Greene: Culture, Waterfalls and Nature Experiences

Greene combines impressive landscapes, history and active days away into a destination with many different facets. Along the Hudson River and at the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains, wetlands, waterfalls and trails meet museums, historic houses and cultural traditions. Those looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home can therefore base their accommodation choice on the desired mix of nature, culture, water and activity.

Hudson River, Wetlands and Waterfalls

The Ramshorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary protects more than 436 acres of tidal marshes, swamplands, upland forests and fallow fields. It also contains the largest tidal marsh in the northern estuary of the Hudson River. RamsHorn Creek provides access to the Hudson River for canoes and kayaks. The sanctuary therefore complements a stay in which the landscape is experienced not only from the shore but also from the water.

At the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains, numerous streams plunge over the escarpment toward the Hudson Valley. As a result, Greene County has a high concentration of waterfalls. Kaaterskill Falls is 260 feet high, has two tiers and is one of the highest waterfalls in New York State. Bastion Falls is a roadside waterfall on Route 23A in Kaaterskill Clove and can be viewed from the parking area.

Historic Places and Living Culture

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site preserves Thomas Cole’s home and studios and conveys their history. His landscape paintings founded the Hudson River School art movement. The site currently offers regular admission Wednesday through Sunday; tickets can be booked online in advance or on site. This makes it an easily planned cultural element of a trip in which nature and art belong together.

At the Bronck Museum, guided tours lead through buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks and showcase more than 350 years of architectural history. Particularly striking is Pieter Bronck’s one-story stone house, built in 1663 and considered the oldest surviving house north of the metropolitan area. Tours are available by reservation; walk-in visits are possible if space is available.

The Zadock Pratt Museum presents local history and culture through special and permanent exhibitions, conservation, educational offerings, archives and public programs. It is housed in a Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1828 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986. At the Piano Performance Museum, visitors may play many of the instruments during their visit. The museum is open by appointment and accepts bookings for group tours of 4 to 25 people.

East Durham also adds its own cultural character. An Irish cultural enclave developed there and is known as the “Emerald Isle of the Catskills.” Recurring events on the annual cultural calendar include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Arts Week. Alongside landscapes and sports, these offerings give a trip a distinctive local character.

Trails for Active and Winter Days Away

The 2.7-mile Huckleberry Trail is suitable for bicycles and pedestrians. It follows the route of the former Huckleberry Railroad and is also suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Kaaterskill Rail Trail connects Mountain Top Historical Property with Laurel House Road above Kaaterskill Falls and is located near North-South Lake State Campground.

The Elm Ridge Trail Network includes more than 25 miles of trails. The Elm Ridge Trails are located in the state-owned, protected and permanently undeveloped Catskill Preserve Wild Forest; all visitors are welcome. Greene County offers more than 120 miles of trails for mountain biking. One road cycling route is 40 miles long and includes 3,440 feet of elevation gain. Depending on your preferred travel pace, you can therefore place greater emphasis on cultural visits, short excursions or extended active days when choosing your accommodation.

Winter sports are also part of the offerings: Windham Mountain provides 1,600 feet of vertical elevation while skiing, 97 percent snowmaking coverage and 12 ski lifts, including two detachable high-speed quad chairlifts. During the season, the ski school offers snow sports lessons for beginners of all ages. The Colonial Trail System comprises eight purpose-built “rake and ride” trails totaling just under 7 miles beside the Colonial Golf Club in Tannersville.

Water, Regional Products and Choosing Your Base

Public boat launches in Coxsackie and Athens allow visitors to make short stays along the Hudson River. A seasonal ferry service connects Athens and Hudson and offers views of the Hudson–Athens Lighthouse while crossing. For food on the go or regional discoveries, farmers’ markets in Greene County offer produce, baked goods, meat, cheese, locally made products and live music. Food tours combine farm shops, food trucks, local eateries and scenic picnic spots.

A vacation apartment or vacation home in Greene is especially well suited to your plans if you want to divide your days flexibly between museums, water, trails and regional cuisine. The Greene County Visitor Center provides free travel guides, maps and brochures as well as tourist advice on restaurants, hikes and accommodations. For further location options, you can also view the pages for Acra, Coxsackie, Catskill, Cairo, Palenville, Hunter, Windham, Greenville, Athens, Prattsville and Hensonville.

For the broader travel overview: New York.