By Susan H. Green
Catskill Mountains Activities
's Catskills Mountains consist of more than 30 peaks, each above 3,500 feet, and span a 700,000-acre area between the Hudson, Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The region became a popular summer retreat in the late 19th century among wealthy New York City residents. Today the area attracts tourists from well beyond New York City. Its core attractions are fishing, hiking, skiing, river rafting and canoeing.
Kaaterskill Falls
Katterskill Falls is located in Palenville, and is the tallest two-tier falls in the state. Just past the hairpin turn on State Route 23A West in Palenville, you will cross a bridge and see the parking area. The falls are near the bridge. The trail is indicated with yellow markers; stay on the trail for a half mile to the base of Kaaterskill Falls.
Kaaterskill Falls
Route 23A West, 3 miles from Palenville, NY
www.localhikes.com/Hikes/kaaterskill_0000.asp
North-South Lake
Located five miles west of the Kaaterskill Falls, North-South Lake provides day use picnic, hiking and swimming areas as well as 219 tent and trailer camping sites. It is the most popular campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve.
North-South Lake
County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY
Campground: (518) 589-5058
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html
Ski Areas
Hunter Mountain is in the northern Catskills and has been an attraction since the late 1950s. It offers 55 winter ski trails and summer hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing.
Windham Mountain, also in the northern Catskills, has been a destination since 1960. It boasts 46 winter ski trails and an adventure park, paintball course and golf courses in the summer.
Belleayre Mountain is the oldest of the three ski areas, having been in existence since 1947. It is over 3,000 feet in elevation and consists of 47 skiing trails in winter. In the summer, Belleayre beach at Pine Hill Lake opens, and some of the skiing trails become hiking trails. Belleayre Music Festival runs each July and August. It is located in the northwest Catskills near the town of Fleishmanns.
Hunter Mountain
Off State Route 23A, Hunter, NY
(800) Hunter-Mtn
www.huntermtn.com
Windham Mountain
Off State Route 23, Windham, NY
(800) 754-9463
www.windhammountain.com
Belleayre Mountain
Off State Road 28, Highmount, NY
(845) 254-5600
www.belleayre.com
Woodstock
Woodstock is best known for the concerts that bear its name, although those concerts actually took place in Bethel. Woodstock was the founding area for the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th century and continues to support local artists and art programs. Today the eastern Catskills town is a tourist destination for its shops, restaurants and galleries.
www.woodstockchamber.com
Phoenicia
Phoenicia is in the central Catskills. A popular activity there is tubing down a 5-mile stretch of the Esopus Creek. Town Tinker is one of several tubing companies in the area, and offers beginner and experienced courses.
Sweet Sue's is a don't-miss breakfast location with enormous pancakes and lines to match. It is open only for breakfast and lunch, Thursday through Monday.
Town Tinker
10 Bridge Street, Phoenicia, NY
(845) 688-5553
www.towntinker.com
Sweet Sue's
49 Main St, Phoenicia, NY
(845) 688-7852
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Photo: Morguefile.com
