Outdoor Sporting Program
Hike, Fish & Hunt on 5,500 Acres of Forever Wild Forest, Fields, and Riverbeds!
The Frost Valley YMCA Outdoor Sporting Program provides nature enthusiasts access to 5,500 acres of forest, fields, lakeshore, riverbeds, and trails in which to experience the freedom of the outdoors. With enrollment, one can hike, camp, fish, hunt, and experience the wonders of Frost Valley in the heart of the “forever wild” Catskill Park. Dedicated to fostering the stewardship of the earth and our natural resources (water, wildlife, forest, and soil), this program invites participants to join us in enjoying and protecting the land in our care.
Exclusive local rates for Denning and Tri-Valley residents!
Interested in enrolling?
Contact the Department of Natural Resources for details and to receive an application packet: naturalresources@frostvalley.org or call (845) 985-2291 ext. 397.
2026 Enrollment Rates:
Trail Use (includes Disc Golf & Cross-Country Skiing)
- Denning Residents – Individual: FREE, Household: FREE
- Tri-Valley Residents – Individual: $55, Household: $65
- Non-Local Residents – Individual: $65, Household: $75
Fishing OR Hunting (includes Trail Use)
- Denning Residents – Individual: $50, Household: $60
- Tri-Valley Residents – Individual: $240, Household: $300
- Non-Local Residents – Individual: $300, Household: $360
ALL: Trail Use, Fishing and Hunting
- Denning Residents – Individual: $90, Household: $110
- Tri-Valley Residents – Individual: $360, Household: $420
- Non-Local Residents – Individual: $420, Household: $510
Download These Necessary Forms:
- Outdoor Sporting Program Application*
*NOTE: Members must undergo a criminal background check for an additional $15-$150 fee, which will be initiated after submitting the program application. - Program Rules & Regulations 2026
Hunt in the Catskill Mountain Wilderness
Explore our land or access the vast New York State Forest Preserve. Much of Frost Valley adjoins this vast wilderness offering a connection to these hunting grounds. Our forests are home to healthy populations of wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and black bear.
We foster a safe hunting ethic and require that blaze orange be worn during big game season. The program includes access to the following hunting seasons: Spring and Fall Turkey, Big Game Bow Hunting, Big Game Rifle Season, and Big Game Muzzleloader Season.
Participants are required to possess a valid New York State Hunting License. New hunters are required to take the NYS hunter safety course, offered at Frost Valley in the spring and fall. Hunters are also required to demonstrate proficiency in firearms safety and use, complete an orientation, and pass a criminal background check. Find upcoming dates and register via the New York State Department of Conservation website.
Hunting Camp is offered during the opening five days of Big Game Rifle Season. This experience is not to be missed. Experienced and young hunters alike stay at the East Valley Ranch for this all-inclusive event. Hearty meals are prepared in the cozy lodge before dawn and after sunset. Bag lunches allow you to stay out all day and not have to worry about preparing your own food. Bring all your gear and prepare for an amazing Catskill hunting experience.
Enjoy Fly Fishing in the Catskills!
The Catskills are the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, and our local trout streams are a destination for anglers around the world. A Fly Fishing Membership gives you access to over 8 miles of trout streams, including the East and West Branches of the upper Neversink River, Biscuit Brook, and Pigeon Brook. Our streams are not stocked but they support Wild Brook Trout and naturalized Brown Trout and offer unparalleled fishing. Fly Fishing participants gain access to Lake Cole, White Pond, and Reflection Pond, all of which are NY State-licensed fishing preserves. Frost Valley requires participants to practice catch and release in all of our rivers and streams and at White Pond. Fly Fishing Membership requires completion of a criminal background check, application, and orientation.
Hike, Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe
Frost Valley offers over 30 miles of Catskill Mountain trails in a wide variety of terrain for every age and skill level. Enjoy the four seasons of scenery and wildlife from songbirds, deer, squirrels, porcupines, and many others. Skiing is open only on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and does not include ski rental. We offer groomed and track-set trails when conditions allow.
Bring your own gear and clothing for the appropriate season.
Winter Hiking Precautions
Plan on bringing winter boots, yak-trax (boot traction devices), and/or snowshoes during the winter. Our trails during this time of the year can be snowy, icy, and somewhat treacherous. If properly prepared, you and your family can enjoy beautiful winter conditions. Find an icy waterfall, wildlife tracks, mountain streams bordered by snow and ice, hemlock trees, and peace and quiet.
Disc Golf on a Renowned Catskill Course!
Frost Valley’s disc golf course, designed by John Houck of HouckDesign, is a unique layout that accommodates players of any ability, from children to lifelong, expert disc golfers.
Course Use:
The course is available most days from April through November from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The course is closed during inclement weather (snow). The course is also closed for eight weeks in the summer when we run our children’s summer camp programs; however, we do have several exclusive participant-only days during the summer for you to enjoy.
Equipment:
Golfers can bring their own discs or check out discs at the Welcome Center for a refundable deposit. Borrowed discs must be returned to the Welcome Center by 5:30 pm for a full refund.
Regulations:
- Golfers must park at the Welcome Center and check-in
- Please arrive no earlier than 8:30 am
- Participants must have their parking pass visible in their car and wear their member badge
- No smoking on the course, in program areas, or on hiking trails
