Thirty five peaks above 3,500’ in the Catskills are on many hikers bucketlists, to become Catskill 35ers and conquer the highest mountains in the region. Bagging Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains [GoogleMaps location: Woodland Valley Campground] can be done in a strenuous out and back 9 mile hike gaining +2,500’. During […]
Catskills
I had been meaning to make it out to the Bees Knees Café [989 Broome Center Rd, Preston Hollow, NY 12469] on Heather Ridge Farm for quite some time, but at an hour drive away from Albany and kind of in the middle of nowhere, it was hard to dedicate […]
After a hike in the Catskills, what could be better than some local beer and snacks? Crossroads Brewing Company [21 2nd St, Athens, NY 12015] is just the spot you want to relax at, casual, yet attentive staff – great beers and yummy bar food. Order a flight and share […]
Abridged version: Indian Head and Twin Mountains [1 Prediger Road Elka Park, NY 12427 – follow Prediger to the end of the road until the DEC parking lot], two of the Catskill 35 over 3,500, can be hiked in an 8.4 mile loop. Follow the red trail up to the […]
If it looks like an adventure and sounds like an adventure, it must be so. Off to Huckleberry Point [half a mile past 2425 Platte Clove Rd, Elka Park, NY 12427] we go! To add some mystique to your adventure, you won’t find big blinking signs telling you that you’re […]
Hungry from hiking nearby Hunter Mountain, we required sustenance if there was going to be any more activity in the day. Lucky for us, just down the road was the Village Market and Deli [6234 Main St, Tannersville, NY 12485] which had exactly what we needed, big fat sandwiches. The […]
Hunter Mountain is the second highest peak in the Catskills (our fourth of the 35 over 3500’!), it has a fire tower on the summit, and is a popular ski resort. There are multiple ways to approach this hike, but we took the steepest and shortest route to the top […]
A mild, yet scenic nature walk right outside the town Woodstock was naturally filled with hikers, families, and dog walkers on a sunny day. Comeau [1 Comeau Dr Woodstock, New York 12498 – upper lot is closer to trail entrance] has just over a mile of trails to explore so […]
So close to the bustling town of Woodstock, but so far away. Follow the quiet country roads passed the interesting historical signs and beautiful homes. Mount Guardian [Byrdcliffe Theater Parking, 380 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, Woodstock NY] is a hike just outside of a popular town, but we didn’t see anyone […]
It’s funny how you can walk by something however many times and never notice it’s there. That was my story with Shindig [1 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498], until one faithful afternoon when it finally appeared to me. It’s right in the center of town with a kitschy muted storefront. […]
If you want to take a great hike in the Catskills with rewarding views, but you aren’t into climbing up a mountain, a trip to Phoenicia is in order. The Tanbark Trail [8 Ava Maria Dr, Phoenicia, NY 12464] starts beside the red bench on the far side of Phoenicia […]
There are so many fusion joints popping up, a testament to our globalized melting pot culture. These restaurants are great for those nights when you just don’t know what you want to eat – because you can have a variety of things! Crazy Bowlz [301 Frank Sottile Blvd, Kingston, NY […]
Have you ever been to a lighthouse on the waters edge in the dead of winter? It’s brutal, it’s beautiful. I didn’t plan on visiting the Saugerties Lighthouse [168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties, NY 12477] on such a chilly day, but as I was driving through town I saw the signs […]
Tucked away in the back roads of a residential neighborhood you’ll find the faded sign and trailhead for the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve [Shady Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477]. You’ll share the trails with local residents walking their dogs, seen far and few between. Take a good look at the trail […]
Spring is in the air! There is nothing better for the body and soul than to take a hike. A perfectly scenic spot is Falling Waters Preserve [Intersection of Dominican Lane + York St, Glasco NY]. Check out the trail map before you head out. There are about two miles […]