Hike. Sweat. Swim. Repeat. The Perfect Summer Day in the Catskills.
There's something particularly satisfying about jumping into cold mountain water after a Catskills hike. Your legs are tired. Your shirt has officially given up. You're questioning why the trail map called that last climb "moderate." Then you see the water, and suddenly everything makes sense.
Summer here was never about choosing hiking or swimming. The better plan is both.
Start With a Hike at Belleayre Mountain
Belleayre's famous for skiing, but summer might be its best-kept secret. Trails range from easy forest walks to real climbs toward the summit, thick woods, mountain air, the occasional deer, and those moments where the trees suddenly open up and remind you exactly why you drove north.
Want the view without the sweat? No judgment. The Catskill Thunder Gondola runs all summer with far less cardiovascular commitment. Either way, bring water, wear real shoes, and give yourself time. This isn't Manhattan. Nobody hands out a prize for walking faster.
The Catskills are known for it’s hidden spots with water holes.
Then Find Some Water
A few hours on the trail and cold water suddenly becomes the most attractive thing in the world. The Catskills are full of streams, creeks, and natural swimming holes, beautiful because they're wild, which also means slippery rocks, shifting currents, and no lifeguard standing by with sunscreen and a towel.
Peekamoose Blue Hole is the region's best-known spot, remarkably clear, cold water surrounded by forest. It's also popular enough that New York State requires a permit for the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor in summer. Plan ahead rather than showing up with six friends, three coolers, and pure optimism. And wherever you swim, leave the place looking like you were never there.
Want an Easier Plan? Belleayre Beach
Not everyone wants to scramble across rocks hunting for a secret swimming hole, fair enough. Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is the easy version: clear water, a sandy beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnic areas, all without needing to identify poison ivy first. Open through early September, ideal after a hike, or as the whole day's plan if your idea of adventure is a towel and a good book. We fully support that version too.
The Perfect Catskills Summer Day
Wake up slowly. Coffee on the porch. Hike Belleayre. Get wonderfully hot and a little dirty. Find cold water. Swim. Come back to Alpine Four Season Lodge, shower, put your feet up, and watch the light move across the mountain all afternoon. No airport, no complicated itinerary, no resort schedule telling you when relaxation officially begins. Just mountains, water, forest, and room to breathe.
Your Catskills Escape Is Closer Than You Think
August won't stay August forever. The forest is deep green, the streams are cold, and the best part of the season is happening right now. So don't just save another Catskills photo to your camera roll, come live in it for a few days.
Book direct at AlpineFourSeasonLodge.com and build your late-summer escape around hiking, swimming, mountain mornings, and evenings that don't require a reservation.
The mountain is ready. The water is cold. You just have to get here.
Daniel & The Crew
Alpine Four Season Lodge, 32 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY 12441
