When one thinks of the Catskills, the iconic Kellerman’s resort from “Dirty Dancing,” comes to mind. But the reality of this region goes far beyond the iconic movie, being much more than just the place where Baby was put in a corner.
Located less than 100 miles from the bustling streets of New York City, the Catskills offer a perfect blend of untamed wilderness and comfortable living. It’s a place where you can experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the charm of small-town life. In fact, it has earned a place among Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions to Visit in the World.
As of recently, Catskills is getting more exclusive and a hot destination for many affluent travelers as the iconic Windham Mountain is getting a swanky makeover, rebranding itself into the ultra-exclusive Windham Mountain Club, The New York Times reports.
Read on to find out both the new and timeless reasons why the Catskills are hotter than ever.
Image Credit: Rick Naramore.
Windham Mountain’s new vibe
Windham Mountain once an outdated ski resort that was attracting fans of the winter sport from across the nation has recently rebranded itself as Windham Mountain Club. With memberships soaring as high as $200,000, this once widely accessible ski resort is now cloaked in exclusivity. The resort’s new vision, spearheaded by a cadre of high-profile investors, includes not just revamped facilities but an intent to cater to the well-to-do New Yorkers, creating a luxurious enclave in the heart of the Catskills.
The revamp includes high-end dining experiences, enhanced amenities, and a plan to limit public access.
But if breaking the bank for a membership doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry—there are countless other reasons to explore the Catskills. In the meantime, lose yourself in the stunning photos of the locales that have been drawing in artists, authors, and adventurers for generations.
Image Credit: Joe Shlabotnik / Flickr.
Enjoy the breathtaking Catskills views
With 30 mountain peaks and six rivers across four New York counties, the Catskills region has a lot to offer. Explore charming towns across Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Whether you’re off on an adventure or spend time doing nothing, enjoy breathtaking Catskills views.
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Overlook mountain vista views
The sprawling 600,000-acre Catskill Park, complete with its majestic mountains and lush forest preserve, has been luring nature lovers for centuries. What’s really cool is that due to some substantial conservation efforts, many of the breathtaking views here have stayed untouched and as mesmerizing as they were way back when.
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Land of Creeks
Back in the 17th century, when Dutch and English settlers first laid roots in this slice of New York, they set up farms. The name “Catskills” is thought to have come from the Dutch phrase that translates to “Cat Creek.” While it’s not clear exactly how the region got its English name, many believe it was the mountain lions often spotted in the creeks by settlers that inspired it.
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Kaaterskill Falls
Confusion over its name through the years has resulted in multiple spellings of “The Catskills,” a quirk that continues today in the names of various landmarks and hotels. This includes the renowned Kaaterskills Falls, known as the tallest waterfall in New York State.
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America’s first tourist attraction
Waterfalls acted as the nation’s first tourist attractions, while Kaaterskills Falls, famously depicted in poems, stories, and paintings, has been inviting nature-appreciating travelers for centuries. Each year, over 100,000 visitors flock to Kaaterskills Falls, drawn by its natural beauty. Recently, the addition of a new, flat, paved trail and a viewing platform has made the top of the falls accessible to people of all abilities.
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Adventures await
Prior to the construction of the new, flat trail to Kaaterskills Falls, visitors to the Catskills often faced the challenge of parking and trekking along narrow, winding roads. The journey to the falls, though not particularly lengthy, involved a strenuous half-mile hike, characterized by steep and frequently slippery staircases.
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Famous Views
No matter if your hike takes you up or down from the new viewing platform at Kaaterskills Falls, be sure to pause halfway for a breathtaking view of the 260-foot cascade. Art fans will recognize the scenery as the subject of the most famous painting by Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River Art School.
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Inspiring a new American art style
In the early 19th century, the stunning vistas and mountain landscapes of the Catskills inspired the birth of a distinct American art form by the Hudson River School of painters. Today art fans can step into their pieces by visiting the exact painting locations on their Art Trail, including Kaaterskill Clove pictured here.
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North-South lake
North-South Lake Park, a part of the Catskill Forest Preserve, features three stops on the Hudson River School Art Trail. This state park offers a blend of history and nature, with stunning views, camping facilities, water activities, and hiking trails suitable for various ages and abilities.
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Shawangunk mountains
The Shawangunk Mountains, known as “The Gunks,” offer hikers the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, stretching from the Catskills Mountains to the northernmost point of New Jersey. This trail is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its varied landscapes and scenic beauty.
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Amazing views of five states
In East Windham, perched on the Mohican Trail, you’ll find the aptly named Five State Lookout, offering a spectacular view on a clear day. From this one spot, you can see New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Vermont’s Green Mountains, Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains, New York’s Helderberg Mountains, and the Connecticut Valley. It’s a unique opportunity to take in the scenic beauty of five states all at once.
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Belleayre mountain
Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, famous for its skiing slopes, is equally breathtaking in autumn. Take a hike up to the scenic Monka Hill during the day. Then, treat yourself to a meal at Peekamoose in the evening, a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant founded by Manhattan’s Michelin-starred chefs and Culinary Institute of America graduates.
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Cooper Lake
Cooper Lake is the largest natural lake in the Catskills and a popular spot for quiet, uncrowded walks and picnics. Both kid and dog-friendly, it’s also a great spot for family photos.
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Stoney Clove & The Devil’s Tombstone
In New York’s oldest campground, you’ll find the Devil’s Tombstone, a six-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall sandstone boulder. Legend has it that since the 1860s, it’s been considered the Devil’s final resting place. The New York State Environmental Conservation Department has placed an official plaque on the stone, acknowledging its connection to Devil-related folklore
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Fall in love with the foliage
When the water parks shut down and the snowmaking hasn’t started yet, the Catskills come alive with Oktoberfests, motorcycle rallies, farm tours, and opportunities for pumpkin and apple picking.
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Stunning sunsets
When you reach the summit of Overlook Mountain in the Catskills, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Ashokan Reservoir in the eastern part of Catskill Park. What makes this reservoir remarkable is its history—it was built by relocating eleven villages and their residents and it continues to provide 40% of New York City’s water supply to this day.
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Ashokan reservoir promenade
The reservoir’s South Shore offers a paved, flat 2.8-mile trail with fantastic Catskill views. So whether you’re a biker, walker or runner make your way to the Ashokan Fountain, which doubles as a misting station on a hot summer day.
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Year-round thrills await
Hunter Mountain isn’t just a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders—it’s also home to the highest, fastest, and longest zipline in the entire country. Throughout the year, this mountain near Tannersville hosts a variety of events, including music, beer, and wine festivals, making it a year-round destination for those looking to enjoy the Catskills.
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Catskills history repurposed
Built in 1908, Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is the Catskills’ oldest and last remaining fire tower and one of just five still standing. Added to the National Register of Historic Places, it’s now a popular attraction for hikers seeking panoramic views.
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Blackhead range views
Located near Hunter Mountain is Plateau Mountain providing stunning views of the Blackhead mountain.However, tackling the challenging Devil’s Path hike without proper preparation is not advisable. This five-hour hike is demanding but offers a great sense of accomplishment.
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Diamond Notch Falls
Known as Diamond Notch Falls, West Kill Falls is a remote waterfall near the Hunter Mountain Hiking Trail. Located beneath a bridge, it’s a serene hiking and waterfall option for those who prefer to leave the crowds behind.
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Famous Rooster Comb Ridges
The Catskills’ unique comb-like mountain ridges are a defining feature visible as far north as Albany, New York. Blackhead Mountain, one of five peaks in the range, is the exception as it can’t be climbed on the popular Black Dome Range Trail.
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Opus 40: One man’s life work
Not far from a popular Catskills highway exit, you’ll find Opus 40, often likened to North America’s Stonehenge. Sculptor Harvey Fite dedicated his life to this vast six-acre sculpture park situated within a bluestone quarry. With discarded stones, he painstakingly crafted intricate terraces, ramps, and pathways, resulting in a landscape as awe-inspiring as his grand art pieces.
Image Credit: nancykennedy / iStock.
Getaway to the mountains
The next time you plan a getaway family trip or a road trip, don’t overlook mountain regions and towns. From romantic escapes, family-fun, thrilling adventures or serene places to relax, they offer something for everyone.
This article was
produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: lightphoto / iStock.
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