The 19th Annual Catskills Lark in the Park kicks off October 1st for ten days of events and self-guided tours. From hiking and paddling to yoga and poetry, there are a variety of activities during this celebration of the Catskill Park that runs through October 10th.

"For 19 years, the Catskills Lark in the Park has been the annual celebration of the Catskill Park. And it was 119 years ago that New York established the park to protect lands and waters designated as 'forever wild'. Today, the Catskill Forest Preserve serves as one the great public spaces in the United States," says President of the Catskill Mountain Club Wendell George. "As we face increasing climate change, its importance as a natural place that must be protected and preserved will only increase. Come see for yourself and help us celebrate!"

Since its inception in 2004 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Catskill Park, the Lark in the Park has brought together thousands of people who have participated in hundreds of events sponsored by dozens of organizations, all aimed at heightening awareness of the Catskill Mountain region.

For this year’s Lark in the Park, there are hikes with yoga at the peak, a paddle along the Pepacton Reservoir, a poetry potluck, and much more. For Indigenous Peoples Day and the few days prior, there are holiday-related events. The Overlook Mountain Center (OMC) and Humanities NY (HNY) are presenting "Echoes of the American Revolution: Land, Liberty and Loss," a free, public reading and discussion program with a special guest speaker. And there is a tour of ceremonial stone landscapes.

For advice and information, a stop in the Catskills Visitor Center is a great starting point for Catskills information. Climb the Upper Esopus Fire Tower right in back for sweeping views of the Esopus Valley and talk with staff members to find places of interest.

“Occurring during the most spectacular time of the year in the Catskill Park, the Catskills Lark in the Park is a great opportunity to explore the Catskill Park. We're excited to be celebrating our 19th year of co-sponsoring Lark in the Park,” says Catskill Center Executive Director Jeff Senterman. “This annual celebration is an important reminder of the history of the Catskill Park, its rich nature-based activities, and the partnerships and collaborations that go into ensuring this unique area is protected as Forever Wild Forest Preserve.”

Local experts will lead a number of events, many of which have limited capacity so please register in advance. Check event listings on the Catskills Lark in the Park calendar.

Lark in the Park is a partnership of the Catskill Center, Catskill Mountain Club, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.