7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Outdoor Adventures

Albany Winter Thacher Park

Why does hot chocolate taste so much better after spending a brisk day outside? Check out these fun ideas and find out. Whether you’re interested in ice skating, snowshoeing or skiing—we’ve got suggestions to help you get outside and enjoy the season!

1. Bear Mountain Ice Rink | Rockland County

Enjoy ice skating at Bear Mountain Ice Rink—named Hudson Valley Magazine’s “Best of 2022” for Best Ice-Skating Rink in the Hudson Valley. Located at Bear Mountain inn, the rink offers day and nighttime skating, skate rentals, and lessons. It’s cold weather fun for the whole family!

2. Fahnestock Winter Park | Putnam County

Nestled in the 16,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Fahnestock Winter Park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding/ tubing. A variety of rental equipment is available for all ages and ability levels including ski gear, snowshoes, sledding tubes, and tow-behind skier baby polks. The Park features a concession stand with hot food, snacks and beverages. Restrooms and changing rooms are also available.

3. Snowshoeing Slide Mountain Wilderness | Ulster County

Ready for a super cool workout? Check out Giant Ledge-Panther Mountain Trail! Located within Slide Mountain Wilderness’ 47,500-acre state-owned Forest Preserve in New York’s Catskill Park—Giant Ledge-Panther Mountain trail is 6.3 miles long trail and includes 3 snowshoeing trails with an elevation of up to 3,851 feet of total ascent.

4. Bearpen Mountain Sports | Greene County

Bearpen Mountain features outdoor adventure and fun for all ages! Opportunities abound for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking through scenic Catskill Mountain trails. Zoom down the longest snow tubing run in New York or glide along ice skating paths. Better yet, try your hand at curling! Rentals are available.

5. Pine Hollow Arboretum | Greene County

Winter adventure and exploration await at the Pine Hollow Arboretum! Located in Slingerlands, the arboretum is a true winter wonderland. Time your visit after a snowfall to search for animal tracks along the trails. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days per year.

6. John Boyd Thacher State Park | Albany County

A top destination all four seasons, this park is especially inviting during winter. Marvel at frozen waterfalls and venture through snow-covered forests. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, hike, mountain bike, and snowmobile on designated trails. Interested in ice fishing? Thompson's Lake, nestled within Thacher Park, is a go-to spot! Also, snowshoe rentals are available nearby at the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center.

7. Huyck Preserve | Albany County

Embark on a day trip to the Helderberg Hilltowns for a snowshoeing adventure at the Huyck Preserve! During the snowy months, you can snowshoe on over 12 miles of trails that meander through a peaceful wooded forest and along a frozen Lake Myosotis. Advanced reservations are required email info@huyckpreserve.org to arrange.

Putnam Fahnestock-Winter Park

After your outdoor escapade, get warm and cozy at one of these nearby luxury Hotels.