Big Indian Wilderness

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

All 30 miles of trail in this area are open exclusively to foot travel. Some suggested hikes include:

McKinley Hollow Trail (1.9 miles, red markers) This trail, which provides access from the east to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail, is at first deceptively easy but becomes a progressively strenuous climb. Park at the McKinley Hollow Trailhead, Town of Shandaken, 4 miles south of Big Indian, at the end of McKinley Hollow Road.

Rider Hollow-Mine Hollow Loop (4.8 miles) Beginning at the Rider Hollow Trailhead, (town of Hardenburgh, end of Rider Hollow Road) follow red trail markers 0.4 mile to the Mine Hollow junction. Turn northeast on yellow markers for a 1-mile ascent to the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail. Turn south. Follow blue markers 2 miles up and over the summit of Balsam Mountain which provides a window view of the Hamlet of Big Indian. Proceed to the junction of the McKinley Hollow-Rider Hollow Trail. Turn northwest on red markers, 1.4 miles back to the parking area.

Pine Hill-West Branch Trail (14.1 miles, blue markers) This trail offers a moderate ridge hike spanning five peaks that is long and somewhat strenuous. The easiest approach is from the south on Frost Valley Road. Spur trails provide access to lean-tos and water, allowing for excellent backpacking opportunities. The northern trailhead is in the Town of Shandaken 1 mile south of Pine Hill, take Bonnie View Avenue to Station Road to Woodchuck Hollow Road.

Mongaup-Hardenburg Trail (6.4 miles, blue markers) With less dramatic ascents, the views from this trail are obstructed until after leaf drop. However, this moderate, mid-elevation hike usually provides a greater chance to observe a variety of bird and animal life. This trail is best used in conjunction with the neighboring trail network to the south in order to loop back to the point of origin for either a one- or two-day venture. To access from the north, use the Hardenburgh Trailhead on Beaverkill Road, 6 miles east of Turnwood. From the south, use the trailhead at the Mongaup Pond State Campground.

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

The Big Indian Wilderness harbors the headwaters of some of the finest trout fisheries in the Catskills: the Esopus Creek, the Beaverkill, the Neversink and the Willowemoc.

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 3A

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

Big Indian Wilderness is open to hunting during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3A

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

Big Indian Wilderness is open to trapping during appropriate seasons.

General information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, 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.

State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

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

Snowshoeing is permitted on all hiking trails.

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

The Catskills are home to an abundance of wildlife. With both larger mammals (including deer, bear, and bobcat) as well as smaller mammals (including porcupine and fisher) the Catskills have several unique habitats. In addition to the many mammals found in the Catskills, hundreds of species of birds can also be found in the wilderness.