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Hiking with goats: Ulster County sanctuary offers healing for people and animals

Frederick hosts a variety of unique experiences, including goat hikes, family meet-and-greets, paint-and-sip evenings and special gatherings for individuals with disabilities or on the autism spectrum.

Blaise Gomez

Jul 28, 2025, 9:35 PM

Updated 8 hr ago

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Frederick Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary, which is tucked away on Sholam Road in Napanoch, Ulster County, is offering more than just a day in the country - it’s creating meaningful connections between people and rescued animals.
Owner Meagan Frederick started rescuing goats 13 years ago, after one wandered up her driveway.
She currently cares for 39 goats - and all of them have been saved from neglect, abuse or abandonment.
“I feel like I’m the pied piper of goats,” Frederick told News 12. “People that meet the animals really have a deeper sense of who they are and that they’re individuals. I love that part of what we do.”
The sanctuary isn’t just a home for animals - it’s a place for healing.
Frederick hosts a variety of unique experiences, including goat hikes, family meet-and-greets, paint-and-sip evenings and special gatherings for individuals with disabilities or on the autism spectrum.
“Not everybody gets to be this close to animals,” she said. “We run groups every day, where people can come and spend time with the goats. We have a hike experience.”
And the benefits go both ways.
“The goats get love and attention, and back massages,” Frederick said with a smile. “And humans really get that connection that you can only get with animals.”
Visitors leave with more than just goat selfies, they leave with a sense of peace, joy and renewed appreciation for the animals that call Frederick Farm home.