Escape the crowds, crunch through the leaves, and find out why midweek near Belleayre Mountain might be the best getaway of the season.
The pumpkins are slumping. The skeletons are back in the closet. And at last you can walk down the street without passing someone with an axe sticking out of their head. Halloween is over. The good part is just starting.
Here at Alpine Four Season Lodge, tucked into the Catskills at the foot of Belleayre Mountain, November is when the mountains quiet down. Even better, you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy it.
Falling Leaves, Rustling Forests & Zero Deadlines
Have you ever gotten bored watching leaves fall? Neither have we. Walk through the forest and listen to the leaves crunch under your boots. Watch the birds hop between branches, clearly conducting very important bird business. No meetings. No traffic. No one asking if you saw their email. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. (No swimsuit required.) You slow down, breathe deep, and let the trees do the work. It’s one of the few activities where doing nothing is the entire point.
Five Ways to Spend a Midweek Escape
1. Take in Belleayre Mountain
With the leaves down, our neighbor Belleayre Mountain shows views you can’t see all summer. Enjoy the crisp air and the quiet before ski season arrives. Check the mountain’s schedule and trail access before you go.
2. Hike Giant Ledge
For those who like to earn their views, Giant Ledge has some of the best panoramas in the Catskills. Pack water, wear real boots, and bring a camera. The views are free. The sore legs are complimentary. November trails can be slippery or icy, so check conditions first.
3. Wander Fleischmanns
Minutes from the lodge, the village of Fleischmanns is a lesson in taking your time: historic streets, old-world architecture, and nobody in a hurry. Find more at Great Western Catskills.
4. Drive the Long Way to Margaretville
Follow the winding mountain roads to Margaretville for local shops, galleries, and a lazy lunch. No appointments to race to. No fighting for parking. More ideas at Visit the Catskills.
5. Do Absolutely Nothing. Seriously.
Our favorite. Grab a chair outside the lodge, wrap up in a blanket, and watch the forest. Bring a book. Maybe don’t open it. The last golden leaves will keep you busy enough.
Hungry? The immediate area offers excellent restaurants our favorite is still Peekamosse Restaurant, and a close second is The Shandaken Inn with cozy bar and fire place.
A Little Zen Goes a Long Way
The summer rush is over. The leaf-peepers have gone home. Winter is getting ready for its entrance.
Right now, the mountains are taking one long, slow breath. You should join them.
Wake up without an alarm. Stretch. Take a forest walk. Linger over breakfast. Remember what it feels like to have nowhere you need to be.
That’s not laziness. That’s luxury.
And unlike your inbox, the mountains never need an immediate reply.
Why Midweek?
Here’s a little secret. While everyone fights over weekend reservations, the most peaceful days in the Catskills happen Monday through Thursday.
The trails are emptier. The roads are calmer. The villages move at their own pace. And midweek stays are often better value than weekends.
From Highmount, you’re perfectly placed to explore Belleayre, wander the villages, or simply disappear into the woods. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a personal reset, or a spontaneous two-nighter, a cozy mountain retreat is waiting.
Why Wait Until Friday?
The scary faces are gone. The crowds are leaving. The forest, the mountain air, and the quiet are all still here.
Best part? You could be here tomorrow.
🍁 Escape midweek: book direct for our best rate
Come for the mountains. Stay for the silence. Leave with your inbox at zero, mostly because you stopped checking it.
See you in the mountains!
Daniel & The Crew
Your Host at Alpine Four Season Lodge
📍 32 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY 12441
🌲 www.alpinefourseasonlodge.com
