Canines on a Mission in Catskill Mountains, New York
- Luie Boone
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 27
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
If your ideal getaway includes crisp mountain air, wide-open trails, and your loyal dog trotting happily by your side, it’s time to head to the Catskill Mountains in New York. Spanning over 700,000 acres within Catskill Park, this stretch of the Appalachian range is made for outdoor adventure, especially the kind that includes your four-legged best friend. Luie Boone says he's ready for those long sniff-filled hikes and endless trails to explore. So don’t be surprised if your pooch starts leading the pack, because they've got the nose for it!
Start your adventure in Woodstock, which is a creative, dog-loving town where pups are part of daily life. There are water bowls outside shops, welcoming patios, and a laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect place to explore with your best friend.
Just a short drive away, you can find Phoenicia. This spot offers a slower pace and a peaceful setting. It’s a great spot to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the calm with your pup by your side. Then, you can head east to Hunter, where the fresh mountain air and open spaces create an ideal setting for outdoor adventures. It’s a great base for dogs and their humans looking for room to roam and unwind.
Nearby Tannersville adds charm and color, with a welcoming small-town feel and easy access to nature. It’s a lovely stop for a stroll and some fresh air with your dog. Move on to Windham that offers a relaxed, alpine atmosphere with gentle trails and wide-open views. It’s perfect for peaceful walks and time spent in nature together.
For an even quieter retreat, Delhi is full of rolling hills and open space. It’s a peaceful getaway for dogs who enjoy slow walks and quiet moments off the beaten path. Sundown, tucked into the southern Catskills, is a hidden gem with forest roads and serene trails. It’s a haven for pooches who love to explore in a more remote and tranquil setting.
Finish your adventure in Cuddebackville, which is a small, unspoiled hamlet in the western Catskills. With its natural beauty and welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect place for dogs to run, sniff, and relax in peace
From mountaintop hikes and creekside naps to lazy village strolls and cozy cabin stays, the Catskill Mountains are a dream destination for dogs and humans alike!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Catskill Mountains, New York. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Eden Pond
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3.5 baths.
Photos courtesy of Red Cottage
It features the following amenities:
Perched on a rise overlooking the pond
Down a long driveway flanked by ferns (Luie Boone says this home is as private as it gets!)
18 acres to explore, which are set back in the woods
Neighbors the Neversink River Unique Nature Preserve
Fenced garden with perennial flowers (Luie Boone can't wait to sniff them!)
Stone patio and BBQ
Adirondack chairs facing the pond
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I heard the magic word the other day. No, it's not “walk" or “treat.” It was "vacation!" And then my humans said something even better: Eden Pond! I’m not totally sure what it is yet, but from all the excited human chatter, here’s what I’ve gathered… Eden Pond is a big cozy house in Catskill Mountains. The house was built way back in 1939. It is surrounded by trees and 18 whole acres of tail-wagging freedom. There’s a pond called Gillman Pond, which sounds like a great place for splashing, barking at frogs, and maybe chasing a duck or two. The house has four bedrooms, lots of sunny spots for napping, and something called a “Wolf range,” which I’m 90% sure is a magical bacon-making machine. I plan to supervise it closely. There’s also a fenced garden and a place nearby called the Neversink Nature Preserve, which sounds like heaven. There's trails, waterfalls, maybe even deer to sniff there! My humans keep saying it’s quiet and peaceful. Eden Pond, I’m coming for you.
Paws Venture Here
Peekamoose Blue Hole
Because of its remote location, Peekamoose Blue Hole has become an extremely popular destination. Luie Boone will tell you the reason for its allure: Peekamoose Blue Hole offers a rare opportunity to plunge into a Catskills waterhole! That's why it can get crowded, so be sure your pup is okay with a little more hectic environment.
Overlook Mountain Wild Forest
Bring your best friend out for a day to explore at the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest. The area hosts a hiking trail with a unique combination of a historic fire tower, mountain house ruins, and impressive views!
The Big Deep
The Big Deep is a popular swimming area, with a pretty jade lagoon surrounded by forest. The parking area is just a roadside pull off. Once you park, you and your pooch can follow a well worn trail down to the water.
Slide Mountain Wilderness
The Slide Mountain Wilderness encompasses more than 47,500 acres. It is the largest and most popular wilderness area in the Catskill Forest Preserve. There are extensive foot trails, which provide access to the remote interior.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is the highest fire tower in New York State. It is located at an elevation of 4,040 feet, and it is on the summit of Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountains. The tower is open to the public and their pals for hiking and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Catskills. Luie Boone hopes your pooch isn't afraid of heights!
The Windham Path
Take your doggo on The Windham Path, which provides the only public access to the Batavia Kill Stream in Windham. You can meanders through meadows and woodlands, as well as across bridges. Luie Boone says there are some fantastic views of the Great Northern Catskills to take in with your furry friend!
Neversink River Unique Area
The 6,580-acre Neversink Unique Area features a spectacular gorge and several waterfalls. This unique area is a great destination for hiking with your pup.
Phoenicia Diner
Dogs are welcome at The LOT at the Phoenicia Diner, which is their outdoor, heated eating area with picnic-style service. Their Airstream has dog snacks and a stack of water bowls at a drink station.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Catskill Mountains, New York
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
So, I heard about this awesome place in the Catskill Mountains from a super cool Golden Retriever who knows all the best spots. He told me about towering trees, endless trails, and streams just perfect for splashing around. Sounds like a dream, right? But do you want to know the scoop? Well, the Catskills have loads of unmarked roads and private trails that look like fun shortcuts, but actually belong to someone else. I got a serious heads-up that wandering off the official trails could mean trespassing. And trust me, that’s no joke—upset landowners and fines for my humans! What about pup prison? Yikes, that sounds like no good! So, I’m making a promise right now: near any tricky spots, I’m staying on my leash and sticking to the marked trails only. No getting lost and no getting in trouble. Besides, I want to make sure we keep coming back for tons more tail-wagging trips. Ready to hit the Catskills the right way? Let’s go!
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