There’s nothing quite like plunging into cool, refreshing water to beat the heat and the Great Western Catskills has options for all types of water wanderers. Whether you are looking to dive into freshwater, kayak down a notorious river, or lounge by luxurious pools, there is something for you! Here, enjoy stays with private pools, rivers with kayak rentals, and public pools that feel like a serene escape.
For paddling enthusiasts, look no further than Outdoor Adventures Recreational Services (OARS) of Hancock, NY. This family owned water recreation business offers kayak, canoe, paddle board and water tube rentals to groups and individuals all summer long. Stop into the headquarters, drop off your car with the shuttle service, and ride the waters of the West Branch of the Delaware River through beautiful scenery. If you’d rather wander at your own pace, visit Kayaking NY at Susan’s Pleasant Pheasant Farm in Halcottsville, NY. The rental service, right on Lake Wawaka, offers a gentle place to paddle and observe wildlife. Spend the night at the Farm and take in the beauty for the entire weekend!
The Great Western Catskills are sprawling, with charming small towns boasting fantastic public swimming pools. The Andes Town Pool in Andes, NY, is a favorite for its great shade trees, multiple pools and ample space to spread a blanket and spend an afternoon. Franklin Community Pool in Franklin, NY, offers a lovely public pool equipped with a slide, picnic tables, and a pavilion for taking a break from the summer sun. Walton, Colchester, Sidney, Stamford, and Delhi, NY, also boast public pools worth a visit. Additionally to the public pools, there are public access points along various rivers and waterways throughout the county. Keep your eyes peeled while driving around the area for places to pull off and explore.
Now, for those looking to spend the weekend with a pool at your fingertips, look no further than Homestead Farm Resort in Margaretville, The Roxbury Experience in Roxbury, and Breezy Hill Farmhouse in Fleischmanns. Homestead Farm Resort has a fantastically unique circular pool along with a private lake for paddle boating and fishing. This memorable stay has been a getaway since the 1800s. Breezy Hill Farmhouse is a private farmhouse with a pool available for you and your guests only. Surrounded with picturesque views and pristine serenity, this is the ideal stay for those looking for a secluded escape. The Roxbury Experience may already be on your radar as the outlandish themed rooms are worth writing home about. Step inside the Wizard of Oz themed room and then rest and relax at the Crooked Cabana Pool & Spa.
This is just a sampling of some of the incredible places to cool off and unwind in the Great Western Catskills. Discover even more places to explore on our website. Grab a swimsuit, pack your bags, and explore the beauty of the area while the sun is high! The refreshing waters are waiting and so are fantastic stays, farm-fresh restaurants, and events and activities for the whole family. Learn more at GreatWesternCatskills.com.
Photo credit in order of appearance:
Courtesy of Homestead Farm Resort
Courtesy of OARS of Hancock.
Courtesy of Susan’s Pleasant Pheasant Farm, photo by James Kelly.
Courtesy of Homestead Farm Resort.
Courtesy of The Roxbury Experience.