CATSKILL, N.Y. DUNDAS CASTLE 2026

Check out the Milky Way and our other images. We photographed during the day and went back at night. We went several times. It is one of our most incredible adventures of all time. We go to this area every year andupdate all of our Milky Way information for you to keep you current.

We have permission to go, and we advise you not go without authorization.

CATSKILLS NY – DUNDAS CASTLE & MILKY WAY

THERE IS NOW A POLICE PATROL AT THIS LOCATION. There are now cameras all around the castle.

The Catskill Mountains hold some of the darkest skies on the East Coast—a place where the night swallows everything whole. When we shut off our flashlights at this castle, total darkness engulfed us. We couldn’t even make out our hands in front of our faces.

This is a Milky Way photography hotspot, where the stars are so clear, they almost seem to be watching you back. To capture the Milky Way, you need skies as dark as the ones we found here. If you don’t already know, dark skies are essential for photographing the night’s celestial wonders.

Explore our other pages for expert tips, resources, and everything you need to unleash the full beauty of the Milky Way in your shots. Check out the dark sky map – Go to Dark Sky Photography Info. For information on how to do night sky photography, go here.

Don’t go to Dundas Castle alone! – We highly recommend you go here with someone. There are entities here, for sure! Check out our new Ghost Hunting Photography Section in October. This trip inspired the new section. I assure you, we were not alone!

Another tale in the dark, haunted castle.

Jerry Lynn Pacaro in front of Dundas Castle while ghost hunting in upstate New York several years ago, black and white photo.

When to Go: WARNING: THERE IS NOW A POLICE PATROL AT THIS LOCATION. We no longer recommend going to the castle due to the security. There is also a satellite dish and cameras hanging on the building that will ruin your pictures. They also barricaded the already treacherous trail so you cannot get through.

We spoke to the castle keeper, and they are trying to deter people from going here because it is very dangerous, especially in the dark.

Pamela Goodyear with her ghost hunting meter in front of Dundas Castle while ghost hunting in upstate New York.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?

The place isn’t as carefree as it once was. Cameras, security, and that unsettling feeling that someone’s always watching you. But if you’re into that kind of thrill, then hey—come on down and make a quick escape before the guards start asking questions.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PHOTOGRAPH?

Set aside two hours—but if you catch the Milky Way in all its glory, you might be stuck there longer, wondering why the stars seem a little too… inquisitive. Time will get weird. The longer you stay, the more it feels like something’s… off.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?

Hiking boots—because this isn’t your average stroll. And flashlights—lots of them. The place gets dark… like, turn-your-phone-light-on-and-still-can’t-see-your-hand-in-front-of-you dark. If you don’t have a backup flashlight, you’ll be relying on the kindness of whatever creatures lurk in the shadows.

ARE THERE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY AREAS NEARBY DUNDAS CASTLE?

Oh, absolutely. This is prime dark sky territory, where the Milky Way looks like something out of a sci-fi film. But be warned—the deeper you go, the more you might wonder if you’re actually photographing the night, or if it’s just photographing you.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

Not many are brave enough to show up. The ones who do, though? They either get the best shot of their life, or see something they won’t be sharing with anyone anytime soon. It’s quiet. Too quiet. But, hey, it makes for great photos, right?

HAUNTED DUNDAS CASTLE IN NEW YORK

Dundas Castle, located in the depths of New York’s countryside, is now infamous for its haunting thanks to us. The story goes that a young girl once lived here with her husband, and her ghost has been said to linger ever since. But she is not alone. We felt that the castle also harbors another spirit of a man who was most likely her husband. During our photo shoot, we captured an image of her silhouette in one of the castle windows. Some believe it to be the ghostly presence of the young girl, forever trapped in this haunted place.

We couldn’t resist returning here for another supernatural encounter, even though we’ve been warned of the dangers that lurk within these cursed walls. This is our second article about Dundas Castle, which continues to haunt us long after we leave its eerie halls. See the image of the young girl here and read about more of the haunting. See the picture of the entity in the window.

MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY AT DUNDAS CASTLE

If you are looking for a breathtaking spot to photograph the Milky Way, look no further than Dundas Castle! This Scottish castle is set against the stunning backdrop of the night sky, making it the perfect place to capture some truly magical photos. However, with the presence of security cameras, we do not recommend traveling here.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a beginner just getting started, Dundas Castle offers plenty of photographic opportunities. But beware: not only is it the scariest place in this realm, but it also has massive security now. Sorry.

GHOST HUNTING IN NEW YORK

Are you looking for a little bit of excitement? Why not go ghost hunting at Dundas Castle? This Scottish castle is said to be home to several ghosts, including that of a young girl who died in a fire. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure roaming the halls. Other spirits said to haunt the castle include a man dressed in 18th-century clothing and a woman wearing a white dress. If you’re feeling brave, explore the castle at night and see if you can spot any of these ghosts!

DARK SKIES IN NEW YORK

New York has various natural attractions and is one of the country’s largest and most popular states. From the city’s bright lights to the stunning Adirondack Mountains, the Empire State has something for everyone.

But did you know that New York is also home to some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country? New York offers incredible night sky views thanks to its large size and diverse geography. Look up and enjoy the dark skies of New York State. And do a better job shooting the Milky Way than we did. This was long ago, and we didn’t get it right. If you go and don’t end up in a jail cell and get the Milky Way, send it to us with your credits and story, and we will post it!

CATSKILL NEW YORK, DUNDAS CASTLE & MILKY WAY

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At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.

May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating stunning and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer

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PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?

This is a DARK SKY area that is good for the Milky Way, so keep this in mind if you want to pair this with a Milky Way trip.

Months: The Milky Way Core can be seen from March to October, disappearing below the horizon for the rest of the year. It appears in the early morning hours in March and becomes visible earlier each month. The best time to catch a glimpse of the core is during summer, when it can be seen immediately after sunset, providing an ideal viewing opportunity for stargazers and photographers.

New Moon: Timing is crucial to seeing the Milky Way. This celestial event can only be seen on clear nights without a visible moon, limiting the viewing window.

Light Pollution: The best way to experience the full wonder of the Milky Way is to escape from areas with heavy light pollution. However, it may be possible to see some faint traces of the galaxy from places with mild artificial lighting; the most spectacular views can be found in remote locations far from cities and civilizations. Check out our How to Section for more details, including using a light pollution map to guide you to dark sky locations.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS AREA?

Sorry, but we no longer recommend you go here due to the security cameras and the patrols.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR SHOULD I BRING?

A Camera with a wide-angle lens.
Tripod – For Milky Way
Shutter release for Light Painting

WHAT ELSE TO BRING?

Water and Snacks
Bug repellent
If you go, bring backup flashlights.

WHAT OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY IS NEARBY?

You can photograph the town during the day. You can read our Roscoe, NY photography journey page.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

It’s not bad. We have never experienced crowds on our trips to this area.

LEARN HOW TO GHOST HUNT

CATSKILL AREA INFORMATION – DUNDAS CASTLE

ENTRANCE FEES:

This has no entrance fee.

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee of between $6 and $10 for day use. Parks may also charge additional fees for amenities like pools and picnic shelter reservations. Historic sites typically charge an admission fee ranging from $1 to $6. For more information about park and historic site fees and hours, including when fees are charged, please contact the facility directly. Contact information for our facilities can be found on the park and historic site pages of our website. New York State Parks offers certain discounts through the admission programs listed here. For more information, please visit the following links:

ADMISSION PROGRAMS:

Empire Passport—Your key to all-season enjoyment at New York State Parks. Passports are available for different lengths of time, from one year to multiple years or the Lifetime Empire Passport. All Empire Passports provide unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most state parks and recreation facilities.

CAMPING IN ROSCOE N.Y. NEAR DUNDAS CASTLE

Why not consider staying in one of New York’s beautiful state parks? Imagine pitching a tent near the St. Lawrence River or one of the beautiful lakes, waking up in your recreational vehicle surrounded by the majesty of the woods, or cooking breakfast in a cabin overlooking the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

Did you know you save 15-20% by reserving a weeknight* campsite? (*Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays) For information about camping in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, visit

Reservations

Arranging a stay at a New York state park is easy! Reservations can be made from 1 day to 9 months in advance by calling toll-free 1-800-456-CAMP for a spur-of-the-moment trip; rentals are also available on a walk-up basis.

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