The winter months are a great time to get out and explore the natural beauty of the Great Western Catskills. Luckily, there are a number of places where the love for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing and hiking can be indulged. So dress warmly, grab your gear, get outside and enjoy!
For the downhill skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury and Belleayre Mountain in Highmount offer a variety of trails. Both mountains also offer cross-country and snow shoeing paths. Plattekill Mountain features snow tubing on Saturday evenings. Equipment can be rented at both centers, but call ahead to check specific availability. Fans of all ages and skill levels can find the perfect activities for having fun in the snow at these Great Western Catskills ski centers!
There are a number of Catskills trails available for independent exploration.
- The Andes Rail Trail starts at 266 Depot Street in Andes. Novice hikers can trek the 2-mile round trip, flat rail bed while the more adventurous can enjoy the newly added 2.2-mile, hilly Bullet Hole Spur.
- The Shavertown Trail, beginning .1 mile north of the intersection of Route 30 and County Route 1, is an intermediate 5.3-mile path offering beautiful views of the Pepacton Reservoir. Be prepared for some changes in elevation as the trail climbs 520 feet in the first mile.
- Kelly Hollow, located off Mill Brook Road in Middletown, offers a two-option loop trail perfect for hiking or cross-country skiing. The trail’s two possibilities, either 3 or 4 miles in length, are well marked for cross-country skiing and allow for lovely streamside and forest experiences.
- The Catskill Scenic Trail offers a 19-mile trail between Bloomville and Grand Gorge, perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing. It is most easily accessed from the historic Stamford Depot at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and South Street in the Village of Stamford and from the parking lot north of Route 10, just east of the village of Bloomville.
It’s always important to be prepared when adventuring out in the winter weather. Be prudent in picking what trails to explore. It is wise to hike with others, dress appropriately, and to bring proper gear with you. For more information on what clothes to wear and equipment to bring, check out Catskill Mountain Club’s Skills/Info page.
The Catskill Mountain Club (CMC) will be hosting a number of events in the coming months for new and experienced outdoors adventurers. Cross-country skiers of all skill levels are invited to Mountain Trails in Tannersville on Saturday, February 15 at 10 a.m. to enjoy over 30 kilometers of groomed trails. Ski rentals are available through Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center, and a $20 track fee applies.
On Sunday, February 16 at 9:45 a.m. the CMC is hosting a hike/snowshoe between Alder Lake and Beaver Meadow in the Town of Hardenburgh. This trek is appropriate for moderate hikers, though poles and microspikes are advised.
Advanced hikers have several hiking options available to them through the Catskill Mountain Club. Join club members and visitors on February 2 to trek Slide Mountain; February 7 to climb Windham High Peak; February 27 to Bushwhack on Mt. Pleasant; and on March 8 to climb both Hunter and Leavitt Peaks. All of these hikes are strenuous and most likely require the use of poles, microspikes, snowshoes and possibly full crampons. All adventures through the Catskill Mountain Club must be pre-registered and are subject to change due to weather. Visit CMC’s website to get more information about listed and other upcoming events, registration, directions and hike requirements.
Whatever way you choose to explore the Great Western Catskills, Be Safe, Have Fun and Leave No Trace!
