The Catskill Center announced it has secured the final undeveloped site at the top of Platte Clove in the Town of Hunter, adding 3.6 acres to the existing 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve. The acquisition ensures the preservation of this scenic area while helping to manage visitor use for future generations.

According to Catskill Center Board Member David Kukel, in 1970, Lenore Kukle stood before the breathtaking Plattekill Falls, surrounded by hemlock-studded slopes, and envisioned a future where the land would be preserved for the public. She shared her vision with Nelson and Marguerite Griswold, the landowners, and her words resonated. The Griswolds wrote to Lenore shortly after, telling her that her words had “fallen on fertile ground.” By 1975, they had donated 208 acres to the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, ensuring its permanent protection and public enjoyment. This land became the Platte Clove Preserve, now treasured by many visitors. Their gift also included the iconic little red cabin, now home to the Catskill Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program.

Inspired by the Griswolds’ generosity, the Kukles later made their own conservation commitment, donating a 100-acre easement on the southern flank of Kaaterskill High Peak to the Catskill Center. Their shared vision created a legacy of protected land, offering clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational access to all who visit Platte Clove.

As stewards of the Platte Clove Preserve, the Catskill Center continues to honor this legacy through conservation efforts.

“The opportunity to acquire this critical piece of land at the head of Platte Clove, adjacent to our Platte Clove Preserve, is a major step forward in our mission to safeguard one of the Catskills’ most treasured landscapes,” said Jeff Senterman, executive director of the Catskill Center. “Platte Clove has long been a place of inspiration, adventure, and ecological significance. This addition will help ensure its natural integrity while improving our ability to balance preservation with responsible recreation.”

The Catskill Center has been a leader in land preservation in the Catskills for over five decades. As a nationally accredited land trust, it protects over 2,000 acres through conservation easements and manages more than 300 acres of its own preserved land. This latest acquisition builds on a long tradition of conservation, dating back to 1974 with the first 100-acre donation that established the Platte Clove Preserve.

Today, the preserve is a popular outdoor recreation destination, offering scenic views, a stunning waterfall, and hiking connections to the greater Catskill Park and surrounding state forest lands. Visitors can view a vista depicted in iconic 19th-century Hudson River School paintings, explore the 61-foot Plattekill Falls via the Waterfall Trail, or embark on longer treks along the Overlook Trail, which connects to Devil’s Path, Echo Lake, and Overlook Mountain. The preserve also links to the Long Path and Huckleberry Point Trail, making it a hub for outdoor exploration.

As Platte Clove’s popularity has surged recently, increased visitation has strained roads, trails, local manpower, and natural areas. The newly acquired 3.6-acre parcel is crucial, providing space to manage visitor flow, offer enhanced experiences, and protect sensitive habitats. Carefully managed stewardship will ensure that the area remains accessible and environmentally resilient for years to come.

Securing this land was made possible through the generosity of a dedicated donor who wished to remain anonymous and provided key financial support. The Catskill Center is seeking additional donor support to fully cover the cost of acquiring and managing the property. Contributions can be made at catskillcenter.org/donate.

The Catskill Center plans to collaborate with the Town of Hunter, Greene County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), local officials, and community members to protect and enhance this landscape.

“Working with partners like the Catskill Center is critical to advancing New York State’s efforts to protect open space,” said Amanda Lefton, acting commissioner of the NYS DEC. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to protect scenic and ecologically important areas, provide high-quality visitor experiences, and boost local economies.”

Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney expressed his support: “As someone who grew up hiking Platte Clove, I’m thrilled to see the Catskill Center take this step to preserve such a breathtaking and historic part of our town. We applaud the Catskill Center for their long-time dedication to preserving the beauty and integrity of Platte Clove. This is a huge step in ensuring that one of the most historically rich areas of the Catskills remains protected for future generations.”

Greene County Legislator Daryl Legg noted the broader benefits of the acquisition: “This purchase strengthens the relationship between the NYS DEC, the Catskill Center, and the Town of Hunter to improve access to the popular trailheads at the top of Platte Clove. Additionally, it creates new opportunities to support the county’s project to repair the Devil’s Kitchen Bridge.”

David Kukle, president of the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway and board member of the Catskill Center, praised the acquisition: “This is exciting news and a positive beginning for 2025. The Catskill Center’s preservation of this unique property at the head of Platte Clove Gorge and the historic stone-arched bridge is critical to the history and future experiences of Platte Clove. The major donor had the foresight to plan and invest in protecting sensitive lands, which needs to be replicated throughout the Catskills.”

As an accredited land trust, the Catskill Center recently renewed its accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, underscoring its commitment to permanent land protection. The existing 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve was generously donated by the Griswold family beginning in 1975, safeguarding its extraordinary flora, fauna, and historic features. Today, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, a site on the Hudson River School Art Trail, and a 61-foot waterfall.

With the addition of this new parcel, the Catskill Center reaffirms its dedication to preserving the beauty and ecological integrity of Platte Clove. For more information, visit catskillcenter.org/platte-clove-preserve.

Max Oppen is a contributing journalist. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.