Want a great view of the high peaks of the northern Catskills without having to climb one of them? Want to check out the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Green Mountains in Vermont from somewhere further in the mountains than North Lake?
You can do it from the top of Hunter Mountain. Just take the summer skyride, a six-passenger Kaatskill-flyer detachable chairlift, to the summit at 3200 feet and enjoy the spectacular views. If you want more than just looking, take one of the clearly-marked DEC hiking trails the lead up to the Hunter Mountain fire tower, at 4040 feet in elevation the highest in New York State. The hike to the tower is considered moderate, but is approximately three hours round-trip for the four-mile hike.
The skyride runs from through to the Columbus Day weekend (Monday, October 8), and operates weather permitting. The ride takes approximately eleven minutes each way. Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult. No carried infants are permitted. The prices are $10 for adults (13 and over); $6 for juniors (7-12); and $8 for seniors (65 plus). Children under six are free. Group rates are available. For more information and directions to Hunter Mountain call 1-800-486-8376 or e-mail: huntermtn.com/huntermtn/summer-activities/skyride.aspx.