Hunter Mountain (Route 23A) is a year-round Catskills destination. Visitors can reach nearby waterfalls - most notably Kaaterskill Falls - enjoy winter sports (skiing, tubing, snowshoeing), and summer activities (mountain biking, zipline, chairlift rides). The Catskill Game Farm closed in 2006; regional arts and outdoor attractions fill out itineraries. Access is easiest by car; airports include Albany International and the New York metro airports. Check seasonal access, parking, and operator schedules before visiting.

Overview

Hunter Mountain sits on Route 23A in the Catskill Mountains and serves as a year-round outdoor destination for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The area combines classic mountain recreation with easy access to several notable waterfalls and small towns in Greene, Ulster, Columbia, Albany, and Delaware counties.

Waterfalls and scenic highlights

Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tiered cascade that is among the tallest in New York State, is a short drive from Hunter Mountain and remains one of the region's most visited natural attractions. Haines Falls and the Kaaterskill Clove area offer nearby viewpoints and trail access. Other local waterfalls, including the falls near Haines Falls sometimes called Bastion or Horseshoe Falls, add variety to short hikes and photo stops.

Trails range from short interpretive walks to longer hikes that reward you with broad mountain views; on a clear day from the higher summits you can see distant state skylines toward New England.

Year-round activities at Hunter Mountain

Winter brings alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and snowshoeing on maintained slopes. Hunter Mountain Resort operates lessons and programs for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Summer and shoulder seasons feature mountain biking, guided trail rides, a canopy zipline/aerial adventure course, scenic chairlift rides, and concerts and events on the resort's fields and stages. 1

Fishing, paddling, and day hikes are easy to plan from base towns such as Tannersville and Hunter village. The landscape also supports horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling where trails permit.

Local history and attractions

The Catskill Game Farm, once a popular family attraction, closed in 2006; remnants of its legacy remain in local history and community projects. 2 More broadly, the region offers arts venues, climbing areas, and small sports complexes across Greene and neighboring counties.

Getting there

Hunter Mountain is most commonly reached by car from the New York City and Albany regions. The nearest major airports are Albany International (ALB) and the New York metro airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark). Intercity buses and regional transit serve nearby towns, but services and routes vary by season. 3

Practical tips

  • Check trail and waterfall access before you go; some viewpoints and parking areas have seasonal restrictions.
  • Reserve lodging and lessons during peak winter and summer weekends.
  • Follow posted safety guidance at waterfalls and on steep trails.
Hunter Mountain remains a convenient Catskills base for outdoor recreation, whether you're after downhill runs, forested hikes, or scenic waterfalls.
  1. Confirm common alternate names and precise location for Bastion Falls / Horseshoe Falls near Haines Falls.
  2. Verify current operators and offerings at Hunter Mountain (zipline/aerial course operator, concert venue schedule).
  3. Confirm the present status and any redevelopment of the Catskill Game Farm site since its 2006 closure.
  4. Check current intercity bus routes and nearest passenger rail stations serving Hunter Mountain and nearby towns.

FAQs about Hunter Mountain

What are the main seasons and activities at Hunter Mountain?
Hunter Mountain is active year-round: winter focuses on downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and snowshoeing; summer and shoulder seasons offer mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, zipline/aerial courses, fishing, and hiking.
Can I visit Kaaterskill Falls from Hunter Mountain?
Yes. Kaaterskill Falls is a short drive from Hunter Mountain and is one of New York State's tallest waterfalls. Access, parking, and trail routes can change seasonally, so check current conditions before you go.
Is the Catskill Game Farm open?
No. The Catskill Game Farm closed in 2006. Parts of its history remain in local archives and community projects, but it no longer operates as a zoo or petting farm.
What is the best way to get to Hunter Mountain?
Driving is the most convenient option. The nearest major airports are Albany International (ALB) and the New York metro airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark). Intercity buses and some regional transit serve nearby towns; availability varies by season.