A Brief History of Sundown and Vernooy Kill Wild Forests

The land comprising the **Sundown Wild Forest** and **Vernooy Kill State Forest** has a rich history, dating back thousands of years with Indigenous peoples inhabiting the region. European colonization in the 17th century brought significant changes, followed by periods of logging and mining that altered the landscape. The broader Catskill Park, within which these forests lie, was established in **1885** to protect this vital natural resource.

The **Vernooy Kill State Forest**, spanning 3,686 acres, was formally designated as a Reforestation Area in **2002** following its acquisition by New York State from the former Lundy Estate. It abuts the larger Sundown Wild Forest, which covers approximately 30,100 acres of Forest Preserve land in the southern Catskills.

In **2019**, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted a comprehensive Unit Management Plan (UMP) for both the Sundown Wild Forest and Vernooy Kill State Forest, outlining strategies for recreation, conservation, and resource protection. This plan has seen amendments, including one in **2023**, to further refine management goals.

Recent efforts, some still ongoing as of May 2025, include the significant **Long Path Revitalization Project**. This initiative aims to reroute sections of the Long Path trail off roadways and into the serene wilderness of the Sundown and Vernooy Kill areas, enhancing hiker safety and providing a more immersive outdoor experience while connecting existing trail networks.

The Catskills Experience has been the official NY Department of Environmental Conservation Stewards of these forest since 2020.