Outdoor Adventure

3-Day Itinerary

When it comes to outdoor adventure, Greene County ranks among the top spots in the East. The beauty of the Catskills' high peaks and graceful waterfalls, along with the tranquil landscape of the Hudson Valley, offers outdoor enthusiasts great opportunities for exploring the county's natural splendor.

Start your first day with a brisk hike to Diamond Notch, which offers scenic views and a beautiful 15-foot waterfall only three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead. Hike another mile and one-quarter to the Notch for a total hike of four miles roundtrip. To reach the trailhead, drive to the eastern end of Spruceton Valley along County Road 6 off State Route 42 north of Deep Notch.

If you still haven't had enough of Greene County's great outdoors, head to one of our campgrounds for the night. Two state campgrounds, both offering lake swimming and a spectacular network of hiking trails, are situated in the high peaks forest preserve. More than a dozen privately owned campgrounds are also scattered in scenic locations throughout the county.

On day two of your trip, ride the Hunter Mountain Skyride and then hike the remaining two miles to Hunter's 4,040-foot summit and the fire tower. Surrounded by dense spruce-fir forest, the tower has the distinction of being sited higher than any other in New York State and offers 360-degree views of the Catskill high peaks, Devils' Path, Platte Cove and the Hudson Valley. It's a difficult 4.2-mile round-trip, but well worth the effort. If you like to mountain bike, the Hunter Mountain Skyride also offers lift access to thrilling base and summit terrain.

On day three, pack a picnic and go for a long hike. The 21-mile Escarpment Trail offers incredible views of Sunset Rock, Artist's Point, North Point and beyond into New England. Start by checking out Newman's Ledge and the site of the former Catskill Mountain House, a famed summer retreat for European nobility and America's nouveau riche during the late 1800s that overlooked 50 miles of the Hudson Valley. Both the trail and resort site are accessed from the beach parking area at North Lake State Park on Wescott Road in Haines Fall. Check out other great hikes in Catskill Trails: Ranger's Guide to the High Peaks, an excellent guidebook published by Greene County's Black Dome Press.

If it's wintertime, several cross-country ski areas, including the trails of the forest preserve, snowshoeing and incredible ice climbing are all options. No wonder Greene County is called the winter sports capital of the Hudson Valley.