Inspired by nature

People move to this area for one main reason: its geographical richness. The river valley region is graced with rolling mountains, clean lakes and rivers, abundant forests and the mighty Delaware River.

In addition to the visual beauty, there is a huge spectrum of activities that can be done in the great outdoors of the Wayne, Pike and Sullivan County area. Winter brings us skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Summer brings us swimming, tubing, hiking, boating, riding, outdoor concerts and more. Thousands of tourists experience daily what we already know: the unrivaled splendor and peace of our land.

Because there is so much to do in the outdoors, stores that outfit us to enjoy nature are becoming more prevalent. You can find one in almost any town, from the basic bait and tackle to the full-scale outdoors outfitter.

The Catskill Hiking Shack and Morgan Outdoors are two of the newer arrivals in Sullivan County. Morgan Outdoors, in Livingston Manor, NY, carries not only hiking and camping gear, but also astronomy equipment so that you can map out the night sky and follow the North Star to your destination. Morgan Outdoors also outfits the children, which is a rare product find.

The Catskill Hiking Shack of Wurtsboro, NY consists of much more than its name implies; it is a serious store providing all the needs of those who are interested in backpacking and hiking the trails of the Catskill Mountains. In addition to the gear, owners Sue and John carry local maps of prime hiking terrain. If you are directionally challenged, the Hiking Shack can also provide you with a guide so that you don’t get lost.

New to Callicoon, NY is the Catskill-Delaware Outdoor. This outfitter prides itself on its fishing equipment and boasts of being “the only fly shop between Port Jervis and Hancock on the Upper Delaware River.” It is also possible to purchase New York State hunting and fishing licenses at Catskill-Delaware, and guns for the hunting season.

Alice’s Wonderland in Greeley, PA has become one of the largest year-round outfitters. They carry everything from all-weather work clothes to boating equipment and kayaks. The two-story sports store has been around since the 1940s and today carries thousands of items for the outdoors. Alice’s Wonderland, a name fitting for the outdoors enthusiast, has been family run throughout its 60-plus years in business.

Narrowsburg, NY has its very own sports store, named Tom’s Bait and Tackle after its first owner. Proprietors Cliff and Maggie keep the store packed with everything from flip-flops to fishing reels. Located in the Peck’s Plaza, the double storefront contains a full line of paintball equipment as well. And don’t worry about what kind of bait you might use: Cliff and Maggie carry live bait at the store so you never have to go without.

With the ever-growing popularity of our area and the fact that it is no more than three hours from some very populous metropolitan areas, more and more people are discovering how wonderful the outdoors are here. Stores that equip one to enjoy it to the maximum are very enticing. The outdoor recreation in the river valley is such an important part of our lives, its nice to know that we can be well outfitted as we participate in the beauty of nature.