Summer at Belleayre
The base of Belleayre Mountain is 2024 feet above sea level, and its peak is at 3429 feet above sea level. That additional 1405 feet of elevation guarantees beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains. The scenic gondolas used in wintertime to transfer eager downhill skiers to the top will provide the same ride for summer visitors on weekends and select midweek days from June 28 through October 13.
A picnic at the peak and a family walk around the area are highly recommended. It’s no surprise that the Catskills are often described by admirers as “the land in the sky.”
Tickets for the gondola are available online and in person.
Belleayre also boasts a refreshing mountain lake hidden at the foot of Belleayre Mountain, just a stone’s throw away from the charming little hamlet of Pine Hill. Belleayre Beach opened for swimming on June 15. Kids can participate in a number of water thrills, from paddleboarding and kayaking to boating, swimming, and picnicking. Vehicles are charged a day rate to enter, but frequent beachgoers can purchase a season pass. Belleayre also hosts events throughout the summer, including a car show on August 24, movie nights, free live music, and Friday-night food trucks in a vendor village.
Ashokan Rail-Trail
Families looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon will find the perfect destination in the Ashokan Rail-Trail, an 11.5-mile-long trail along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir that stretches from West Hurley west to Boiceville. The multi-use path is used for biking, walking, bird-watching, and in the winter for cross-country skiing.
During summer, the boisterous wildlife, strategically placed benches, and vibrant reservoir create a rustic paradise. For families hoping to bike, that option is available through Overlook Bike Rentals, directly across Route 28 from the Ashokan Station Trailhead in Shokan. The shop offers a variety of bicycles for any terrain, including hybrid bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes.
Food trucks and housing
The City of Kingston and the Kingston House of Culture are hosting a food-truck festival on Friday, June 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 615 Broadway. Showcasing DJs, dancers, food trucks, vendors and fun, the festival will be a great kickoff to a summer weekend.
The currently underutilized lot at 615 Broadway will highlight the planned future development of the site. The City of Kingston has been working with Baxter Development to convert the site into a community asset. The site will add 70 residential units to the Broadway community, along with arts-focused businesses and public open spaces. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
Join the family! 
