.
The Overlook Spur Trail climbs steadily to the top of Overlook Mountain following an old carriage road that once transported guests in the late 19th century to the Overlook Mountain House. There are nice views through the trees on the way up, except in summer. At 1.6 miles you see the massive castle-like ruins of the latest and never-completed Overlook Mountain House (elevation 2,900 feet), begun in the 1920s, and now being reclaimed by nature. Please observe the ruins from the outside for your safety. Nearby is a privately-owned tower for which the dirt road is maintained. Please respect private property. You then move on to the fire tower at an elevation of 3,140 ft. The spur trail to the right of the ground cabin takes you to a ledge with a magnificent view of the Hudson River, Ashokan Reservoir, the Central Catskills, and up to five states. Ledges and drop-offs require care. Stay on the paths, snakes have been seen. One-way distance - 2.4 miles. The ascent is a gradual but nonstop incline, climbing 1370 feet.
The 13-acre Echo Lake (part of the Indian Head Wilderness) is an additional 4 miles round-trip (elevation drop of 1000 feet) from just above the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House.
Fire Tower
General information on fire towers includes historic and current uses of fire towers and links to other locations with fire towers.
Elevation 3,140 feet. The cab at top of tower is open most weekends Memorial Day through Columbus Day when staffed by volunteer interpreters. The ground observer's cabin with historical Forest Preserve and fire tower displays is also open most weekends from the end of May to October.
This is the newest of the five towers left in the Catskill Park, having been at its present location since only 1950. However, the tower itself is much older as it was originally constructed in 1927 on Gallis Hill, just west of Kingston. The Overlook tower is 60 feet tall, and offers incredible views of the Hudson River Valley, Ashokan Reservoir, and Devil's Path.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Biking is permitted on Meads Mountain Road Trailhead to Overlook Fire Tower trail and continuing on to Prediger Road (Overlook Turnpike Primitive Bicycle Corridor).
Camping
General information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated camping sites; however, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.
Directions
The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower trailhead is accessible by car from Interstate I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 in Kingston (Route 28). Take Route 28 west approximately 6 miles to a right on Route 375, then eventually a left onto Route 212 to the Woodstock Village Green. At the Village Green, in the center of town, make a right on Rock City Road, continuing past the 4 corners intersection to Meads Mountain Road. The parking lot is on your right about 2 miles up Meads Mountain Road. Or you can take I-87 Exit 20 (Saugerties), Route 212 west, to the Woodstock Village Green, and then follow the above directions.
To reach the Meads Meadow Trailhead, follow the above directions, pass the Overlook Mountain Trailhead, and continue 0.5 miles on Macdaniel Road to the new Meads Meadow Trailhead parking area.
Ruins of the old Overlook Mountain House
- Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead (42.071094°N, -74.122661°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Meads Meadow Trailhead (42.076422,-74.129087) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WG S84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when in the Catskills to minimize impact on our natural resources and be respectful of other backcountry users.
- All users of Overlook Wild Forest must follow all state land use regulations and should follow all outdoor safety practices for their own benefit and to protect the environment.
- For your safety, please do not go inside the ruins of the former Overlook Mountain House.
- Nearby is a privately-owned tower for which the dirt road is maintained. Please respect private property.
- Groups of more than 20 people require a Temporary Revocable Permit (TRP) from the DEC land manager.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the 1999 Overlook Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreation, geology, natural and human history, wildlife, habitats and much more. The UMP was amended in 2017 (PDF) to propose various public access improvements.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R3Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining and lodging opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Woodstock and Bearsville.
Catskill Regional Tourism Office (leaves DEC website), Ulster County Tourism (leaves DEC website) and Catskill Interpretive Center (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.
