Top 10 Hikes for Kids in the Catskills
Where’s the best place to hike with kids in the Catskills? Anywhere you can teach your kids to appreciate nature and to leave no trace will do the trick — but waterfalls, gorgeous views, and proximity to good food will take any kid-friendly hike to the next level.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of “The Best Catskill Hikes for Kids” — it’s just 10 hikes we’ve experienced first-hand and loved. Click through the photos below for additional images and hike reviews.
If any of my info is out of date due to Covid, please let me know in the comments!
Waterfall Hikes
Easy, Awesome: Mine Kill Falls
This roaring waterfall is easy to access, and close to a roadside diner and soft serve joint.
Simple Hikes, Pretty Views
Easy for littles: Windham Path
The wide, mostly flat trails are easy enough for a toddler, but you might want to bring a baby-carrier if it’s close to nap time.
Landscape = Art: Explore Olana
Frederic Church turned 250-acres into one big naturalistic work of art.
Super Swamp:
Four-Mile Point
A bubbly, burpy oasis of avocado green goop plus views from the banks of the Hudson River.
Eat + Hike
Trotwood at
Glen Falls House
Hotel guests and diners at the excellent on-site restaurant are invited to explore their waterfall trails. Pro tip: Make sure they aren’t booked for a private event BEFORE you make dinner plans!
Gavin’s Irish Country Inn
Guests at this classic, all-inclusive Irish resort have access to the most gorgeous waterfall trails, plus family-friendly activities, plenty of live Irish music, and Friday night barbecues that are open to the public.
Crystal Brook Resort
Guests at this German-American hideaway and diners at their amazing Mountain Brahaus can follow the trails to a breathtaking waterfall.
Catskill Mountain Country Store
Kid-friendly fare, friendly farm animals, and a little path through the woods make this the perfect destination for the littlest hikers.
A Bonus for the Babes
Too Little for a Real Hike?
In this adorable throwback post, my son, Archer (then age 5), offered tips on taking a nature walk.
Did I miss any great hikes? Let me know in the comments!
