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There's more than just hiking—though there's plenty of that as well—to enjoy in the Catskills this fall
Don't you dare call the Catskills sleepy. New York City’s closest mountain range pulses with more activities for nature lovers than ever before. And recreation isn't the only thing that will get hearts pumping; so will the scenery, with dramatic ridges, plunging waterfalls and foaming rivers. Catch some air or race along on water; fire up a hard-core motor or zoom along a wire. Here are our 10 outdoorsiest ways to take in the Catskills’ rocking rivers and mountains.
The country’s longest and highest canopy zipline tour, New York Zipline Adventure Tours in Hunter, is a to-the-max thriller. On the Summit Skyrider, you’ll fly along cables nearly 600 feet above the ground at up to 50 miles per hour, crisscrossing a twin line to the next peak over and back again. Don’t worry, the company has a fantastic safety record. Still, gulp. You’ll deserve a hefty beer when you make it back down.
Nearly 30 Catskill-area rivers and more-badass-than-they-sound “creeks” offer rapids in a range of skill levels, from Class II to Class V. Outfitters like Barryville-based Reber River Trips equip you to kayak some banner stretches of the Delaware River that are jammed with curves and swirls. Pop on that life jacket and get ready to paddle!
Extended paths like the nearly 24-mile Escarpment Trail at North-South Lake, which runs along a stone ledge above the Hudson Valley, are challenging but gorgeous, passing through sweet hemlock forests, along fast creeks, and all the way south to the legendary Rip Van Winkle Hollow. Take in part of it for a day hike, or for an extra challenge, bring a backpack and do the full two- or three-day trek.
When it comes to whipping down mountains on two wheels, the Catskills terrain is pro-level (for real—Windham Mountain Bike Park will host the UCI World Cup Mountain Bike Races in 2019). The local ski trails become cycle-ready and rugged after the snow melts. Cross-country and single-track options are on offer, along with berms and jumps that will get your adrenaline pumping.
There’s a practically endless number of highly Instagrammable shale-backed cascades in the Catskills. Some of our faves include the 26-foot Tompkin Falls and tumbling 60-foot Vernooy Kill Falls (bonus: Vernooy Kill is well-known for the irresistible swimming holes around it).
Catskills formations range from sharp peaks to smooth plateaus, and people have been climbing their rocks for ages. This sport is great even in winter, as the region is especially famous for ice climbing at awe-inspiring spots like Stony Clove Notch near Hunter. Make an overnight trip out of it and camp out at the primitive grounds at Devil's Tombstone.
The Catskills have gotten increasingly famous for mega-distance running along its trails, with a series of ultramarathons and other big races held on the regular. The local trails—like The Devil’s Path, in the Indian Head Wilderness—are regularly described with terms like “grueling” and “gnarly,” but runners swear the incredible scenery and challenges make them worth the intensity.
Lazy river? Forget that manmade theme-park stuff. In the Catskills, an inner-tube cruise can become a ride on the wild side. Esopus Creek offers super-fun Class II rapids (translation: up to 3-foot waves). The Town Tinker Tube Rental in Phoenicia is a great place to get set up, just make sure to make reservations in advance for any trips after Labor Day. Be prepared to steer around rocks, trees, and sudden drop-offs and climb back in the tube if you tumble out!
Sure, you could rough it, but you could also soak up the Catskills’ inspiring landscape in proper style. At spots like Blue Hills Farm Tent and Breakfast outside Narrowsburg, you get a tent with a queen bed, breakfast in a log treehouse, and a shower with spa jets—the best of the outdoors with creature comforts to keep you snug.
Even the drive out of the city to the Catskills is liberating, but for real freedom, try wheeling in a 4x4 on the rugged mountain terrain. At Northeast Off-Road Adventures in Ellenville, you can bring your own motorized beast—or use one of theirs—to tear around 68 acres of land.