- States:
- New York
The Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, just a few hours’ drive from New York City, attract millions of weekenders each year.
New Yorkers have long loved the sunny mountains, the small farms, the colorful flaming autumn leaves and, in the winter, the nearby slopes for skiing. What better way to discover the beauty of the Catskills than by exploring its legendary outdoors?
Paddling and Fly Fishing on the Delaware River
Both the Hudson and Delaware rivers are known for their spectacular kayaking and canoeing. Head over to Lander’s River Trips at Skinner’s Falls to go kayaking on the Delaware River. Next, discover fly fishing at the Beaverkill River. Even former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt was a big fan of the area and the sport.
The Catskills provides some of the best angling spots in the country. With pristine lakes and fast-running rivers, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is a great place to learn about fly fishing. From here, great places to explore include the tiny hamlet of Roscoe in Sullivan County, or Hancock, also known as “The Gateway to the Delaware River.” Be just like Brad Pitt in “A River Runs Through It” and cast out a line to see what you can find.
If you’re looking for the ultimate day of fun-filled water activities, why not try both fishing and kayaking with a visit to the Pepacton Reservoir? Part of the Delaware River, the Pepacton Reservoir offers fantastic paddling. Under a bright blue sky, glide along the glassy water and admire the surrounding dense forest. For other activities, bring along a picnic or throw out a fishing line to test your angling skills. Or hike Shavertown Trail, which overlooks the reservoir.
Adrenaline on Hunter Mountain
No visit to the Catskills would be complete without visiting Hunter Mountain, where 55 ski runs await you. From wide beginner slopes to steep slopes for ambitious skiers, there is something for everyone. For an entirely different view, join a zip line canopy tour. The SkyRider Tour is reported to be the fastest, longest and highest zip line tour in North America. Soar above the trees at 183 meters off the ground and reach speeds up to 65 kph.
The Summit of Slide Mountain
From the town of Kingston, it is only a short drive to the next outdoor paradise, the stunning Slide Mountain. If you want to experience an unforgettable hike with great views, this is the right place. The summit of this hiking trail is at nearly 1,220 meters, the highest in the area. The forest is impressive and amazingly beautiful. On your walk, notice the white quartz pebbles that are entirely unique to Slide Mountain. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the valleys and hills of the Catskill Mountains.
Other Mountain Activities
In the colder, winter months, this part of the world is still visited for its outdoor sports and activities. You can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing or snowshoeing. And with resorts to suit every taste, the Catskills will not disappoint when it comes to adventures in the mountains. In the warmer seasons, there are peaks and valleys to conquer on foot, with a wide selection of hiking trails and pathways suitable for everyone. Some favorite destinations include the Plattekill, Windham and Belleayre mountains.
With its proximity to the metropolis of New York City, the Catskill Mountains is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those with the spirit of adventure!
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