A November escape near Belleayre Mountain, where autumn meets winter and doing less counts as a plan.
One morning the Catskills are glowing in golden sunshine. The next, there’s frost on the grass, your breath shows up before you do, and Belleayre Mountain is quietly trading its last leaves for its first snow.
Welcome to November, the month Mother Nature can’t make up her mind. Frankly, we love it.
Get a taste of the ski lifts at Belleayre mountain.
The Beauty of Almost-Winter
This is the most underrated stretch of the year up here. The last leaves are hanging on, the forest floor is a crunchy carpet, and with the canopy gone you can finally see how big these mountains really are.
Lace up and hike Giant Ledge, a short drive down Route 47, for some of the best views in the Catskills. It’s steep for about 20 minutes, then it pays you back for the rest of the day. The waterfalls and streams haven’t gone anywhere. They’ve just changed outfits. And unlike October, you’ll mostly have the trails to yourself. Peace and quiet. Imagine that.
Coffee, Comfort Food and Absolutely No Rush
After your hike, head down Route 28 to Phoenicia. Grab a big breakfast at Phoenicia Diner, wander the shops, and warm your hands around something hot.
Want to stretch your legs a little more? The Ashokan Rail Trail is flat, gorgeous and very forgiving. Or take the scenic drive toward Woodstock.
November doesn’t need an itinerary. A good walk. A delicious lunch. A cup of tea. Maybe a second cup of tea.
You escaped the the city, not training for the Olympics.
Belleayre Is Putting On Its Winter Coat
While the forest sheds its leaves, Belleayre is gearing up for ski season. The snow guns are coming to life and the opening countdown is on. One week it’s hiking boots. Soon enough it’s skis, snowboards and people trying to remember where they put their gloves last March.
Follow the countdown on the Belleayre Mountain conditions page.
Enjoy the views from the LIVE webcam page
A Romantic Retreat
Come for a romantic retreat, a few days of remote work with a view, or a reset before the Thanksgiving holiday takes over. Sometimes the best thing to do in the Catskills is absolutely nothing, and we’ve made doing nothing very comfortable.
Come for the changing seasons. Stay for the stillness.
👉 Book direct at alpinefourseasonlodge.com for our best rates.
Daniel & The Crew
32 Gallie Curci Road, Highmount, NY 12441
