Best Ways to Savor Autumn Days

Our Favorite Places to Leaf Peep & Explore All Things Fall

The air is changing and it’s a crisp reminder that we’ll be settling into shorter days with cool, cozy months arriving at our doorstep very soon. Before we tuck in for winter, let’s get out and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular displays - autumn in the Northeast! The Catskills and Hudson Valley are top destinations for viewing fall foliage and the Stewart House is at the heart of it all, centrally located for quick access to the region’s best hikes, drives, strolls and activities. 

Leaf peeping might be an annual tradition for you, or this could be your very first autumn in New York. So what’s your plan? Maybe you’re craving a strenuous hike to the highest peak, or you’d rather slow it down for the weekend by eating cider donuts and wandering through an apple orchard. Whatever the urge, we can point you in the right direction with our top picks.

Views from the River

For a totally unique perspective, our friends at Catskill Charters will pick you up at our private dock for a personalized river cruise. Surrounded by an explosion of autumn colors while coasting along the Hudson River banks is something you’ll never forget. Take along a taste of harvest season with lunch or dinner from The River Grill (weekends only).

Leisurely Walks & Hardcore Hikes

Back on land, gentle terrain is easy to find at the Hudson River Skywalk (4 miles / 8 minutes from SH) which offers sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains, and also connects the homes and studios of Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. Park on the Catskill side of the Skywalk at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. While there, pop in to explore how the region’s magnificent landscapes inspired the 19th century American art movement known as the Hudson River School. Next, make your way to the Rip Van Winkle bridge for a breathtaking Skywalk that ultimately leads you to Olana, the historic home of Frederic Church perched high above the river with nearly 360 degree views.   

Cohotate Preserve (1.5 miles / 4 minutes from SH) is a well maintained trail system that weaves through towering woods and leads to the river’s edge where sightings of bald eagles and great blue herons are common. At low tide you can see pilings where a jetty once stood, welcoming barges to one of the largest ice houses in the region. Although the ice house no longer stands, old bricks linger around the site as remnants of the past. The trail system links to a neighboring preserve, The Willows at Brandow Point where you’ll find more river views and a stunning grassland habitat, a haven for bird watchers. Park in the lot for Cohotate Preserve or The Willows at Brandow Point and follow marked trails for easy to moderate walking/hiking.  

Hikers have so many options in our region, it’s easy to get overwhelmed just trying to decide where to go. Start off with a lovely drive to North-South Lake Forest Preserve (23 miles / 43 minutes from SH), home to nearly a dozen trailheads with something for everyone, including an easy hike to the site of the old Catskill Mountain House. If you want a challenge, you’ll find that too. North Point is a 7.7 mile hike (out and back) that takes 4 to 5 hours. It’s moderate to difficult with some steep sections, offering outstanding views from multiple ledges. On a clear day, you can see beyond the Hudson River and all the way to the Berkshires. We love the images and tips for this hike at Hike The Hudson Valley. 

Country Drives & Skyrides

Looking for all the views without breaking a sweat? Take a thirty minute drive to the “Land In The Sky” for a five state view and a quaint mountain town. Head south on Rte. 385 toward Catskill, then west on Rte. 23 toward Cairo. Along the way, our favorite detour for road trip sustenance is See & Be Kitchen (15 miles / 20 minutes from SH). Once you’re back on the road and climbing the Blackhead Mountain range toward the clouds, keep your eyes peeled for the Five State Lookout parking area on the right. Pull in and see for miles while nibbling on the tasty treats you just picked up, unless you already ate them, we get it. Next, continue heading west until you reach Windham and jump on the chairlift at Windham Mountain ski area (29 miles / 38 minutes from SH) for a skyride to the peak. At the top, take a panoramic hike, or relax on the deck and watch mountain bikers whiz by. If you’ve decided to make a day of it, visit The Vineyard at Windham (34 miles / 45 minutes from SH). It’s absolutely perfect if being nestled in the Catskill Mountains while tasting local wine in a lush vineyard is your idea of a great afternoon (reservations required). Tip: bring a sweater, those higher elevations are always 10 degrees cooler than the valley.

Apple Picking, Donut Eating & Cider Drinking

Strolling through an orchard and picking your own apples is truly a feast for the senses. Leaves crunching beneath your feet, the earthy scent of fall, and so many shades of red waiting to be plucked. Lucky for us, many farms are as serious about their cider donuts as they are about their apples. If you set off in any direction from the Stewart House, you will  find local farmers to greet you and flavors that will delight. Here is a list of our favorites.

Boehm Family Farm - (10 miles / 17 minutes from SH) Pick your own apples and pumpkins at this family farm. Offering quality produce including fresh cider and apple cider donuts for more than 100 years. It’s the only family-owned and operated apple orchard remaining in Greene County. 

Fix Brothers (8 miles / 14 minutes from SH) Taking great pride in their produce, Fix Brothers is a 5th generation family fruit farm with a multitude of apple varieties to choose from. 

Love Apple Farm - (17 miles / 29 minutes from SH) Pick your own at this one-stop farm. It’s also a market, cafe and bakery featuring fresh food from the farm and other local producers. The bakery offers homemade pies, scones and of course - cider donuts.

Left Bank Cidery & Tasting Room - (5 miles / 10 minutes) Did you know that apples grow wild in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains? The folks at Left Bank Ciders will tell you all about it. Inventive, small-batch ciders and meads that celebrate apples and their environment is their mission. All ingredients are sourced locally and pressed, fermented and aged in their cellar in Catskill, NY. 

Make It Last 

The biggest challenge is squeezing everything into just one weekend. No pressure, but there’s a solid argument for extending your stay or carving out time for two weekend getaways. These autumn opportunities only roll around once a year. Not to mention, all those cider donuts - somebody has to eat them. Get in touch and we’ll set you up with warm hospitality, comfort, convenience and great memories!