North America – USA – New York

Site Information

Ellenville is a popular hang gliding site in New York, located about 75 miles north of New York City. It is situated along the beautiful Shawangunk Mountain range, which offers spectacular views and challenging flying conditions. Ellenville has a take off altitude of 1,350 feet and a 30 acre landing field where the shop is located¹². It also has three gently sloped hills facing different wind directions, which allow for more flying opportunities³. Ellenville is considered the “Hang Gliding Capital of the Northeast” and has a distance record of 201 miles and a duration record of 11-1/2 hours⁴.

Launch Sites

There are four launch sites at Ellenville, each with different orientations and characteristics. They are:

• South Launch: This is the main launch site, facing south-southwest. It is suitable for winds from 180 to 240 degrees. It has a large grassy area with a gentle slope and a wooden ramp. It is accessible by car or by foot from the landing field³.
• North Launch: This is the secondary launch site, facing north-northeast. It is suitable for winds from 0 to 60 degrees. It has a small grassy area with a steeper slope and a wooden ramp. It is accessible by car or by foot from the landing field³.
• East Launch: This is an alternative launch site, facing east-southeast. It is suitable for winds from 90 to 120 degrees. It has a small grassy area with a gentle slope and no ramp. It is accessible by foot only from the landing field³.
• West Launch: This is another alternative launch site, facing west-northwest. It is suitable for winds from 270 to 300 degrees. It has a small grassy area with a gentle slope and no ramp. It is accessible by foot only from the landing field³.

Landing Areas

There are two landing areas at Ellenville, both located near the shop.

• Main Landing Field: This is the primary landing area, located on the east side of the shop. It is a large open field with plenty of space and obstacles. It is suitable for all wind directions and all launch sites³.
• Back Landing Field: This is the secondary landing area, located on the west side of the shop. It is a smaller field with some trees and power lines. It is suitable for south and west winds and for south and west launch sites³.

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

Ellenville offers a variety of flying conditions depending on the wind direction, speed, and season. It can produce ridge, thermal, and wave lift for soaring and cross-country flights¹. The best wind direction for flying is south-southwest, which aligns with the main launch and the ridge. The other launch sites can be used for different wind directions, but they may require more skill and experience to fly safely². The wind speed should be between 5 and 15 mph for optimal flying conditions². The wind can be stronger or lighter depending on the time of day and the weather system.

Ellenville is subject to some restrictions that pilots should be aware of before flying. They are:

• Membership: Pilots must be members of the USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) and have a valid rating card. They must also sign a waiver and pay a site fee at the shop before flying³².
• Rating: Pilots must have at least a H2 (Novice) rating to fly at Ellenville. They must also have a sign-off for mountain flying and high wind landing from an instructor or observer²⁴.
• Radio: Pilots must have a 2-meter radio and monitor the local frequency (151.925 MHz) while flying. They must also communicate with other pilots and the shop staff before launching and landing²⁴.
• Rules: Pilots must follow the site rules and regulations posted at the shop and the launch sites. They must also respect the landowners and the environment by not littering, trespassing, or damaging the property²⁴.

Best Times to Fly and Visit

Ellenville can be flown year-round, but the best time of year to visit is from late spring to early fall. The weather during this time period is generally mild and stable, making it ideal for paragliding¹. The temperatures are also comfortable, ranging from the 70s to the 80s in Fahrenheit². The thermals are strong and consistent, allowing for long and high flights. The fall season also offers a stunning view of the colorful foliage as you glide over the changing leaves².

The best time of day to fly at Ellenville depends on the wind direction and speed. The south launch is usually best in the afternoon, when the wind picks up and aligns with the ridge. The north launch is usually best in the morning, when the wind is lighter and more northerly. The east and west launches are best when the wind is easterly or westerly, respectively³. The landing area can be challenging during mid-day conditions, so pilots should be cautious and prepared for turbulence and gusts².