- Perhaps your idea of a Castskill vacation is to get away from it all and be closer to nature. North-South Lake is the largest and most visited campground in the Catskill Forest. The campsite offers many historical sites along with the legendary scenic beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls and the site where the Catskill Mountain House once stood are just some of the attractions that a camper will encounter. The areas around the lake have provided visitors with the gorgeous and serene views of the surrounding countryside and Catskill Valley for years. On a clear day, it is said that five states can be seen from some of the towering rock formations.
- Located a short drive from Catskill in Rye, New York, this seasonal amusement park has everything that a year-round amusement park has to offer. Whether you enjoy roller coasters or like to stay on terra firma for your thrill seeking, you will be able to find something for the whole family at Playland Park. A few of the attractions you will find at Playland Park are concerts, an ice rink, stage shows, a refreshing pool and a large picnic ground so families can enjoy lunch together in addition to riding the roller coasters.
- If your vacation simply must include a day on the green, the Catskill Golf Club is tailored for you. Designed with plenty of rolling hills and open greens, you will be awe inspired by the open views of the Catskill Mountains all around you. The blue course offers a clear view of the valley and mountains. A pro-golf shop, a gourmet restaurant and various training facilities on the premises just may be the highlight of a golf aficionado's Catskill vacation.
- Howe Caverns is nature's work of art. One of the most impressive cave systems of its kind in the United States, Howe Caverns is located 156 feet below the surface and accessed only through a special elevator. Once visitors reach the depths of the caverns, boat rides through the galleries and walks through passages and tunnels are available for daring visitors. Howe Caverns also offers special Lantern Tours on weekends. The Lantern Tours are guided using only torches and lanterns, the way Lester Howe explored the caverns when he discovered them back in 1842.
- There certainly is no shortage of hiking trails or hiking attractions in the Catskill Mountains. Among the many, Slide Mountain may be the most popular. Topping out at 4,294 feet there are not only uncountable trails, the views are breathtaking. Winter hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are also available. North Lake State area is one of the most popular hiking areas, offering nine marked trails at different altitudes. Bridges, waterfalls and monuments dot the landscape as you hike, such as the 1900 Layman Monument to firefighters. The most popular trail is the seven-mile Black Dome Trail, offering completely unobstructed views of the Catskill Valley.
- The Thomas Cole house is touted as being the place where American art was born. The park offers guided tours of the Cole home and studio. You will see a video about his art and be able to walk through the beautifully manicured gardens that are the gateway to sweeping and breathless views of the Catskill Mountains. You will also have the opportunity to take in an educational lecture, and take a guided hike to nearby locations that are depicted in many of Thomas Cole's artworks.Tickets are $9 per person during regular hours, as of February 2011. Seniors over 62 and students with ID are charged $7 per person. Group tours are available with prior arrangement. The home is open from the first week in May until the last weekend in October.
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