Discover Sullivan
52 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Basha Kill Wildlife Refuge
Peat-marsh refuge with winding channels, lily pads, songbirds, turtles and nesting bald eagles — ideal for intimate wildlife and reflective waterscape shots. Flat, mostly shaded trails and kayak launches let photographers access close waterfront viewpoints year-round. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mirror-like reflections; spring and fall migrations boost bird activity. Trails and parking are free and easy; expect bugs and occasional snakes—bring repellant, waterproof boots or
Neversink River Unique Area
Rugged river gorge with rhododendron-lined trails, cascades and scenic river bends — ideal for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light on falls. Trail sections are steep and can be crowded on weekends; parking at Cuddebackville and no cell service — download maps. Watch for bears and hunting seasons.
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area
Bashakill WMA is a shallow wetland complex great for birdlife, reflections, boardwalks and wide marsh panoramas. Shoot egrets, herons, waterfowl, beavers and seasonal waterfalls; kayaks give access to isolated viewpoints. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Trails are flat but can be very muddy; multiple small parking areas (popular spot near Bashakill Vineyard). No fees; respect wildlife and stay on trails/boardwalks.
The Basha Kill Marsh
Basha Kill Marsh is a broad freshwater wetland ideal for wildlife and waterscape photography — herons, ducks, occasional eagles, reed-lined reflections and miles of cattails. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on still water and at migration peaks for birds. Access via multiple small launches (Diner Fields Rd, Haven Rd) and a boardwalk/observation tower; parking is limited and informal. No permit required for day visits; bring bug spray, waterproof boots or a kayak, and expect rustic,
Willowemoc Wild Forest
Wooded Catskills terrain centered on Willowemoc Creek: riffles, beaver ponds, hemlock ravines and open meadows that deliver strong seasonal variety—spring greens, dramatic fall color, and icy winter textures. Best at golden hour and sunrise for soft side light on water and foliage; autumn weekends get busy so plan weekdays. Trails range from easy to moderate; parking available at DEC trailheads in Livingston Manor. No entrance fee (state forest), follow Leave No Trace and watch for ticks and wet
Path of Accumulation
Short looped woodland trails around the Kadampa World Peace Temple with a bubbling stream, dense foliage, wildlife and a striking Buddhist temple/grounds. Great for seasonal color (peak autumn), intimate forest scenes, stream long exposures and architectural shots of the temple. Grounds open to public with free parking and restrooms; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or overcast days for even light; weekdays and early mornings avoid visitors. Wear hiking boots and bug repellent; observe temple礼儀
Walnut Mountain Park
Wooded trails, ridgeline overlooks and small ponds at Walnut Mountain Park offer classic Hudson Valley landscape shots — especially strong in fall color and soft light at sunrise/sunset. Easy parking off Walnut Mountain Rd and short hikes to viewpoints make it accessible for half-day shoots; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. No special permits for casual photography, but check local park rules for commercial shoots and seasonal trail conditions.
Mongaup River Trail
Short, easy 1-mile out-and-back trail along the final stretch of the Mongaup River — offers river vistas, occasional whitewater when the upstream dam is released, raptors/eagles, and an atmospheric 1800s Knight family cemetery. Accessible from Route 97 with small parking; no fees. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for low crowds and soft light. Autumn foliage and spring runoff add drama; avoid muddy sections after heavy rain.
Bashakill Vineyards & Winery
Small, photogenic vineyard and tasting yard overlooking rolling vine rows and the Bashakill wetland refuge across the road. Shoot vineyard lines, intimate tasting moments, live-music evenings, and sunset over the fields. Best at golden hour (sunset) for warm backlight and long shadows; weekday afternoons are quieter. Easy roadside parking; adults-only tasting room, casual outdoor seating, and occasional food stands. No special entry permits beyond tasting fees; check event nights for crowds.
Forestburg Scout Reservation
Forestburg Scout Reservation is a compact forest-and-lake scout camp with waterfronts, cabins, rope courses (monkey bridge, zip line), campfire circles and nearby Darlington Falls — great for intimate nature, activity and candid camp-life shots. Best light: golden hour at the lake for reflections and sunrise from east-facing shores; fall offers vivid foliage. Property is camp-run: contact staff for permission and access (summer camps busiest). Parking at main lot; expect some hiking to vantage-p
The Outpost Resort
Riverside campground on the Delaware with lean-tos, A‑frames and cabins framed by tree-lined banks—great for reflections, river textures, and rustic camp architecture. Visit at golden hour or pre-dawn for soft light, fewer people and possible bald eagle sightings. Access is by car (on-site parking); limited cell service but Wi‑Fi pockets. Expect variable nightlife/noise and bright resort lighting after dark—plan shoots accordingly.
Rio Reservoir hand boat launch
Small, rustic hand-launch on the south end of Rio Reservoir opens access to an unspoiled, tree-edged lake within a NYS wildlife preserve. Best for intimate waterscape and landscape shots—calm mornings and golden hours yield glassy reflections; fall brings vivid color. Limited parking (DEC lot for a few cars), a rough path to shore, and only non‑trailered small boats/electric motors allowed. Weekday sunrise or late afternoon for light and fewer paddlers.
St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church
Small, photogenic Ukrainian Catholic church with ornate Eastern-European details set near the Delaware River/Hawks Nest road. Capture colorful domes, carved woodwork and festival scenes; easy roadside parking and occasional public events. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; interior shots may need permission during services.
Burn Brae Mansion
Victorian-era Burn Brae Mansion and surrounding dark woods offer atmospheric architecture, ornate interiors, cozy fire-pit gathering scenes and spooky seasonal events (Halloween haunted-woods, murder-mystery weekends). Best at golden hour for warm facade light or after dusk for moody lit exteriors and event atmospherics. Property is event-driven; check opening hours and book stays/events with owners. On-site parking at 573 High Rd; some trails are uneven—good for handheld low-light or tripod use
Swan Lake Park
Small scenic lake known for resident swans, calm reflections and wooded shorelines — great for intimate nature and wildlife shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy water; autumn provides rich colors. Accessible by car with roadside parking on Briscoe Rd; no formal entry fee but expect uneven trails and boardwalks. Weekday mornings are quiet; respect wildlife and keep distance during nesting season.
Frick Pond Loop
A short, easy loop around a small, mirror-like pond framed by hardwood forest — excellent for reflections, intimate woodland scenes and seasonal color (brilliant in fall; frozen textures in winter). Trailhead parking at Beech Mountain Rd; no fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and glassy water; weekdays yield fewer visitors. Trail is relatively flat and accessible but can be muddy after rain; bring boots in spring/after storms.
Overlook of Dam
Small roadside overlook above a dam on the Willowemoc/Hurleyville watershed — great for water-motion studies, reflections, and seasonal color. Easy access from Divine Corners Rd with informal parking; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour; autumn foliage and winter ice add drama. Expect limited facilities and light vehicle traffic on weekdays.
Mongaup Pond Campground
Small Catskills pond surrounded by mixed woodland — great for mirror-like reflections, autumn color, misty mornings and intimate landscape frames. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft side-light and reflections; fall offers peak color. Accessible from a roadside campground parking area; expect basic facilities and seasonal fees/permits (check NY DEC or campground site). Weekday mornings are quiet; trails and shoreline provide varied vantage points but watch for muddy banks and low light under
Mongaup Pond
Mongaup Pond offers calm water reflections framed by mixed hardwoods and rolling hills — ideal for fall color, mirrored sunrise/sunset shots, winter ice patterns and intimate nature scenes. Accessible from roadside pullouts and small parking areas off local roads; no gate or fee. Best at golden hour and on still mornings for perfect reflections; expect limited facilities and variable footing on shorelines — waterproof boots recommended.
Beaverwood Farm (no children)
Small working farm in Sullivan County offering classic pastoral scenes: weathered barns, rolling hayfields, fence lines and distant Catskill ridges. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and long shadows; autumn brings vivid foliage. Site may be private—confirm permission before shooting. Easy roadside parking on Topaz Ln; dress for mud in spring. Low visitor crowds outside weekends.
Frick Pond Trailhead Parking
Small, scenic trailhead leading to Frick Pond — calm water reflections, mixed hardwood forest, and seasonal wildflowers make it strong for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour for soft light and mirror-like pond reflections; fall for vivid foliage. Easy roadside parking at the trailhead (limited spaces); trails are unpaved and can be muddy after rain. No entry fee. Expect bugs in summer and variable access in winter; bring waterproof boots.
Outdoor Skills
Small outdoor-skills area with open ridgelines and panoramic valley views — good for landscape and nature shots. Expect a short but steep trek; parking is limited at the trailhead and terrain can be rocky. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings avoid crowds. No special permits noted but check for scheduled courses. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and a polarizer for enhanced skies.
Family Fun Farm
Seasonal family farm with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoo and orchards — great for colorful seasonal portraits, candid activity shots, wide scenic compositions and intimate nature close-ups. Best early/late season light: golden hour for warm tones; weekdays or morning sessions to avoid crowds. Property is family-friendly with on-site parking and paid admission; wear boots in wet weather. Some attractions are timed (hayrides, mazes) — check schedule.
East Mongaup River Park
Small riverside park on the East Mongaup River with cascades, riffles, wooded trails and open banks — ideal for intimate waterscapes, long exposures of flowing water, reflections and seasonal color (fall foliage). Best at golden hour or after rain when flow and reflections are strongest. Easy, family-friendly trails and a modest parking area (179 Town Park Rd); no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce anglers and picnickers. Bring insect repellent in summer.
Resorts World Catskills
Resorts World Catskills offers polished modern architecture, dramatic interiors, neon-lit casino floors, rooftop views and a mountain backdrop. Shoot sweeping lobby atriums, nightlife scenes, and seasonal Catskills foliage framing the resort. Best at golden hour for exterior light and at night for colorful signage and interior ambient light. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter. On-site parking is ample; hotel guests get easier access. Respect casino and guest-area photo policies—ask staff.秋/
Circle Park
Small, well-kept community park with colorful playgrounds, mini-golf, a sledding hill and short trails — great for family activity shots, seasonal foliage in fall, and candid moments during local events. Easy roadside parking off Proctor Rd; no entry fee. Best visited early mornings or golden hour for soft light and fewer visitors; winter brings sledding action, autumn yields vibrant trees.
Heroes' Park
Small, well-kept memorial park honoring local heroes. Photographers can shoot solemn close-ups of plaques and statues, framed portraits with mature trees and benches, and wide compositions using the path and landscaping as leading lines. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; weekday mornings have few visitors. Easy roadside parking on Proctor Rd and short, level walks—respectful behavior and low noise expected.
Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area
Small, low-key lake and woodland with dispersed campsites and quiet trails — good for reflective water shots, camp-to-foreground compositions, starry-night exposures and intimate forest details. Best at sunrise and sunset for golden light and glassy reflections; nights are dark for Milky Way work. Access is via rough, rutted roads with potholes; no services or cell coverage, and hunting occurs seasonally—pack out all trash and bring warm layers and ear protection.
Benchmark Hideaway Campground
Small wooded campground in the Catskills offering riverside stands, campsites, trails and dark skies — great for campsite lifestyle, forest textures, reflections and night-sky photos. Visit at golden hour or after dusk for stars; autumn offers peak color. Site is accessible by car with on-site parking and likely requires reservation or day‑use permission — check with management. Weekdays reduce crowds; pack weatherproof gear for damp ground and river spray.
Haven O&W B South
A small private retreat set in Sullivan County woods near streams and old railroad heritage — great for intimate landscape and cabin-in-the-woods shots, seasonal color (especially fall), and nightscapes. Best light is golden hour (sunrise for east-facing clearings, sunset for warm backlight). Property appears private — confirm booking/permission before photographing. Accessible by car from Haven Rd with modest on-site parking; expect uneven trails and ticks in warm months. Weekday mornings offer
Swan Lake Lake View
Small, quiet lake offering classic waterscape compositions: mirror reflections, reed-lined shorelines, seasonal foliage and occasional waterfowl. Best at calm sunrise or sunset for golden light and glassy reflections; fall adds vivid color. Easy roadside access from Briscoe Rd with informal parking; no permit typically required. Weekday mornings are least crowded; expect rural weather and limited facilities.
Haven O&W Trailhead B
Small trailhead onto the O&W rail-trail offering a flat, straight rail-bed path framed by mixed hardwood forest, seasonal wetlands and occasional stonework—great for long leading lines, fall color, misty mornings and simple landscape comps. Parking is roadside/lot at 762 S Rd (usually free); no permit required. Best at golden hour and early morning for low light, mist and few people; autumn and after rain yield reflections. Trail is mostly level and hike-friendly; bring insect repellent in warm季
Forestburgh Playhouse
Rustic barn playhouse set among gardens and woodland—great for exterior architectural shots, theatrical close-ups of marquee and patrons, and atmospheric interiors during rehearsals/cabarets. Seasonal (summer) operation means best visits from late spring to early fall; golden hour highlights the weathered wood and surrounding foliage. Parking is plentiful; tickets required for shows and interior access—ask staff for photo permission. Weeknights and matinees are less crowded. Expect low light in‑
Haven O&W Trailhead C
Small trailhead accessing the O&W Rail Trail through mixed hardwoods and streams near the Shawangunk foothills. Photograph tree-lined rail bed leading lines, seasonal fall color, intimate forest scenes and creek reflections. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors; fall mornings for mist. Small roadside parking; no permit typically required. Easy, low-elevation hiking — family friendly and accessible year-round.
Landau's Park
Small riverside/greenspace next to Railroad Plaza offering paths, rail-line views and seasonal foliage — good for intimate landscape and town-scape shots. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light on trees and tracks; autumn brings peak color, winter offers stark compositions. Easily accessible with street parking at Railroad Plaza; no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter. Bring weatherproof shoes for muddy paths.
The Miniature Stone Castle
Small stone folly resembling a castle set near woods and a pond — ideal for close-up texture studies, low-angle shots to exaggerate scale, and seasonal landscapes (autumn colors or snow). Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm stone tones; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Roadside parking is limited—use a short walk from Briscoe Rd. No formal entry; respect private property and stay on public vantage points.
The wonder bathtub
A quirky roadside art installation—a freestanding vintage bathtub set in a small park/garden—great for character shots, environmental portraits, and playful compositions. Visit at golden hour for warm rim light and softer shadows; weekdays and early mornings avoid locals and tourists. Easy roadside parking; no entry fee. Bring a wide and a short telephoto to isolate details or compress background. Reflects Livingston Manor’s small-town folk-art charm.
Hanofee Park
Small lakeside park on Sunset Lake offering calm water reflections, tree-lined shorelines and seasonal color changes. Best for sunrise/sunset reflections, autumn foliage and quiet long-exposure shots. Easy roadside parking; no entry fee. Accessible paths and picnic areas—visit weekdays or early morning to avoid locals. Winter ice patterns and spring blooms add variety.
Haven O&W A
Small rural site on Haven Rd near the historic O&W corridor—offers intimate woodland scenes, seasonal foliage, and quiet road/rail relic compositions. Best at golden hour and in fall for vivid color; early mornings or weekdays minimize cars and people. Accessible by car with roadside parking; terrain is flat but watch for muddy shoulders after rain. No formal entry fees. Great for intimate landscape and historical-detail shots of rural New York.
Mamakating Town Park
Small town park with mixed woodlands, open fields and a pond — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour and autumn for color; mornings are quieter for wildlife and reflections. Easy roadside parking, free entry, short accessible paths but bring insect repellent in summer. Expect local walkers and dogs; respect leash rules.
Haven O&W B North
Quiet, rural spot on Haven Rd near Wurtsboro with woodlands, fields and small water features — good for intimate landscape and nature shots, seasonal foliage, and minimalist compositions. Best at golden hour and blue hour; fall offers peak color. Accessible by car with roadside parking; expect limited facilities and cell signal. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Respect private property and local residents.
Sullivan County Museum
Small local history museum on Hurleyville’s Main Street showcasing Sullivan County artifacts, vintage signage and period rooms — good for detail shots of textures, archival objects and exterior Main St context. Best visited weekdays or late afternoon for warm side-light on the facade; interiors are low‑light and may require permission for tripod/flash. Street parking is available nearby; expect a compact layout and seasonal hours—check ahead.
Central Bark, off leash Dog Park
Small, fenced off-leash dog park within Mamakating Park offering separate large- and small-dog sections, benches, a wooden bridge, tunnel and nearby playground/bathroom. Best for candid pet/action shots, silhouettes at sunset and intimate environmental portraits. Visit weekdays or early morning for fewer people; golden hour and late afternoon give warm light and good sunsets. Note dogs must be leashed when entering/exiting. Parking at the park entrance; surfaces can be muddy after rain or in冬.
Time And The Valleys Museum
Small local history museum on historic Main Street capturing rural Sullivan County life—period rooms, agricultural tools, signage and a charming painted façade. Photograph intimate interiors and artifact details, plus the building in golden hour light to show texture and context. Museum hours are limited—check online or call; expect tight spaces and low ceilings. Street parking is available; accessibility may be limited for large tripods. Weekdays are quieter.
Camp Bnos Square
Camp Bnos Square offers classic summer-camp visuals — rustic cabins, forest trails, open fields and communal gathering areas ideal for environmental and portrait work. Best at golden hour or in autumn for warm light and foliage. Site access may be restricted during programs; contact management for permission. Small parking area on Harris Rd; expect uneven trails and mosquitoes in summer.
Dove #14 Center for Discovery
A compact community arts and cultural hub on Hurleyville’s Main Street — good for capturing colorful exterior signage, civic-scale architecture, seasonal street life and interior exhibits or workshops. Best light is golden hour on the east and south facades; interiors require permission and often low light. Accessible on foot from downtown with street parking nearby; check event schedules and opening hours for access and crowds.
Camp Nitra
Camp Nitra offers classic camp scenes—wooden cabins, tree-lined paths, a lake/pond and waterfront gear—ideal for atmospheric rustic and nature photography. Best at golden hour (sunrise over water, warm evening light through trees) and in fall for vibrant foliage. Site is private camp property—request permission before shooting. Accessible by car with roadside parking on Ski Run Rd; expect uneven trails and mud after rain. Weekdays and early mornings have the fewest people.
Shotgun Range
A rural outdoor shotgun range set against rolling Hudson Valley woods — tight action scenes of clay target launches, shooters in stance, and textured backstops. Best for documentary and action photography; expect flat light mid-day and long shadows at golden hour. Access is likely restricted — contact range owners or club first. Parking on-site if allowed; bring hearing protection if you plan to shoot with shooters. Weekdays are quieter; avoid photographing people without consent.