Catskill region question (Oneonta, Hudson, Sidney: ski resort, hotel, school)

[soundtweakers]

hello, I'm planning on a visit to the Catskill Mountains region in a few weeks. Any recommendation on areas in the region that's NOT a "popular destination" without the typical seasonal over crowding visitors. We are looking for kid friendly hiking trails with a view without the crowds and a town to stay perhaps west of the Catskill region.

thanks in advance.

Billy

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by soundtweakers

hello, I'm planning on a visit to the Catskill Mountains region in a few weeks. Any recommendation on areas in the region that's NOT a "popular destination" without the typical seasonal over crowding visitors. We are looking for kid friendly hiking trails with a view without the crowds and a town to stay perhaps west of the Catskill region.

thanks in advance.

Billy

This might help: Hiking in the Catskill Mountains

[Mercator Projection]

As you're between seasons, it might not be that bad. The summer campers are long gone, the skiers haven't arrived yet, and depending on when you go, the leaf peepers will probably be gone too.

Hiking with views is best along the eastern side so you can view into the Hudson Valley. However, there are several fire towers (Hunter Mt, Red Hill, Balsam Lake Mt, Overlook Mt, Tremper Mt) which afford great views from all points. My personal favorite is Balsam Lake Mt - several miles on beautiful trails with the tower at the top. Its kind of isolated in the southwest so not a lot of people get out there.

Also, Giant Ledge, just south of Panther Mt, is a beautiful hike and spot to absorb the views. Its a short and relatively easy hike, so there are usually more people, though. A bonus for this hike is the drive between Claryville and Oliverea - just beautiful.

A request to stay "west of the Catskill Region" is vague. How far west? Oneonta has more to offer than any other place in that area. If thats too far west, then maybe Delhi. There is a small SUNY school there, and might have a cheap hotel or two, as well as food. Stamford has/had a ski resort, so there might be food/lodging there.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Mercator Projection

As you're between seasons, it might not be that bad. The summer campers are long gone, the skiers haven't arrived yet, and depending on when you go, the leaf peepers will probably be gone too.

Hiking with views is best along the eastern side so you can view into the Hudson Valley. However, there are several fire towers (Hunter Mt, Red Hill, Balsam Lake Mt, Overlook Mt, Tremper Mt) which afford great views from all points. My personal favorite is Balsam Lake Mt - several miles on beautiful trails with the tower at the top. Its kind of isolated in the southwest so not a lot of people get out there.

Also, Giant Ledge, just south of Panther Mt, is a beautiful hike and spot to absorb the views. Its a short and relatively easy hike, so there are usually more people, though. A bonus for this hike is the drive between Claryville and Oliverea - just beautiful.

A request to stay "west of the Catskill Region" is vague. How far west? Oneonta has more to offer than any other place in that area. If thats too far west, then maybe Delhi. There is a small SUNY school there, and might have a cheap hotel or two, as well as food. Stamford has/had a ski resort, so there might be food/lodging there.

What about places like Sidney and Walton?

[Mercator Projection]

Sidney would have a hotel (Super 8) and some eating, but Oneonta is just as far and would provide a lot more choice.

Walton would have a couple of places to eat. If memory serves me correctly, there is a nice little Italian place in town. I honestly don't know about lodging.

[Mercator Projection]

For those interested, here is a nice guide to local (Catskill) products that I recently discovered.

Pure Catskills