The second part of our Weekend Getaway was hiking the Kaaterskill Falls and staying in Hunter, NY. We spent the previous day in Beacon, NY, staying at the Roundhouse Hotel. See the Blogpost here.
Kaaterskill Falls
We started driving towards Eastern Catskills to hike the tallest waterfall Kaaterskill in New York (right- taller than Niagara Falls!). Not only does the 2-tiered waterfall drop over 260 ft, but it is also considered one of the deadliest waterfalls in the world. We decided to do the Lower falls. Although the hike is under 1 mile and relatively easy, it is quite steep, muddy, and slippery. Mostly, we used caution and stayed on course. A 200-step stone staircase is the last descend to the base. Our 5-year-old was happy to go down the steps but needed to be carried on the way up. Indeed, the bottom of the Falls offers quite a majestic view of the shale and sandstone amphitheater clove. By all means, it is a dramatic spot to sit on the rocks and rejoice.
Hunter, NY
After this recharge, we headed to our next stop Hunter Mountain in Catskills. This beautiful town is set only a few hours from New York City, charming in any season. Ski or Tube in Winter, Fish or Hike in Summer, or go Leaf-peeping in Fall.
We stayed at the Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, a 60’s motel lodge redesigned to be urban chic meets country nostalgia. White-washed walls, dark wood floors with rugs, sunken seating area, lofted bed nook, minimal design, and heirloom furniture offer remarkable character to the hotel room. In essence, it feels like a cozy escape into the mountains with a modern, laid-back, Brooklyn apartment vibe. Our private balcony offered splendid views of Hunter Mountain.
With Summer heated up, we spent the following morning at the Swimming Pool taking in the sweeping views of the landscape. Later, we had breakfast at the Prospect restaurant, where an outdoor terrace wraps around it. A Hudson valley menu with ingredients from Old Man Scribner’s garden was perfect with 270-degree views of the mountains.
After this rejuvenation, we headed home! And, we are coming back for more!
Just a Little Bit More…
~ When in the area, don’t miss Phoenicia Diner
~ Nearby, Opus 40
~ Paolo Pettigiani’s photography: Pink water from Pink Algae
~ Also, the newly opened Hutton Brickyards
