LARK IN THE PARK Oct 4-13

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — Held each October, the Lark in the Park celebrates the Catskill Park with a series of hosted outdoor events across the region. The State of New York established the Catskill Park in 1904. The area inside the park’s blue-line boundary is about 700,000 acres and encompasses parts of four counties. Since the park’s creation, the amount of state-owned forest preserve lands has tripled and is now upwards of 300,000 acres. 

These lands provide a wide variety of opportunities for recreation in a wild setting. The forest preserve also blends with the Catskills’ hamlets and village downtowns, where history and culture complement the array of offerings found in each year’s Lark Events Calendar. 

Beginning October 4 and running through October 13, the Lark features more than 25 hikes, from challenging summit climbs to casual ecology and birding walks. This year’s events also include bike rides, paddle trips, and a mix of history, with outings to old hotel sites, former railroads, four fire towers, and John Burrough’s Woodchuck Lodge. Event goers can also consider participating in or spectating the theatrical reading of the story of Rip Van Winkle. Held in the historic railroad station on its campus, the Mountain Top Historical Society will serve up “a delightful afternoon of community, literature, and a touch of old-world magic.” 

Appealing to a wide range of adventurers, the Lark offers no shortage of reasons to get outside and enjoy the beauty, culture, and recreational pursuits found throughout our wonderful region. 

Organized by the Catskill Mountain Club in partnership with the Catskill Center and the Catskill 3500 Club, the 2025 Lark in the Park is supported in part by a tourism promotion grant from Delaware County. We are grateful to all the volunteer event leaders who help make this autumn celebration such a success. 

The Lark in the Park was founded in 2004, the year of the Catskill Park centennial. Visit catskillslark.org for more details.