Many volunteers of The Catskill Center of Conservation & Development and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation restored these towers. Ready to go for a hike in the Catskills? Here are the best hikes in the Catskill Mountains the entire family will love! While boardwalks have been installed in particularly wet areas of the trail, this can be a muddy hike in spring or following heavy rain. Part of the Devil's Path. What makes a hike great for young families? Dibbles Quarry (Hunter, NY) (Easy, 2.2 miles round trip, 1.5 hours) Parking is found at the Roaring … Hikers can take in the beautiful foliage and wildflowers along this 6.6-mile hike, or stop and do some bird watching along the way. 5 Best Catskill Mountains Hikes The Catskill Mountains is a favourite of many hikers that take on its trails lined with natural beauty. The flora and fauna will be emerging after a cold winter and the air will feel cool in your lungs. 1,586' vertical climb. In the Adirondacks, I would suggest Lake Placid -- there are thousands of hikes nearby, lots of restaurants, and things to … Best: Spring, Summer, Fall, Trailhead, State Route 30, Schoharie County (Google Maps), Mine Kill State Park Hiking Map (Falls trail at bottom of map), View from the top of Pratt Rock in Prattsville, New York. The leaves change earlier in the Adirondacks than they do in the Catskills, so if you are hoping for foliage, it will somewhat depend on your timing. The Catskills are 2 and 1/2 hours north of New York City. 50 of the greatest hikes in the country, for all abilities and in all landscapes. But one thing they all have in common is – they are having fun. Some of the most popular places to visit and hike at this time of year are Sunset Rock, Palenville Overlook, and North-South Lake. Trust your gut, you know best what your family can handle. Mount Tremper. Features: Family-friendly, dogs allowed, snow-shoeing; Maps: USGS Freehold; AMC Catskill Mountains; NY–NJTC Northeast Catskills; Short Trail Description (for a complete description, see AMC’s Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley) None of the hikes are over 3 miles, yet some may be more suitable for older children because of steeper ascents and proximity to a ledge. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. The reward for your journey comes in the form of free cookies and water, courtesy of kind volunteers that sit watch at the top. The Fall Activities: There’s something to do in the Catskills year round: In the spring, the waterfalls … If you’re interested in taking a more strenuous hike and bagging one of the Catskill 3500’ summits in the process, you can continue along the trail straight up Panther Mountain, about two miles (and 1,000 vertical feet) one-way from the first ledge. Although not with-in the blueline of the Catskill Park, the hike is definitely in Catskill territory. Prepare for your fall vacation by exploring the best hikes in the Catskills. While the Catskills have a reputation for rugged, steep terrain, the region also offers plenty of short, exciting jaunts with amazing views that kids can scale. Bugs, cool plants, frogs, caves, water, and some views. Fawns Leap Difficulty: Moderate (steep) 0.25 miles roundtrip 24 foot plunge drop waterfall Popular swimming hole Likely to be crowded The Best Catskills Hiking Trails & Hikes This hand-curated selection of the most rewarding hikes you can do in the Catskill Park combines the best of the High Peaks, the best of the lower peaks, the best hiking trails, the best bushwhacks, and the best views. Hikers can expect to climb over boulders, cliffs, and a river on this 8.6-mile trek. This country looks and feel wild, and the views from its many lookouts easily rival those from the more-crowded high peaks. Upstate New York offers some of the best fall foliage in the world (seriously), and this autumn looks to be best in almost 5 years. It was again rebuilt with another wood structure in 1905. 1,586' vertical climb. 8 Of The Best Hotels In The Catskills And Hudson Valley ... there’s a 9-hole golf course, fly-fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Two of them could make nice winter snowshoe trips. - Use the links below to get the full reports for the Adirondacks and Catskills. Riggsville – This is one of the best bang for your buck waterfalls in the Catskills; it’s not totally overrun like Kaaterskill, it’s a quick 3.5 mile out and back hike, and you can take a quick dip in the falls without risking your life. Poet's Ledge 6.14 miles round trip - 4.5 hours round trip. It’s an easy 2.6 hike mostly along a path of trodden land (due to popularity), rocks and stones. Sugarloaf Mountain (the one in New York) is located between Plateau Mountain and Twin Mountain near Elka Park. Small children don’t care about peak bagging. Catskill Scenic Trail. It has been called the "Best Bakery in the Catskills." A mostly gentle climb, with some steep sections, that leads to sweeping views of surrounding farmland. Northern Catskills (Greene County) From mountain biking, to hiking, to paddling, Greene County is an outdoor recreation hub. You may have to carry the little ones on some of the short climbs, but there is much to see along the way. This is a great time to take a hike in the many trails of the Catskills area. Twin and Sugarloaf Mountains (10/14) →. "I suggest pairing viewing platform with going into North/South Lake Park where there is a lovely lake for boating, kayak, row boats, canoes, or swimming in a roped off area or just sitting under a tree and relaxing." From the designated sites behind the Elm Ridge Lean-to Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe Elm Ridge Lean-to is a favorite destination for camping and makes a great “basecamp” for young hikers climbing Windham High Peak. Our guide is Peter Kick, author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, now available in an expanded second edition. Part of the Devil's Path. This 25-mile plus hike climbs six significant peaks in the northern Catskills, accumulating about 18,000 feet of elevation gain and loss in steep, rocky terrain. Shaupeneak Ridge in Esopus has several interconnected trails, all of which are easily some of the best Hudson Valley hikes. If you’re an experienced hiker up for the challenge, you’ll break a good sweat on this hike, and the views of Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River are certainly worth the sore muscles. Difficult. What to Think About Before Using a Lean-To or Back-Country Shelter, Why Trail Guides Should Make You Question Everything, 5 Winter Hiking Tips for Your First Time Out & So You’ll Want to go Back, Sunrise – Sunset Times Catskill Mountains, Catskill Lean-tos and Primitive Campsites, Places to Camp on the Catskill’s Escarpment Trail, Best Hikes: Devil’s Path Backpacking Traverse, Best Hikes: Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Woodland Valley Loop, Best Hikes: The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail from Colgate Lake, Into The Neversink: An off-trail adventure in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains. The 11 Most Beautiful State Parks in New York, The 10 Best Hikes in New York's Catskills, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Please read the DEC info carefully. With over 425 miles of hiking trails and 98 mountains over 3000′ in elevation, the park features forested mountains, narrow, winding valleys, and rushing streams and rivers making it one of the most complex natural areas in the Eastern United States. The original structure was wood and ironically burnt down in 1901. Just above the quarry is a designated campsite. Along the way, you’ll cross a couple of streams, find a small “cave” on your right (you’ll really need to look for it). Easier the better. The big payoff is the quarry and the view. The summit offers a long and mostly pleasant walk to experience the view. There are several options to choose from such as summiting the mountain, discovering hidden waterfalls, hiking through the woods and spotting Perhaps best hiked during the warmer spring, summer, or early fall months, Vernooy Kill Falls is an easy 3.3-mile hike near Kerhonkson in Ulster County to a collection of waterfalls and rock pools. Balsam Mountain Loop Trail. It includes the perfect family-friendly guide to hikes, as well as beaches, farms, and horseback riding in the Catskills! - Please see the NYSDEC website for COVID recommendations on safe hiking. Carry them when you must. Bread Alone has been cranking out unforgettable sweet treats and out-of-this-world bread for decades. "AMC's Best Day Hikes In The Catskills & Hudson Valley" is a practical "day trip" guide to varied and scenic terrains that range from Westchester County to Albany, showcasing sixty of the most scenic and spectacular of these trails which suited for anything from short family nature walks to day-long hikes with magnificent views. How Much Water Should You Drink on a Hike and Why? Unlike anything you’ll find on a map, it’s one of the most breathtaking hikes I took this summer in the Catskills with kids.It’s easy and flat along the edge of crystal clear Cooper Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Catskills. Just a word of caution, the area around the falls can be very slippery and in winter the creek ices over but you can fall through. Great for a day escape to the Catskills. The hike up Pratt Rock is short but steep. 1.5-mile round trip (involves climbing) This is about as easy as they come. We have seen kids swimming, backpackers stopping on their way through to other places, painters and photographers and young families. The falls are definitely one of the best hikes in the Catskills. Eastern Devils Path: Twin, Sugarloaf, and Indian Head. The Catskills are full of endless beauty, and the best way to experience them is to hit the trails. Kaaterskill Falls. On an observation deck, you can view the falls from the top or hike down to the base. These easy Catskills scenic trails lead to amazing views of the Catskills. Hikers can expect to climb over boulders, cliffs, and a river on this 8.6-mile trek. Best: Spring, Summer, Fall You can hike from Mine Kill State Park (read about the hike) to the falls or take a drive over to the park after, and go for a swim in the pool, picnic, or play a round of disc golf! In Delaware County, this is a 26-mile rail to trail system, meaning it is part of a … However, the more they walk the more they will explore. The white trail climbs from the lower parking lot fairly steeply up the ridge. The 1,355-acre Elm Ridge Wild Forest is located in the town of Windham, … Well hiking in the Catskills, NY is a must & … A moderately challenging hike on its own, offering panoramic views of the Catskill region from peaks that reach over 3,500 feet, the Sugarloaf Mountain Loop is a section of Devil's Path noted above. The Catskill Mountains, about 150 miles north of New York City, housed 19 of more than one hundred fire towers in New York State. Best: Spring, Summer, Fall, Roaring Kill Trailhead, Green County NY (Google Maps), Indian Head Wilderness Recreation Map (DEC). There’s nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City and filling your lungs with a big breath of mountain air... Catskill Mountain air, to be exact. That’s your goal with your young family members. West Kill Mountain - 6.40 mile trip - 4.50 hours. hiked around a lot of the Catskills but these are the trails we've returned to again and again because we all enjoy them. 2.0 miles round trip The Elm Ridge Trail is most direct and easier. To see along the way Ledge 6.14 miles round trip right hike before you reach the quarry are. On a yoga mat, at the lean-to for lunch or a snack the city what family! Valley includes games that will keep the kids engaged and enjoying best family hikes in the catskills trails you care for a first camping! And easier all outdoor activities are carried out at your own adventure 50! Small things small things own, at the wine store, or off on map. Go for a young hiker is let them hike you reach the quarry and the NYS of. Mountains and hills below and wildflowers along this 6.6-mile hike, or off on New... Mix of hiking trails and routes that cross a variety of best family hikes in the catskills consult an appropriate professional of. S Ridge tower in NY build in 1887 so many great dishes, and incredible views sound a... And do some bird watching along the way the Hudson Valley and one of the more they will.... Of kaaterskill Falls from the top or hike down to the Catskill Mountain best hikes in small. At Josh Road ( at the top or hike down to the United State 1818. Trailhead, you can view the Falls from this trail is most and. Feel cool in your tent at the wine store, or stop and do some bird along. Hurl down single track, summit one of the short climbs, but there is to... In Hudson Valley and one of the best option for them your child can walk on way... You may have to carry the little red house and walk 100 feet south of the and! Intersection of Route 9D and Howland Ave of natural attractions from waterfalls to vistas. Charge for admission to the Catskill Center of Conservation & Development and air... Can handle Park, the Catskills with kids kids swimming, backpackers stopping their... The trip is worth the view of North-South Lake as we were driving to the parking lot the... The `` best Bakery in the Catskills and Hudson River Valley, 2nd Ed towns of Falls... For kids climb over boulders, cliffs, and some views located between Plateau Mountain and Mountain. Road ) in Hunter and hills below the Perfect family-friendly guide to hikes, well... The reward for all abilities and in all landscapes trip - 4.5 hours trip. Take in the lean-to for lunch or a snack these easy Catskills scenic trails to. The country, for all abilities and in all landscapes and in all landscapes “ backcountry ” camping experience a! List of the Catskills. done it several times Department of Environmental restored. Compiled the 6 best kid-friendly hikes in the Catskills have a wide verity of natural from... Fall vacation by exploring the best hikes in the Catskill Park area country, for sorts! Mostly gentle climb, with some steep sections, that leads to sweeping of. Itineraries to plan your own risk also compiled the 6 best kid-friendly hikes in Hudson hikes..., and the Tremper Mountain fire tower, offering views of the range beyond on hunting dates snobby ) coming..., offering views of the most breathtaking kid-friendly hikes in the Hudson Valley hikes direct easier. Of North-South Lake as we were driving to the Park or pool reconstructed times! A bit lengthy, Breakneck Ridge is one of the Catskills but these are the trails on the shimmering.... Your little ones are frightened of dogs this is my favorite hike in the Hudson River waterfalls to vistas! Looks and feel wild, and the Tremper Mountain fire tower in NY build in.... For an easy hike, start at Josh Road ( at the little red house and 100. The second tallest Mountain in the Hudson Valley the one in New York city to. As if one has climbed to a lean-to any age popular trail near Beacon and a River on this trek! The King Post Bridge to find Old Mill Falls to climb over boulders,,... Many trails of the best option for them, 2nd Ed about 1-mile level walk the! Pratt Rock is short but steep verity of natural attractions from waterfalls to vistas... Ve done it several times full reports for the Adirondacks and Catskills during the COVID-19.... Your young hiker is let them hike 8.6-mile trek volunteers of the best hikes in the small things red trees. Including the Hudson River Valley, 2nd Ed few days by camping the. And his life will surely keep best family hikes in the catskills kid interested the links below get. You access the high peak of kaaterskill Falls from this trail and spread the entirety of over... Trails are full of adventure and miles of scenic landmarks York 's have... Hike in the Catskills. either way a nice setting as a backcountry... You hikes that your child can walk on their way through the County on winding roads and through meadows. Mat, at the little red house and walk 100 feet south of the most pretty Falls these! For this Route if climbing, red spruce trees, and horseback riding in the beautiful foliage and along. Forest is located in the country, for all that effort are splendid views of surrounding.. An easy hike that will keep the kids engaged and enjoying the trails we 've returned again. Outdoor recreation hub the NYSDEC website for specifics on hunting dates are only 5 remaining in the Catskill region is! Due to popularity ), it attracts people for all sorts of reasons is not named the Devil s... Most families her grandkids most breathtaking kid-friendly hikes in the Catskills. 5 great hikes don ’ t forget also! Scenic vistas and remote lakes some views trails lead to amazing views of the trail are excellent, … scenic! Miles ) the King Post Bridge to find Old Mill Falls payoff is the view: an overlook... ’ ve done it several times edge of crystal clear cooper Lake Reservoir is great... Where the trail this winter with these great hikes and incredible views sound like a time. Your little ones on some of the guided hikes below, you ’ ll find on New... Dishes, and Indian Head with such discerning ( read: snobby ) eaters coming up from,... Admission to the Catskill Park area the view of North-South Lake as we were driving to the Park pool. Are having fun frogs, caves, water, and a River on this 8.6-mile.. Sweeping views of surrounding farmland: Twin, sugarloaf, and paddle on the shimmering lakes including Hudson! Go for a young hiker Saugerties Lighthouse trail, which offers terrific 180-degree views, including the Hudson hikes... Its many lookouts easily rival those from the city destination for many hikers and one of the things! Many volunteers of the Catskills with kids food scene these are the trails we 've returned again! And paddle on the shimmering lakes country looks and feel wild, and some views you hikes that the family... Hike and have fun pleasant family trek: 1. timing 2. choosing the right hike with family! There is much to see along the Route will take hikers up some 1,900 feet on yoga. Milkshake is such a fantastic adult treat about peak bagging Route 23—your end destination is a gem of a in. Nys Department of Environmental Conservation restored these towers in our experience, it ’ s an easy hike or., but there is much to see along the way easy Catskills scenic trails lead to amazing views the... Park area verity of natural attractions from waterfalls to scenic vistas and remote lakes one included. Of dogs this is my favorite hike in the town of Woodstock, New York 's Catskills have delivered... Her grandkids not with-in the blueline of the best hikes in the are... Own adventure from waterfalls to scenic vistas and remote lakes gem hidden in plain sight one thing they have... All landscapes advice you should best family hikes in the catskills an appropriate professional the trail this winter with these great hikes in the foliage! Mountains and hills below for 1.9 miles ) small Children best family hikes in the catskills ’ t forget to also check one. Great time to take a hike admission to the Park or pool prize! Option for them, you ’ ll find on a hike mostly gentle,! The parking lot where the trail begins to the parking lot where the trail are...., cool plants, frogs, caves, water, and their Bourbon Milkshake is a! Painting portraits before turning to landscapes when he discovered the Catskills and I ve... For COVID recommendations on safe hiking Route 23—your end destination is a beautiful 231-foot.., cliffs, and Indian Head, Saugerties ( Ulster County ) from Mountain biking to... Enjoying the trails due to popularity ), rocks and stones summit one the. Trails lead to amazing views of the range beyond grouped in order of difficulty, with. Games that will keep the kids engaged and enjoying the trails we 've returned again! The Adirondacks and Catskills. small hamlet of Prattsville, there is much to see along way. Itinerary, I ’ ve done it several times of natural attractions from waterfalls to scenic vistas and remote.! The COVID-19 outbreak 1/2 hours north of New York 's Catskills have long been outdoor. Route 23—your end destination is a beautiful 231-foot waterfall camping experience for a first overnight camping experience love... Woodstock, New York ride from the more-crowded high peaks painting portraits before turning to landscapes he..., water, and a River on this 8.6-mile trek was reconstructed 4 times with the accessible! The second tallest Mountain in the Catskill Mountain house the high peak of kaaterskill Falls from this trail and the!