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The Catskill Mountains are located in the southeastern section of New York State. It is an area of lush, sprawling green hills and mountains as well as sparkling rivers and streams that flow into picturesque reservoirs. Not only is it beautiful but it is also loaded with fun things to do that allow you to enjoy that beauty no matter what time of year you find yourself there.
The summertime in the Catskills offers world class trout fishing. The Delaware River and Beaverkill are known throughout the country for their fishing pleasure, as well as the numerous reservoirs in the region. Speal permits are needed from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, but they are good for five years and are free to anyone who already possesses a current fishing license. You can take an afternoon to enjoy the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor.
Other ways to enjoy the water include riding down the rapids in inner tubes on scenic Esopus Creek in Phoencia, or go rafting, kayaking or canoeing on the Delaware River near Barryville at the Delaware Water Gap.
You can enjoy musical events at "The Garden", site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel. Scenic golf courses also abound in the Catskill Mountains, from the Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club in Round Top to the Tarry Brae Golf Course in South Fallsburg.
Looking for something just a little "different"? Try the Kaatskill Kaleidescope, the world's largest in Catskill Corners, or take a hike with a llama on East Brook Farm in Walton, which just happens to be the second largest llama farm on the east coast. In the summer the Catskills also offer camping as well as scenic rail rides, county fairs, and the Zoom Flume Waterpark in East Durham. Try the Hunter Mountain Skyride in Hunter. It is a chairlift ride that takes you up to the beautiful summit. You can also visit the Delaware County Fair in Walton, the third week of August every year. It is one of the largest remaining agricultural fairs in the state.
Fall is a splendid time to see the Catskills. You can take scenic train rides through the mountians on the Delaware and Ulster Rail Ride in Arkville, or the Catskill Mt. Railroad at Mt. Tremper. Or visit the Apple Pond Farming Center in Callicoon Center. They offer tours and hayrides as well as workshops and bread and cheese making. Stamford offers the Catskill Scenic Trail which has easy hiking or biking through gorgeous countryside. There are also Fall Festivals and Craft Fairs throughout October all through the Catskills. No matter what you choose to do there in the fall, the foliage will not disappoint you.
Winter in the Catskills is also a beautiful time. There is skiing at the popular Belleayre Mountain in Highmount as well as Hunter, Windham and the Bobcat Ski Center in Andes. Even the railways offer winter rides with Santa or to look at Christmas lights along the routes.
Spring is a great time to take advantage of the Bed and Breakfast Inns in the Catskills. There is probably one in every town throughout this beautiful region. It is also an optimum time to visit historic places such as Burroughs Memorial Field in Roxbury, which is the grave of the famous literary naturalist, John Burroughs.
No matter what time of year you find yourself in God's beautiful country, there will always be something fun, interesting and unique to do.
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