12 Places To Visit In New York When The Mountains Are Calling Your Name
When you live in New York State, it almost always feels like the mountains are calling. Between our beautiful Adirondack and Catskill mountain ranges, we’re spoiled to have so many sizable natural wonders right here in our backyard. So if you find yourself full of free time and longing to see the outdoors, then you might want to try heading to one of these twelve places that will put you in the company of New York’s breathtaking mountains.
An outdoor activity like ziplining and exploring a canopy tour may seem like something that's seasonal, but at Hunter Mountain you can fly through the sky all throughout the year! Putting you hundreds of feet above the ground where you'll have a bird's-eye view of the Catskill Mountains, the ziplines at Hunter Mountain will give you the exciting thrill that you're looking for. To find out more information, click here.
Surrounded by New York's High Peaks up in Essex County, the Adirondack Buffalo Company is a charming stop to make when you're in the area and looking to get a view of our gorgeous mountains. The unexpected destination is home to a herd of American Bison that are amazing to see surrounded by our state's breathtaking scenery. At the Adirondack Buffalo Company you can stop inside to their store where you'll find amazing baked goods like pies, rustic furniture and an assortment of gifts you'll want to bring home with you. To find out more information, click here.
Located right on New York's Shawangunk Ridge, this castle in the sky is a place that everyone in our state should experience for themselves at least once. The historic resort features everything you could dream of, from one-of-a-kind hiking trails and an award-winning spa to unbelievable dining options and magical rooms for you to stay in. Giving visitors the choice to stay overnight or get a day pass, no matter how long you stay for you'll love every minute that you'll spend at the Mohonk Mountain House. To find out more information, click here.
A secluded piece of the Adirondacks rights near the shores of Little Wolf Pond, the Adirondack Public Observatory is the perfect place to surround yourself with mountains and a crystal clear sky. The observatory is currently in its winter hours which means that from Labor Day through Memorial Day on every first and third Friday of the month, stargazing will take place as long as weather is permitting! The best part? There's no charge and stargazing begins just a half-hour after sunset. To find out more information, click here.
There are plenty of smaller Adirondack Mountains that will fulfill your desire to be amongst the mountains, but if you're really looking to scratch that itch, you'll want to try taking on a High Peak. Giving you the chance to reach a summit that will give you endless views of New York's tallest mountains for as far as the eye can see, these trails are ones that will breath life into you. To find out more information, click here.
An amazing place to stay, delicious restaurant and outdoor activities all packed into one location? It might not get any better than this for mountain lovers who are looking for a nice getaway. We've previously talked about the inn features a fantastic place to eat, but you can also spend the night here and take advantage of the property's trails that will lead you to panoramic views of our favorite Catskill Mountains! To find out more information, click here.
In New York, we're lucky enough to have multiple Polar Express Train Rides. But if there's one that's proven to provide you with an unforgettably magical time? It's the Adirondack Scenic Railroad's Polar Express. Operating out of the Utica train station from now through December 19th, you'll find that tickets for this particular are already selling out fast. Surrounding you with the mountains from the warmth of the train car, you'll love seeing our state's natural wonders this way. To find out more information, click here.
The Wild Center's famed Wild Walk may closed for the year, but that doesn't mean that the fun is ending over at The Wild Center! Remaining open through the winter, visitors can still get outdoors and snowshoe through the center's nature trails while those who are seeking warm will still find plenty to do inside. Stop into the gift shop to take home some souvenirs or grab a bite to eat in the cafe after exploring all there is to see inside the main building. To find out more information, click here.
If you're interested in only sharing your time and space with the mountains, then this quiet getaway downstate is where you should be headed. Set against a backdrop made up of our beautiful Catskill Mountains, the inn puts you in the middle of a picture-perfect meadow that will make you wonder why you don't spend all of your time out in the middle of nowhere. To find out more information, click here.
If the mountains are truly calling your name, you'll love to take a drive down Route 73 in the heart of Keene. The scenic byway puts you right between some of New York's tallest mountains, taking you by beautiful ponds and the mountainside that will leave you speechless. Helpful tip? Try being the passenger while you're on this road so you can fully soak in the sights! To find out more information, click here.
One of the most magical mountain getaways you can take in New York, the Whiteface Lodge is like a luxury lodge that's fitting for a Disney princess. Giving you a prime view of our Adirondack Mountains (specifically Whiteface), you'll love being surrounded by our mountainous scenery and outdoor activities that you'll find in the area. Another reason why you'll love this place? It's home to one of our state's most stunning restaurants! To find out more information, click here.
Much like New York's famous Adirondack High Peaks, the Catskill Mountains are also home to their own set of high peaks. Down in the Catskills you can find a total of 35 peaks that are above 3,500 feet in elevation, giving you a hearty list to scratch away at. Featuring mountains will fire towers the ruins of plane crashes, these unique hikes are ones that you'll never forget experiencing. To find out more information, click here.
Where in New York do you like to head to when you hear the mountains calling? If you’re still craving some fresh air, try exploring 13 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth That Are Right Here In New York!
