Walking Willowemoc Wild Forest: A Guide for Nature Lovers

If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature, hike, bike, fish, or camp in the Catskills, you might want to check out Willowemoc Wild Forest. This is a 14,800-acre area of Forever Wild Forest Preserve that offers a variety of trails, ponds, and streams to explore. In this blog post, I will share some information and tips on how to make the most of your visit to Willowemoc Wild Forest.

Check out our video to get an idea of what you can expect from parts of the park!

What is Willowemoc Wild Forest?

Willowemoc Wild Forest is located in the southwest corner of the Catskill Park, in Sullivan and Ulster counties. It is named after the Willowemoc Creek, a world-class trout stream that flows through the area. The forest is home to diverse wildlife, such as deer, bear, coyote, bobcat, beaver, otter, and many birds. The forest also has a rich history, as it was once the site of logging, tanning, farming, and hunting activities.

What can you do in Willowemoc Wild Forest?

There are many ways to enjoy Willowemoc Wild Forest, depending on your interests and abilities. Here are some of the main activities you can do:

Hiking: There are over 40 miles of trails in Willowemoc Wild Forest, ranging from easy to hard. Some of the popular trails are:
- Frick Pond Loop: A 2.1-mile easy loop that circles around Frick Pond, a scenic pond with a wooden bridge and a stream.
- Hodge Pond Loop: A 6.3-mile moderate loop that passes by Hodge Pond and Frick Pond, offering views of the water and the forest.
- Quick Lake Trail: A 13.9-mile hard trail that goes from Frick Pond Trailhead to Quick Lake, crossing over ridges and valleys.
Biking: Some of the trails in Willowemoc Wild Forest are open to mountain biking, such as the Mongaup Pond Trail and the Flynn Trail. These trails are also used by snowmobiles in the winter. You can find more information on biking trails on Trailforks.
Fishing: Willowemoc Wild Forest has six ponds and several streams that offer fishing opportunities. You can fish for trout in the Willowemoc Creek, or for other species such as bullhead, pickerel, perch, bass, and pumpkinseed in the ponds. You need a valid fishing license and follow the fishing regulations for the area.
Camping: There are several designated campsites in Willowemoc Wild Forest, where you can pitch a tent or use a lean-to shelter. You can also camp at large in most areas of the forest, as long as you follow the camping rules. Some of the campsites are:
- Mongaup Pond Campground: A large campground with 163 sites, picnic tables, fireplaces, restrooms, showers, and a boat launch. You need to pay a fee and make a reservation to use this campground.
- Long Pond Lean-to: A wooden lean-to shelter on the eastern shore of Long Pond, with a fire ring and a privy. You can access this site by hiking or biking on the Beaverkill Ridge Trail.
- Waneta Lake Primitive Campsite: A small campsite on the northern shore of Waneta Lake, with a fire ring and a privy. You can access this site by hiking or biking on the Mongaup Pond Trail.

How to get to Willowemoc Wild Forest?

You can reach Willowemoc Wild Forest by car from several directions. The main access points are:

Frick Pond Trailhead: From Livingston Manor, take NY-17 west for about 6 miles. Turn right onto DeBruce Road (County Route 81) and follow it for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Mongaup Road (County Route 158) and follow it for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Beech Mountain Road (County Route 179) and follow it for about 2 miles. The trailhead parking lot is on the left.
Mongaup Pond Campground: From Livingston Manor, take NY-17 west for about 6 miles. Turn right onto DeBruce Road (County Route 81) and follow it for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Mongaup Road (County Route 158) and follow it for about 5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.
Beaverkill Ridge Trailhead: From Roscoe, take NY-206 east for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Beaverkill Road (County Route 151) and follow it for about 9 miles. Turn right onto Flugertown Road and follow it for about 3 miles. The trailhead parking lot is on the right.

You can also find more information and maps on the DEC website or the AllTrails app.

What to bring and what to know?

Before you head to Willowemoc Wild Forest, make sure you are prepared and informed. Here are some tips and reminders:

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring enough water and food for your trip. There are no potable water sources in the forest.
Pack a map, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials. Cell phone service may be limited or unavailable in some areas.
Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in, and dispose of waste properly. Do not litter, feed wildlife, or damage plants.
Respect other users. Share the trail, yield to horses, and keep noise to a minimum.
Follow the rules and regulations. Stay on marked trails, do not trespass on private property, and obey signs and markers.
Have fun and be safe. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of Willowemoc Wild Forest.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Willowemoc Wild Forest and discover its wonders. It is a great place to connect with nature and have an adventure. Happy trails!

Chris & Ola