Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Devil's Tombstone State Park is located in the Greene County portion of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Characterized by dense hardwood forests dominated by beech, birch, and maple, the park spreads across mostly rugged terrain featuring notable rock formations including the park’s namesake, the 'Devil's Tombstone'—a unique large boulder split in two, resembling a tombstone. The park sits on the edge of the Catskill Forest Preserve and serves as a gateway for exploring the surrounding Catskill Park. Founded in 1925, Devil’s Tombstone offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts, with hiking trails that wind through colorful seasonal foliage and lead to vistas overlooking Esopus Creek and the surrounding mountains. Its diverse ecosystem includes northern hardwood forest species and a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bear, and numerous songbirds. The park’s moderate elevation allows for both summer hiking and winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Visitors are drawn to its quiet trails, picnic areas, and natural stone landmarks. The historic stone marker called 'Devil’s Tombstone' has been a distinctive park symbol for decades. Although smaller than many other parks in the region, it offers a rich natural experience for those seeking solitude and a quiet connection with the Catskill landscape.
