It’s not a secret. Yet many people don’t realize that East Mongaup River Park is open all year. In fact, during the winter months, you might only see a few other people – or even have the entire 173-acre park all to yourself!
The East Mongaup River Park is open daily from sunrise until sunset. As the days get longer, there is more time to enjoy all the park has to offer this winter. Check out these ideas for winter fun from Glenn Somers and Jamie Ferriero of the Town Parks & Recreation Department…
Take Caution: Hypothermia and frostbite can cause serious injury. Be sure you are dressed in layers. Avoid visiting the park when a winter storm watch or warning is in effect, or when there is a wind chill advisory. View these expert tips from the Mayo Clinic on staying safe while being active outdoors during the winter.
- Take a Hike, Snowshoe, or Ski!
Winter hiking is a great workout, thanks to the extra resistance from snowy trails and your body working harder to stay warm! In fact, research shows that you’ll burn over 30% more calories hiking in cold weather as opposed to more mild temperatures.
East Mongaup River Park has a few options for hiking. There’s the Healthy Heart Trail which is flat and follows the river at points. A similar, flat hike is the 1-mile yellow loop. If you want to take a longer hike with a few hills and rockier terrain, go for the 2.5 mile orange loop.
You could also give snowshoeing a try! Snowshoes fit over hiking boots and provide more surface area for each step, giving you more stability and a way to walk over larger snow drifts. In fact, you can join our upcoming Guided Snowshoe event, free for Town residents on January 11th, 2025 from 10am until noon.
Cross country skiing is another favorite thing to do in the Catskills. The park’s trails are ideal for cross country skiing. There is even a group of Sullivan County skiers who meet regularly in the park for group skis. Interested? Contact the Town Parks & Recreation Department for more details.
- Go Sledding
There are a few hilly areas in East Mongaup River Park that are ideal for sledding or tubing. Some parents also enjoy pulling their children in sleds behind them on the flatter hiking trails within the park. Either way, you can’t go wrong bringing a sled to the park. Or, go ahead and borrow a sled from our “Sled Shed”! If it’s a mild, sunny day, you could even pack a picnic lunch. The Town tries to keep the picnic tables and the main pavilion plowed out.
- Discover Birdwatching
There’s a saying that all birds fly south in the winter. So you might think that most birds are wintering in Florida right about now. However, many birds – even robins and bluebirds – stay here if they have a reliable food source.
And believe it or not, the Catskills is the “south” for many birds that come down from Northern Canada and even the Arctic! For example, keep an eye out for snow buntings. They breed in the Arctic, and then fly down to areas like the Catskills this time of year. Eagles, barred owls, cardinals, and blue jays have all been spotted during the winter in East Mongaup River Park.
You could grab some binoculars for birdwatching, but your naked eye should do just fine! Check out these beginner tips for birdwatching.
- Snow School
With a little creativity, East Mongaup River Park can become an outdoor classroom for kids of all ages. Children can attempt to identify animal tracks left in the snow. Tree identification becomes more of a challenge when the leaves are gone! A winter scavenger hunt is an easy way to keep little ones engaged on a walk through the park. Older kids (and adults) will enjoy creating “ice bubbles” and capturing the beauty on their phones. The possibilities are endless for turning East Mongaup River Park into the coolest school this winter!
- Build a Snowman, an Igloo…Anything!
The best thing you can do during our long Catskills winter is to get out and get active. Perhaps you live in an apartment or you have a small yard. Think of the park as your big backyard. Bring your family to build an igloo, have a snowball fight, or build a snowman. It’s up to you! Remember, this is YOUR Town…and this is YOUR park!