Belleayre and Pine Hill Area - The Catskill Mountains

http://catskillcountry.info/belleayre_pine-hill/belleayre_pine-hill.htm

Belleayre - Pine Hill Area

In 1910 the stream was dammed to form Pine Hill Lake. That dam washed out in 1950, then was rebuilt and washed out again in 1968. Being a typical cold, rocky Catskill stream, it is no surprise that Birch Creek holds trout. Some impoundments on streams can be beneficial to trout if they stay cold through the summer, however most dammed ponds allow water to be significantly warmed, which is a detriment to trout downstream. So when the NYSDEC bought the Day Use Area property in 1985 and rebuilt the lake in 1988, instead of damming the stream again they made the lake separate from the stream.

Lower Birch Creek Road Parcel

The Lower Birch Creek Road Parcel features a small pond with an accessible trail about 3/4 of the way around it. There are two accessible picnic tables on one side of the pond and an accessible fishing platform with a bench on the other side. Fishing opportunities at this site are for Brook Trout. The entrance to the path is next to the informational kiosk. A seasonal accessible port-a-john is available.

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	Lower Birch Creek Road Parcel and accessible fishing platform. Located off Rte. 28, near the town of Pine Hill. Picnic site, fishing platform, and path encircling the pond, located in Shandaken Wild Forest.
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-Lower Birch Creek Road Parcel Directions
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The Lower Birch Creek Road Parcel is located near the town of Pine Hill. From Kingston, take Route 28. Turn right on Birch Creek Road located just past the Mobil Mini Mart, but prior to the Route 28 bridge where the road turns to three lanes. Follow Birch Creek Road for about a mile then turn right onto Lower Birch Creek Road. Follow to the end.
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Birch Creek begins on the southern flanks of Halcott Mountain, continues southwest along Lower Birch Creek Road. The stream flows past the Pine Hill Lake Day Use Area. It continues along the foot of Belleayre Ridge to Big Indian where it merges with the Esopus Creek. The total length of Birch Creek is 7 miles.
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