hiking in the catskills

In the northern Catskills, we have some of the best hiking trails in the world, networked through a landscape that has inspired generations of painters, including some of the greatest names in nineteenth-century American art. Visit the highest waterfall in New York State, explore the northern Catskills' legendary "cloves" where Rip Van Winkle took his marathon nap and where the roads still follow Native American footpaths, and climb to the dizzying summits of the high peaks for breathtaking five-state views.

Right here in Windham we have three 4,000 foot peaks along the Blackhead ridge and the trails are well marked and maintained by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

For those not adventurous enough to go it alone, the Mountain Top Historical Society
offers a series of hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Membership is not required, but we do request that you register for each hike by contacting Bob Gildersleeve at 518-734-9701 or Larry Tompkins at 518-734-4264. Please visit www.mths.org for details and more information.

The Long Path is a 326 mile hiking trail extending from the George Washington Bridge, north to John Boyd Thacher Park near Albany, and it runs right through Windham.  You can follow it over Blackhead Mountain for aggressive climbers or you can take the Windham High Peak hike for a less aggressive walk in the woods.  Both hikes have impressive views!

Also in our area:

Five State Lookout - View of the Hudson River Valley and five states off of Route 23 in East Windham.
Pratt Rock - Scenic climb to see relief carvings in the mountainside dated from the 1800's, commissioned so an itinerant stonecutter could pay for his lodgings. Route 23 in Prattsville.
Kaaterskill Falls - The highest waterfall in NY State. Scenic marked hiking trails with wonderful views of the Hudson Valley. Route 23A, Haines Falls.
Devil's Tombstone - A natural rock formation that resembles a large tombstone with wonderful hiking trails. Just off Route 23A & Route 214.

But remember, restoring your spirit and recharging your energy in our exhilarating mountain air doesn’t mean you have to rough it in a tent!  Instead, relax in style at the Winwood Inn and Condos.  Bask beside our heated outdoor swimming pool or unwind in a chaise lounge during the sun drenched days of summer and fall.  Explore the lush green forest of the surrounding Catskills or embark on a treasure hunt at nearby antique shops.

For more information, call the Winwood Inn and Condos at 800-754-9463 for reservations.