Catskills Summer Bucket List: 7 Things to Do Near Belleayre Mountain Before Labor Day
Your phone has 4,000 unread notifications and exactly zero of them are as good as a lake. We did the math. Lake wins.
Summer in the Catskills is short, a little smug about it, and gone before you've used all your sunscreen. If you're still debating a weekend escape from the city, the mountains have already RSVP'd yes on your behalf, you just need to show up.
Here's what a perfect 48 hours near Highmount actually looks like, fire pit included.
Enjoy Belleayre Beach with it’s crystal clear water and refreshing temperature.
1. Belleayre Beach: Your Mountain Lake, No Sand-in-Your-Sneakers City Beach Substitute
Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is the kind of place that makes you forget the subway exists. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, or commit fully to doing nothing on a towel, all options are correct. It's minutes from the lodge, which means more lake time and less "are we there yet" time.
2. Giant Ledge: Hike Now, Brag Later
The view from Giant Ledge is the kind of payoff that makes your quads forgive you. Moderate trail, big reward, excellent excuse to post a sunset photo with zero filter and maximum smugness.
3. Catskill Interpretive Center: Hiking, But Make It Educational
Not every adventure needs to leave you sore. The Catskill Interpretive Center is the easy-on-the-knees option for trip planning, easy trails, and learning things you'll repeat at dinner like you knew them all along.
4. The Towns: Phoenicia, Margaretville, Andes, Woodstock
Four towns, zero traffic jams, infinite antique shops you didn't know you needed to browse for two hours. Coffee here, gallery there, a farmers market you stumble into and leave with more vegetables than you can possibly eat. It's charming. It's also a great excuse to walk off the pizza from the night before.
Have a good time, roast marshmallows over our fire pit.
5. After Dark: Fire Pit, Marshmallows, a Sky That Actually Has Stars in It
This is the part the trail map doesn't tell you about. Back at the lodge, the day ends the way it should, grill going, fire pit crackling, a glass of wine, and a sky so clear you'll wonder if your phone's camera is broken (it isn't, the stars are just better here).
6. Local Favorites Worth the Drive
Round out the weekend at Woodstock Brewing for craft beer, The Print House in Fleischmanns for cocktails that try harder than your last relationship, and Oakley's Wood-Fired Pizza for the post-hike meal you've earned. Check local events before you go — outdoor concerts and festivals pop up all summer.
7. Book Direct (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
Quick PSA: booking directly through Alpine Four Season Lodge usually gets you the best rate and a human who actually answers when you have questions, no algorithm middleman included. Summer weekends fill fast, so if the mountains have been calling, this is your sign to pick up.
We'll have the fire going.
Daniel & The Crew
32 Galli Curci Road, Highmount 12441, New York
