Hello! Welcome to Sundown Wild Forest
Sundown Wild Forest is a big, beautiful place in New York’s Catskill Mountains. It has high hills, deep valleys, clear rivers, and shiny waterfalls. You can walk, camp, or see far from a tall tower. This guide uses very easy words to tell you everything. My name is Douglas Baltes. I studied sea animals at a school in Australia and love nature. I learned about wild places for five years, like ocean forests in Australia. I use my knowledge to share true, simple facts about Sundown Wild Forest.
What Is Sundown Wild Forest?
Sundown Wild Forest is in New York, in two areas called Ulster and Sullivan. It’s a huge place, 30,100 acres big, with 10 tall hills and rivers full of fish. It’s part of Catskill Park, a special place kept safe for nature. You can walk, camp, fish, or climb to the Red Hill Tower to see far-away hills and a big lake called Rondout Reservoir. The forest is open every day, all year. Spring has big waterfalls, summer is warm for walks, fall has pretty leaf colors, and winter has snow for fun.
Waterfalls to Visit
Waterfalls are a big reason people love Sundown Wild Forest. They flow from tall hills into clear rivers. Here are the best ones:
Vernooy Kill Falls
This waterfall is fun to see. You walk on a path from Upper Cherrytown Road. The path is 1.8 miles one way, so 3.6 miles both ways. It has red and blue signs to show the way. You reach a bridge to see the waterfall. The water falls like steps, shiny and pretty. The path has rocks, so wear strong shoes. Bring bug spray in summer for small flies. Stay on the path to keep plants safe and not fall.
Peekamoose Valley Waterfalls
These waterfalls are on Peekamoose Road. They come from big hills like Samson and Peekamoose. The water runs fast into Rondout Creek. It looks nice! Parking is small, so check the New York nature website for a parking map. Don’t climb the waterfalls—they’re slippery and not safe. Stay on paths to keep the area clean.
Waterfall Tips
- Bring water and snacks.
- Wear shoes that don’t slip.
- Check the weather—rain makes paths muddy.
- Camp 200 feet from rivers to keep them clean, as forest rules say.
These waterfalls are easy to visit and great for families or new walkers.
Fun Walking Paths
Sundown Wild Forest has paths for all people. Some are easy, some are hard. There are over 30 miles of paths for walking, snow rides, or biking. Here are the best ones:
Red Hill Tower Path
This path is 1.2 miles one way. It goes up 900 feet to Red Hill. The tower is 60 feet tall and shows you all the Catskill hills and Rondout Reservoir. Start at Denning Road. The path has clear signs. It’s not too hard but has rocks, so walk carefully. In fall, leaves hide rocks, so be extra careful. The tower may be locked sometimes, but the view is still great.
Ashokan High Point Path
This path is 7 miles both ways. It goes to a 3,080-foot hilltop. Start at Watson Hollow Road by Kanape Brook. The path gets steep at the end, going up 2,000 feet. The view is nice, but trees hide some of it. You can make it a 9.7-mile circle with another path. This path is hard, so bring lots of water and wear strong shoes.
Vernooy Kill Falls Path
This 3.6-mile path goes to the waterfall. It’s part of a very long path called the Long Path. It’s mostly flat with some rocks and roots. It’s good for kids or new walkers. It goes up a tiny 200 meters, so it’s easy and fun.
Long Path Section 16
This path is 9.2 miles long. It goes from Upper Cherrytown Road to Peekamoose Road. It climbs 1,604 feet and passes rivers and trees. You cross Vernooy Kill on a gravel bridge and see a beaver pond. It’s for strong walkers who like long trips. It takes about 4 hours, so start early.
Denman Hill Path
Denman Hill is 3,035 feet tall. The path is 7 miles and goes around the hill. It’s easy with old roads to see. You can walk, snow ride, or bike. Park at Furmans and Glade Hill Road. It’s quiet and great for a calm walk.
Walking Tips
- Bring a map and compass—phones don’t always work.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll come back.
- Bring a small first-aid kit and a tool.
- Wear clothes you can add or take off—hill weather changes fast.
- Stay on paths to not get lost or hurt plants.
Check the New York nature website for path updates before you go.
Camping in the Forest
Camping in Sundown Wild Forest is fun and feels wild. Peekamoose Valley has 27 simple campsites on Peekamoose Road. They’re free, but you need a permit for big groups, trailers, or staying more than three nights. Call Forest Rangers at 845-240-6790 two weeks before to book.
Peekamoose Valley Campsites
These campsites have no water or bathrooms. You must use marked spots. They’re first-come, first-served, so go early in summer. The spots are near Rondout Creek, great for fishing or resting by water. From May 15 to September 15, get a permit from Reserve America for one car and up to five people.
Camping Rules
- Camp 200 feet from water to keep rivers clean.
- Use dead wood for small fires.
- Burn wood to ash and spread cold ashes.
- Keep food safe from bears.
- Take all trash with you.
Camping Tips
- Bring a small stove for cooking.
- Use a candle light, not a big fire.
- Check for ticks—they’re common.
- Bring bug spray for spring and summer.
- Try your tent at home first.
Camping is calm and fun. Follow rules to keep the forest nice.
Red Hill Tower Views
The Red Hill Tower is a special place. It’s on Red Hill at 2,990 feet. You see all the Catskill hills and Rondout Reservoir. The tower is 60 feet tall, and the path is 1.2 miles each way. It takes about 45 minutes to walk. The area has grass and three picnic tables to rest.
Tower Tips
- Bring binoculars to see far hills.
- Check if the tower is open—it’s locked sometimes.
- Go early for fewer people and nice light.
- Wear sunscreen—the top is sunny.
The tower is great for pictures or a quiet rest.
How to Get There
Sundown Wild Forest is easy to reach by car. Here’s how:
Red Hill Tower
Start at Denning Road. Take Route 55 east from State Route 17 in Liberty. Park at 41.930293°N, 74.507349°W. The path has signs.
Peekamoose Valley Campsites and Paths
From Kingston or Boiceville, take Route 28 to Route 28A. Follow 28A around Ashokan Reservoir to Watson Hollow Road (County Route 42). Go south past Kanape Path. Campsites and paths are on your right. Or, from Route 209, take Route 55 to County Route 153 (Sundown Road), which turns into Route 42 (Peekamoose Road). Campsites are on your left.
Vernooy Kill Falls
Park at Upper Cherrytown Road. The path has a sign and a place to sign in. It’s a short drive from Route 209.
Travel Tips
- Peekamoose Road can be muddy—use a car with strong wheels.
- Use a GPS or map—phone signals are bad.
- Check the New York nature website for closed roads or paths.
Best Times to Visit
Each season in Sundown Wild Forest is special:
Spring
Waterfalls are big from melted snow. Paths are muddy, so wear waterproof shoes. Bring bug spray for small flies.
Summer
Warm weather is great for walking and camping. Waterfalls are cool to rest by. It’s busy, so book campsites early.
Fall
Pretty leaf colors make paths beautiful. Tower views are clear. Watch for leaves hiding rocks.
Winter
Snow is fun for snowshoeing or snow rides. Wear warm clothes and check path conditions. The tower may be locked but still nice.
Check the weather before you go—hills can be tricky.
Animals and Plants
Sundown Wild Forest has many animals and plants. You might see deer, foxes, or bears. Fish like trout swim in rivers. The forest has oak, maple, and pine trees, plus ferns and flowers in spring. My work with ocean forests in Australia helps me understand Sundown. Clean water and careful visitors keep the forest happy.
Animal Tips
- Watch animals from far—don’t feed them.
- Keep food in bear-safe bags.
- Keep pets on a leash to protect animals.
- Stay away from animals with babies.
- Loving nature keeps the forest safe.
Final Words
Sundown Wild Forest is a wonderful place with waterfalls, paths, campsites, and tower views. Walk to Vernooy Kill Falls, camp by Rondout Creek, or see far from the Red Hill Tower. This guide has all you need to plan your trip. Follow rules, love nature, and have fun. Got questions or tips? Share them below to help others!
Disclaimer: This guide to Sundown Wild Forest is for general information only. While I, Douglas Baltes, have used my nature knowledge and trusted sources like the New York State DEC to provide accurate and up-to-date details, things like trail conditions, camping rules, or road access may change. Always check official websites or contact local forest rangers before your visit. I’m not responsible for any injuries, lost items, or changes in rules during your trip. Please explore safely, follow forest guidelines, and respect nature.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
