If life moves at a bit of a slower pace for you, worry not – for there are plenty of soft adventure opportunities that await you in the Catskill Region.  Activities ranging from hiking to kayaking, cross-country skiing to motorcycle touring are popular here as well.  There are plenty of invigorating cross-country and snowshoeing trails to choose from, many around the ski resort areas.

Hiking
There are over 98 peaks in the Catskill Region, ranging from 3,000 feet to the highest peak of 4,190 feet, known as Slide Mountain in the Eastern Region, a favorite of the late, great local poet John Burroughs.  From here, a panoramic view provides sightlines into the Hudson Valley, Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains and the Green Mountains of Vermont.  There are 35 miles of trail surrounding Slide Mountain.  The Burroughs Range Trail, accessible from the Woodland Valley Campground, is perhaps the most challenging route at almost 10 miles and features a 3,620-foot elevation gain from start to finish.  If you prefer a less strenuous ascent, start from Slide Mountain Trailhead parking area with a 1,780-foot change in elevation, the shortest, most direct route to the top at just over five miles.

In the Northern Region, Hunter Mountain measures 4,050 feet high, the second highest peak in the region and features 16 miles of hiking trails such as Diamond Notch (easy; 2.4 miles to Diamond Notch), Spruceton (moderate; 3.35 miles to summit), Becker Hollow (moderate; 2.3 miles to summit) and the Hunter Mountain Trail (moderate to difficult; 1.6 miles to summit).  To the West you can pick up the Catskill Scenic Trail in Bloomville.  It is a 19-mile journey all the way to Grand Gorge on a fairly level trail that follows an old railroad line. 

Golf
The Catskill Region is home to some of the finest golf in the state of New York, with 50 courses spread throughout the four counties.  Greene County has nine unique courses, all within a 14-mile radius of each other.  Windham Country Club, a 6,005-yard par-71 course tucked away within the Catskill Mountains, is a “must-play” according to Golf Digest, which rated it with three-and-a-half stars.  Blackhead Mountain Country Club is another fine layout, featuring water hazards, elevated tee boxes and multi-tiered greens, all carved into the beautiful landscape of the majestic Blackhead Mountains.

If you happen to be in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains, in Ulster County, the Nevele Grande Resort & Country Club offers 27 holes of championship golf designed by Robert Trent Jones and Tom Fazio.  The course was awarded four stars from Golf Digest in the magazine’s “Places to Play.”

The rolling hills, lush fairways and challenging greens of the golf course at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa will put your long and your short game to the test.  Creeks and ponds surround much of this 6,071-yard par-71, 18-hole course.  Located in Kerhonkson, it’s 90 minutes from New York City and 20 minutes from New Paltz and Kingston. 

French Woods Golf & Country Club, in Hancock, is the perfect course for both beginners and expert golfers.  This 18-hole, par 72-course offers the Golfers Weekday Getaway, which includes accommodations for two nights, three 18-hole rounds with cart for two people and lunch daily. 

Shephard Hills Golf Course, in Roxbury, is a turn-of-the-century golf course dating back to 1919.  Originally part of the estate of Helen Gould Shephard, daughter of railroad magnate and Roxbury resident Jay Gould, this hilly nine-hole, par-36 course is one of the region’s most challenging courses.  After a round of golf enjoy dinner at the Shephard Hills Restaurant. 

Tubing
For a wet and wild adventure, take the family into the heart of the Catskill Mountains and a tubing ride down Esopus Creek.  Town Tinker Tube in Phoenicia has become one of the most popular tubing courses in the area and attracts travelers from all over to ride the rapids and drift with the current on the Esopus Creek.  The expertly trained guides provide tubing courses for the novice and expert.  Children must be over 12 years old and good swimmers. 

F-S Tube & Raft Rental in Phoenicia features tubes with seats in them, paddles, life jackets and a shuttle up river to the drop off area, helping to create a challenging trip down Esopus Creek. 

Horseback Riding
For land-lovers, the mountains of the Catskill Region provide you with the opportunity to experience some of the best horseback trail riding around.  Delaware County has miles of trails to explore as well as private stables where guided rides and lessons are available. The county is home to Bear Spring Mountain State Park, the only campground in the state specifically designed for use by horseback riders and features specially designed campsites that accommodate horse trailers and horse lodging facilities.  Another favorite riding area is the leisurely 19-mile Catskill Scenic Trail through Bloomville, Stamford, Grand Gorge and Hobart.  You should also mosey on over to Stone Tavern Farm in Roxbury, which offers guided trail rides, riding lessons and even a summer kids camp. 

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it would be like to work on a dude ranch, Ulster County has a few, such as Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort and Rocking House Ranch Resort, which feature horseback riding, cattle drives and much more. Many of the area resorts and hotels, including Mohonk Mountain House and the Nevele Grand Resort and Country Club, offer horseback riding and trails.  In addition, independent operators give lessons in proper riding techniques and guided trail rides with professional instructors.

Sullivan County has countless miles of trails through wooded forests, across open farmland and along winding creeks.  Oak Ridge Farm, Stone Wall Farms and Maple Grove Horse Farm are a few examples of places for horseback riding in this county.