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Mountain Top Historical Society

The Mountain Top Historical Society (MTHS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973, committed to discovering, preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich and unique history of the Mountain Top region in Greene County, NY. Through a wide range of programs and activities, MTHS promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area's history, geology, literature, culture, and folklore.

Open Year-Round!

The Mountain Top Historical Society campus at the top of Kaaterskill Clove in Haines Falls is open year-round to the public. Our campus includes a fully restored 1913 Ulster & Delaware train station, Hudson River School Art Trail interpretative display, pond, flat walking paths, adjoining picturesque Aaron Haines Family cemetery, Kaaterskill Rail Trail (KRT) parking and trailhead. We maintain a Visitors’ Center with trail information and displays from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-November.

Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates

The Mountain Top Historical Society is dedicated to discovering and preserving the unique and rich history of the Catskill High Peaks.

Cream-colored farmhouse with porch beside road displaying "Great Northern Catskills" and historic train station signage, autumn landscape.Cream-colored farmhouse with porch beside road displaying "Great Northern Catskills" and historic train station signage, autumn landscape.
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Good to Know

Activity Level
Active
Duration
1-3 hours

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Mountain Top Historical Society Events

Now – Oct 1

August 2026

Sat22

Aug 22, 2026

The Old Stage Road Guided Hike: Historic Catskill Mountain House Trail

Harding Road Trailhead

Trek alongside history of the Great Northern Catskill Mountains on the guided Old Stage Road Hike on Saturday, August 22nd at 9am. Led by local hiking guide and author Bob Gildersleeve, this moderate hike follows the historic stagecoach route that once carried visitors toward the renowned Catskill Mountain House in the late 1800s. The hike begins in Palenville, and follows the Old Stage Road through the Catskill Mountain landscape, passing the site of the former Rip Van Winkle House before continuing to Rip’s Rock and Little Pine Orchard. The route concludes at North Lake, offering hikers a chance to experience both the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic Northern Catskills area. The hike is featured as Hike #1 in Bob Gildersleeve’s Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide and covers approximately 3.5 miles with 1,470 feet of elevation gain. Rated moderate, the hike is a great opportunity to explore a historic Catskills trail while learning more about the people, places and stories that helped shape the region as a destination for mountain travelers. Bring lunch or snacks and get ready to explore one of the historic routes into the Catskill Mountains. For details and to RSVP please contact the Mountain Top Historical Society.

The Old Stage Road Guided Hike: Historic Catskill Mountain House Trail

September 2026

Sat12

Sep 12, 2026

Guided Children’s Geology Hike with Robert Titus in Haines Falls

Mountain Top Historical Society

Discover the ancient forces that shaped the Great Northern Catskill Mountains during the Children’s Geology Hike with Dr. Robert Titus at 10am on Saturday, September 12, at the Mountain Top Historical Society in Haines Falls. After a brief introduction to the science of geology, young explorers and their families will head outside to explore the Mountain Top Historical Society campus. Dr. Titus will share the story of how Ice Age glaciers moved through Kaaterskill Clove and across the Haines Falls landscape, leaving behind geological features that can still be seen today. The hike is rated easy, making it a great family-friendly activity for visitors looking for educational things to do in the Catskills. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to bring water and snacks. To register and get more information, contact the Mountain Top Historical Society at mthsdirector@mths.org or 518-598-6657. Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM In case of rain, the hike will be held on Sunday, September 13.

Guided Children’s Geology Hike with Robert Titus in Haines Falls
Sat19

Sep 19, 2026

MTHS 14th Annual Catskills Post Card Show

Mountain Top Historical Society | 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station

Step into the past at the14th Annual Post Card Show at the Mountain Top Historical Society on Saturday, September 19. Held inside the historic 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station in Haines Falls from 10am-3pm, this annual event brings together local collectors and vendors offering vintage postcards and other historical treasures. Visitors can browse postcards featuring the Great Northern Catskills and surrounding communities, connect with local collectors, and shop for unique pieces of regional history. The Mountain Top Historical Society will also offer ephemera from its own attic collection for sale. Admission is $3.

MTHS 14th Annual Catskills Post Card Show
Sat26

Sep 26, 2026

Plein Air Painting: A Great Northern Catskills Art Experience In Partnership With Thomas Cole

Mountain Top Historical Society

Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to paint outdoors in the Great Northern Catskills during this plein air painting event at the Mountain Top Historical Society in Haines Falls, presented in partnership with the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Set up your easel and capture the beauty of the historic campus, featuring a pond, woodlands, historic buildings, a red barn and Ice Age erratic rocks. Artists should bring their own supplies, while a children’s table will offer watercolor palettes and brushes. At 2 p.m., participants are invited to showcase their paintings in the historic 1913 Ulster & Delaware Train Station. The day also includes a special 11 a.m. presentation by Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer, exploring the Hudson River School of Art, the Catskills and American identity. MORE INFO

Plein Air Painting: A Great Northern Catskills Art Experience In Partnership With Thomas Cole