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“The Catskills region in New York is one of our favorite places to visit all year round. Especially perfect for outdoor-loving families. Think endless mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and a whole lot of adventure packed into over 700,000 acres of wilderness. It’s the best destination for families craving a mix of relaxation and excitement in the great outdoors. Time to pack your bags and get ready for a Catskills mountain escape!” – Jessica Human, travel photographer, mother and homeschooler.
Once we arrived at Winter Clove Inn, we felt as though we had stepped into a postcard of Catskills beauty. The charming, family-owned resort is set on 300 acres of private land and has been welcoming guests since 1838, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the Catskills.
Immediately after checking in we went to explore the property! We tried our hand at pickleball, shuffleboard, and tennis before rallying the boys and taking a hike up to Artist Falls – a stunning 25-foot waterfall just a short jaunt from the inn. Years of natural erosion have carved a beautiful basin at its base, and the Alfred Clark Covered Bridge perches right above, offering a picture-perfect view.
As the sun set, we headed back to wash up before settling in for dinner at the resort, followed by live local music and an outdoor barbecue. This place was making all my classic Catskills resort dreams come true!
Day two of our Catskills adventure was packed with action. We started the morning at North-South Lake State Campground, where the Catskill Mountains revealed their best: rushing streams, cozy campsites, and sweeping vistas. If you’re in the Great Northern Catskills, a stop at North-South Lake is a must. Here, hikers can choose from easy, medium, or challenging trails, each offering incredible views.
Afterward, we made a quick stop at Mama’s Boy Burgers in Tannersville to refuel before letting the boys run wild at Zoom Flume Water Park – New York’s #1 Family Outdoor Water Park. With tandem racer slides, thrilling twisters, shallow splash pools, and a winding lazy river, you’ll want to reserve a good amount of time – and sunscreen – for a full day of fun.
Back at Winter Clove Inn, we relaxed over dinner and then gathered around the bonfire to toast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores under a sky full of stars. The perfect end to a perfect day!
Photo: @wechoseadventuresWe started the day slow. I enjoyed a quiet moment with coffee on Winter Clove Inn’s wrap-a-round porch, watching the first hints of autumn color appear in the trees. Soon enough, the boys were up and ready for action. With so much to do right on the property, they headed out for a quick round of golf on the premises before we ventured into downtown Catskill for breakfast at Willa’s.
Our next stop was the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and studio! This was such a fun way to learn about the “father of American landscape painting,” view historic artworks, and take in the surrounding mountains that inspired his iconic art style.
We then sauntered along the Hudson River Skywalk, connecting two national historic landmarks, the Thomas Cole Site and Frederic Church’s Olana, both offering sweeping views of the Hudson Valley below and the Catskill Mountains above.
Lunch at Subversive Malting + Brewing, one of our local favorites, was a treat before we headed into downtown Catskill. The boys were thrilled exploring the game selection at Kirwan’s Game Store and hunting for vinyl treasures at Spike’s Record Rack.
Back at Winter Clove Inn that evening, we wrapped up our day with a cozy dinner, savoring every moment of this Catskills retreat.
On our final morning, we enjoyed breakfast once again before we set out for a morning hike along the breathtaking Kaaterskill Falls trail. After taking in the stunning views, it was time to head home, already dreaming of our next trip back to the Catskills.
Trust me, the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are something special. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring our one-of-a-kind mountain towns, or just relaxing in a cozy inn, the Catskills have a way of creating those “remember when” moments that’ll keep you coming back for more.
