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Explore the Western Catskills with Outdoor Adventure as your Guide
posted by Delaware County at 2024-12-04 13:37:00
Winter in the Great Western Catskills is a special time of year. Nothing compares to the quiet that encompasses the area right after a gentle snowfall. Even the birds and critters nestle in and enjoy the soft blanket of snow. Snow comes and goes throughout the winter, enlivening another charming aspect of the season when there isn’t snow. The barren leaves and flattened brush allow for amazing views that wouldn’t otherwise be visible. You can see the stonewalls throughout the woods that tell a story of times past, when farming was the most common way of life around here.
It is a wonderful time to go for a gentle hike, to witness unique views, and breathe in fresh, crisp air. Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area is 7,000 acres of maintained wildlife area that has 11 miles of hiking trails accessible year round. Seated in the towns of Walton, Colchester, and Hancock, Bear Spring is a great destination for adventure that can be followed by dining, shopping, and getting cozy in a nearby town. Hancock offers fantastic family dining at the Maple Room Restaurant, bowling at Fox Bowling Center, and shopping eclectic items at all sorts.
Make your way to Andes, NY, for the perfect walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing trail, the Andes Rail Trail. The retired railroad is perfect for an outdoor adventure in the snow. While in Andes, NY, warm up with a beverage and lunch at Cafe Mutsi. Kids and adults alike enjoy the delicious pastries and Nordic inspired foods.
Continue your outdoor adventure in Andes, NY, at the Palmer Hill Trail. This gentle looping trail is the only one on our list that gains a bit of elevation. It is a mild hike that swoops up a rolling hill to provide beautiful views of the valley below. Palmer Hill Trail is a quick drive from Margaretville, NY. Margaretville is lined with exquisite independent shops. From locally made jewelry to elegant aromatherapy items, cafes to wine bars, there is something for everyone in Margaretville. Enjoy browsing art at Longyear Gallery and shop colorful clothing and homegoods at Barbara Alyn Artwear. Drink natural wines and eat Balkan food at Oda Wine Garden or enjoy Italian food with homemade pasta at Trattoria Locale.
Similar to the Andes Rail Trail is the Catskill Scenic Trail. The 26-mile long former railroad is great for outdoor activity in the wintertime. Hike, cross-country ski, or even snowmobile on this long and even trail that meanders through farm fields, forest, and along streams. The trail passes through multiple Catskill towns so plan your route before taking to the trail. Make plans to stop at First Bloom Corner Store for snacks and provisions in Bloomville, NY, or Catskill Outpost in Stamford, NY, for locally made Catskill-inspired apparel.
If you are interested in a little adrenaline fueled outdoor activity, make plans to visit Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, NY. The independently owned mountain is the only one of its kind in these mountains, creating an ideal alpine experience with smaller crowds and quality service. Plattekill offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. They also offer snowshoe rentals, providing you the opportunity to explore the woods of your choosing.With outdoor adventure as your guide, spend time this winter in the Great Western Catskills. Whether crunching through snow on foot, sliding atop the frozen surface on cross country skis, or screaming down the mountain on a snow tube, there is adventure waiting. And after time in the great outdoors, unwind somewhere cozy and create memorable moments along the way.
Photo Credit
Photo of all sorts cafe and shop courtesy of all sorts
Photo of Andes Railroad Station by Joe Damone
Photo of snow tubing at Plattekill Mountain by Joe Damone
posted at: 2024-12-04 13:37:00, last updated: 2024-12-31 21:07:08
