Exciting Things to See and Do in the Catskill Mountains of New York

When visiting Catskill Park in New York, the sites and activities are numerous. Take a drive to the summit. Here you will find a favorite place for tourists to hang glide. Remember to pack your own hang glider though. While you are up there, visit Mount Utsayanatha.

Mount Utsayanatha received its name which means "beautiful spring" from a local Indian girl. Utsayanatha was said to have given birth to a child with a white father. Since Utsayanatha's father was the Indian chief, this made him furious and he killed the baby's father. The chief took the baby in a row boat to the middle of the lake and drowned the baby too. Utsayanatha had followed her father to the lake in hopes of saving the baby and overcome with grief, she drowned herself. According to the remainder of the legend, the chief recovered Utsayanatha's body from the lake, carried her to the top of the mountain and buried her. Though her body was discovered in 1862, it was not until 1936 when a monument was placed at the site. With many people interested in the old Indian legend, Mount Utsayanatha is a historic tourist attraction.

Windham Mountain is a place the entire family can find something they enjoy. There is paintball, golf, a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and a skateboard park. Located at 33 Clarence D. Lane Road, Windham NY 12496, Windham Mountain is home to numerous activities and fun for everyone! When you finish playing for the day, you have your choice of mountain top accommodations. You can choose to stay at the Winwood Inn or one of the private homes or condos.

Many miles of countryside await discovery all around the Catskill Mountains. Bring along your bike and enjoy the mountain roads as you pedal your way from place to place. Revive your spirit with by filling your lungs with the fresh mountain air as you search for ways to make your bike move faster down the mountain roads.

If you would rather take in the beautiful mountain scenery on foot, there are many of miles of trials just waiting for you to hike. Trails are located and intertwined across the mountain terrain. Hike up to the top of a mountain and take in the wondrous sights that will leave you speechless. Whether you are an avid hiker or just a beginner there are trails that suit any hiker.

Bird watching has become a favorite pastime of travelers across the world. While vacationing in the Catskill Mountains, take your bird watching book as you will need it when trying to identify the many different species of birds. More than 270 different species of birds have been sighted in the Catskill Mountains. The most variety has been spotted during the summer months, though birds of many species can be spotted year round.

The Catskill Mountains hold treasures galore for people of all ages. No matter who you are there is something in the Catskill area for you! Plan your next vacation today!