{"id":10017,"date":"2024-10-13T13:23:09","date_gmt":"2024-10-13T13:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-23a7e50e-3e19-4fe3-93bc-701f6c6ded3d"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:47:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:47:43","slug":"catskills-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10017","title":{"rendered":"Catskill Mountains, New York: Where to Stay, Where to Play, and What to Eat. A 4 day Itinerary for Adventurous Families."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Catskills region in New York is one of our favorite places to visit all year round. Especially perfect for outdoor loving families: think endless mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and a whole lot of adventure packed into over 700,000 acres of wilderness. It’s the best destination for families craving a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement in the great outdoors. Time to pack your bags and get ready for a Catskills mountain escape!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Where to Stay<\/u><\/p>
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  2. Where to Play<\/u><\/p>
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  3. Where to Eat<\/u><\/p>
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  4. Best Photography Spots<\/u><\/p>
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  5. Homeschooling\/Learning Resources<\/u><\/p>
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  6. 5 Day Itinerary<\/u>
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    Where to stay: Winter Clove Inn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Winter Clove Inn serves as the perfect base for your Catskills autumn adventure, offering a blend of comfort, history, and on-site activities. This charming, family-owned inn has been welcoming guests since 1838, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the Catskills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Set on 300 acres of private land, this all inclusive inn provides a unique mix of natural beauty and recreational facilities. Guests can enjoy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • On-site hiking trails, including a path to the picturesque Artist Falls<\/p>
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    • Indoor and outdoor pools<\/p>
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    • Tennis courts, basketball court, and volleyball area<\/p>
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    • 9-hole golf course (complimentary for guests)<\/p>
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    • Game room with pool table, ping pong, and board games<\/p>
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    • Fitness center<\/p>
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    • Three hearty meals a day included in the room rate<\/p>
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    • Nightly entertainment, including bonfires and live music<\/p>
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    • Wi-Fi throughout the property<\/p>
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      The inn’s main building features a cozy living room with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. In the fall, the surrounding forest bursts into a spectacular display of autumn colors, making the inn’s wraparound porch an ideal spot for leaf-peeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Where to play:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      1. North-South Lake: Hiking trails, lake views, and stunning vistas<\/p>
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      2. Zoom Flume: New York’s #1 Family Amusement and Outdoor Water Park<\/p>
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      3. Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride: Take a chairlift to the summit for panoramic autumn views<\/p>
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      4. New York Zipline Adventure Tours: Experience the fall colors from above on North America’s longest and highest zipline canopy tour<\/p>
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      5. Howe Caverns: Explore underground caves and try rock climbing or spelunking<\/p>
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      6. Catskill Mountain Railroad: Scenic fall foliage train rides<\/p>
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      7. Mountain Top Arboretum: Treetop rope course and canopy walks among fall foliage<\/p>
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      8. Windham Mountain Bike Park: Downhill mountain biking with trails for all skill levels<\/p>
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      9. Hudson River Skywalk: A pedestrian walkway connecting two historic sites with stunning views<\/p>
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        Best Hikes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Easy: Artist’s Rock via the Escarpment Trail in Hunter, NY (2.0 miles round trip, elevation gain: 250 feet)<\/p>
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        2. Moderate: Kaaterskill Falls Trail (1.4 miles round trip, elevation gain: 420 feet)<\/p>
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        3. Challenging: Devil’s Path to Indian Head Mountain (6.6 miles round trip, elevation gain: 2,200 feet)<\/p>
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          Where to eat:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Winter Clove Inn Dining Room: On-site dining with family-style meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Catskills cuisine.<\/p>
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          2. Circle W Market: A charming general store offering top-tier sandwiches, local products, and homemade baked goods. Perfect for picking up hiking fuel.<\/p>
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          3. Mama’s Boy Burgers: A retro-style burger joint in Tannersville known for its delicious grass-fed beef burgers, hand-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes.<\/p>
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          4. Willa’s: A cozy breakfast spot in downtown Catskill serving up hearty morning fare with a focus on local ingredients and homemade pastries.<\/p>
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          5. Subversive Malting + Brewing: A craft brewery and taproom offering unique beers brewed with locally-grown and malted grains, along with a menu of pub-style foods.<\/p>
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          6. Texas Weiners: A local institution since 1925, famous for its hot dogs topped with a secret chili sauce recipe.<\/p>
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          7. Ambrosia Diner: A classic American diner offering a wide range of comfort foods, from all-day breakfast to Greek specialties.<\/p>
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          8. The Salad Bar: A health-focused eatery providing fresh, customizable salads, grain bowls, and smoothies for the nutrition-conscious traveler.<\/p>
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            Best Photography Spots:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Artist’s Rock: Panoramic views of fall foliage in the Hudson Valley<\/p>
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            2. North-South Lake: Stunning lakeside vistas with autumn reflections<\/p>
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            3. Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Capture the landscapes that inspired American art in fall colors<\/p>
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            4. Downtown Catskill: Charming streetscapes and the “Cats of Catskill” outdoor art exhibit<\/p>
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            5. Hudson River Skywalk: Breathtaking views of the Hudson River and surrounding fall landscapes<\/p>
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              Homeschooling\/Learning Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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              1. Thomas Cole National Historic Site:<\/p>\n

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                • Guided tours of Cole’s home and studio (45 minutes)<\/p>
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                • Art-making workshops inspired by Hudson River School techniques (2 hours, suitable for ages 12+)<\/p>
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                • Junior Ranger program for kids (free activity booklet)<\/p>
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                • Olana State Historic Site:<\/p>\n

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                  • Landscape painting workshops (3 hours, all skill levels)<\/p>
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                  • Historic landscape tours (1.5 hours)<\/p>
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                  • Family-friendly scavenger hunts around the grounds<\/p>
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                  • Mountain Top Arboretum:<\/p>\n

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                    • Guided ecology walks (1 hour, learn about local flora and fauna)<\/p>
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                    • Tree identification workshops (2 hours, suitable for ages 10+)<\/p>
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                    • Catskill Interpretive Center:<\/p>\n

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                      • Interactive exhibits on Catskills ecology and history<\/p>
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                      • Guided nature walks with park rangers (1 hour)<\/p>
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                      • Leave No Trace outdoor ethics workshops (45 minutes)<\/p>
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                        Our 4 Day Itinerary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Day 1:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                        • Arrive at Winter Clove Inn in Round Top, NY<\/p>
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                        • Explore the property: Enjoy a fall nature walk, play pickleball, shuffleboard, or tennis<\/p>
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                        • Take a short hike to Artist Falls on the property to see the autumn colors<\/p>
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                        • Dinner at Winter Clove Inn<\/p>
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                        • Enjoy live local music and barbecue provided by Winter Clove Inn<\/p>
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                          Day 2:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                          • Breakfast at Winter Clove Inn<\/p>
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                          • Pick up hiking fuel at Circle W Market<\/p>
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                          • Hike at North-South Lake (choose from Easy, Medium, or Challenging trails) to enjoy fall foliage<\/p>
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                          • Late lunch at Mama’s Boy Burgers in Tannersville<\/p>
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                          • Visit a local apple orchard for apple picking and cider tasting<\/p>
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                          • Return to Winter Clove Inn for dinner<\/p>
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                          • Attend the guest bonfire at Winter Clove Inn, complete with s’mores<\/p>
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                            Day 3:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                            • Enjoy a relaxed morning at Winter Clove Inn (coffee on the porch overlooking fall colors, 9-hole golf game, or short hike to Artist Falls)<\/p>
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                            • Breakfast at Willa’s in downtown Catskill<\/p>
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                            • Visit the Thomas Cole Museum to see how fall inspired the Hudson River School painters<\/p>
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                            • Walk across the Hudson River Skywalk for panoramic autumn views<\/p>
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                            • Late lunch in downtown Catskill (choose from Subversive Malting + Brewing, Texas Weiners, Ambrosia Diner, or The Salad Bar)<\/p>
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                            • Explore downtown Catskill:<\/p>\n

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                              • Outdoor Art Exhibit – The Cats of Catskill<\/p>
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                              • Kirwan’s Game Store<\/p>
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                              • Spike’s Record Store<\/p>
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                              • Dutchman’s Landing Park for riverside fall colors<\/p>
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                              • Dinner at Winter Clove Inn<\/p>
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                                Day 4 (Departure):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                                • Breakfast at Winter Clove Inn<\/p>
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                                • Hike Kaaterskill Falls Trail<\/p>
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                                • Head home and plan your next trip back<\/p>
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                                  Trust me, the Catskills are something special \u2013 where else can you zip through colorful treetops, hike to jaw-dropping views, and walk in the footsteps of famous artists all in one trip? It’s the perfect spot for families looking to mix outdoor fun with a bit of learning, all while soaking in some seriously beautiful scenery. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trying your hand at fly fishing, or just relaxing in a cozy inn, the Catskills have a way of creating those “remember when” moments that’ll keep you coming back for more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                  Discover the perfect 4-day adventure in the Catskill Mountains. From breathtaking hikes to family-friendly dining, here’s your family guide<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1000244,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","category-road-trips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10017"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000554,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10017\/revisions\/1000554"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1000244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}