Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Hunter, NY

  • Published 2022/07/29

Do the mountains feel like home to you?

If the cold air of the mountaintops warms your heart and the towering trees calm your soul, then the town of Hunter in New York should be paradise for you.

Hunter is a tranquil town in Greene County, New York, sitting atop the Catskill Mountains.

The Catskills belong to the famous Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern New York.

Known as a cold place all year round, it is a popular summer destination to cool off and unwind.

It’s also a must-visit winter vacation spot due to the high volume of snow, ideal for snow sports and activities.

From heartwarming pubs and relaxing spas to world-class snow activities, a vacation in Hunter deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Check out the best things to do in Hunter, New York, and take notes for a fantastic vacation.

Kickstart Your Summer at the Taste of Country Music Festival

Start your trip to Hunter by enjoying a stellar music festival.

Join the Taste of Country Music Festival on Hunter Mountain and listen to great music amid the astounding mountain views.

When summer kicks in, the Taste of Country Music Festival takes place on Hunter Mountain.

This country music weekend presents a unique take on a music festival, infused with outdoor camping, fantastic food and drinks, and good scenery.

Visitors from across the country flock to this festival to socialize while enjoying the lovely ambiance of Hunter Mountain.

Invite your family and friends because there is never a dull moment at the Taste of Country Music Festival.

Try Snow Activities at Hunter Mountain Resort

Snowboard and ski rack on the grounds of Hunter Mountain Resort

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

The Hunter Mountain Resort offers not only a peaceful haven to its guests but also an exciting opportunity to try snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, and more.

Add a unique twist to your regular vacation, injecting adrenaline into every winter activity you do.

People enjoying the Hunter Mountain Resort snow

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

Bringing friends and family here is an excellent choice to unwind and cool off from the bustling urban ambiance.

Enjoy games and activities for everyone of all ages.

As a famous attraction, the Hunter Mountain Resort offers many snow activities.

You might want to book a reservation ahead of time to make the most of your experience at this resort.

Ski lift chairs at Hunter Mountain Resort

FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a Cozy Meal at Jagerberg Beer Hall and Alpine Tavern

If you want to try German food, visit Jagerberg Beer Hall and Alpine Tavern.

This watering hole or tavern on Main Street prepares mouthwatering alpine-themed German menu that attracts food lovers.

From house-baked pretzels to different kinds of schnitzels, this tavern brings the taste of German cuisine close to you.

Finish your dining experience by enjoying Germany’s specialty, the best-tasting beer in the world.

Now, you do not have to go to Germany to taste authentic German food and drown yourself in fantastic beer.

Just go to Hunter, New York, and dine at Jagerberg Beer Hall and Alpine Tavern.

Ride the Famous Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride

Another must-try activity at Hunter Mountain is riding the Scenic Skyride on Route 23A.

Embark on an 11-minute ride to the top of Hunter Mountain.

See spectacular aerial views of the Catskill Mountains, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Massachusetts Berkshires.

On a chairlift, you’ll see the beauty of the mountains while enjoying the cold breeze of Hunter, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Feast your eyes on the sights outside your cable car.

The Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride is an in-demand activity and depends heavily on weather conditions.

If you want to secure a spot on the ride, you might want to call for an appointment.

Ride the Thrilling Zipline at New York Zipline Adventures

If you still want to do more exhilarating activities, then riding the zipline at New York Zipline Adventures should keep you alive.

New York Zipline Adventures boasts one of the fastest, longest, and highest zip line canopy tours in all of North America.

This thrilling ride offers a unique detour in your trip on Hunter Mountain.

You’ll enjoy the fantastic scenery of the area while you zip across the forest canopy.

Are your feet shaking now?

Do not worry because the establishment also offers a Zipline Pilot training school for beginners and experienced guests.

Enhance your skills or learn new ones as youo ride the extreme attraction.

Hike Hunter Mountain

View of Hunter Mountain's summit

JWCohen / Shutterstock.com

Undoubtedly, hiking and walking on nature trails calm every spirit and keep every person grounded.

A climb at Hunter Mountain is no exception.

In Hunter Mountain, visitors will enjoy a close encounter with the beauty of the mountain.

Loosen up and take a break from life to reconnect with themselves amid the beauty of nature.

Hikers will also see the biodiversity of the mountain with the amazing trees and the animals living there.

On the way, you can try skiing or sledding down several slopes of varying steepness.

Children will enjoy skiing on the beginner slopes, while experienced skiers will have a good time on the higher slopes.

Find your peace by having a date with nature at Hunter Mountain.

Chill out at Hunter Mountain Brewery

Did all the fun and fabulous rides and activities wear you out?

If so, gather your friends and visit Hunter Mountain Brewery to relax and enjoy a bottle of beer.

This homey and hearty brewpub is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike because of its tasty signature brewed craft beers.

You can also drop by during themed days such as Taco Tuesday, Sushi Thursdays, Prime Rib Fridays, and Indian Cuisine.

Add a great kick to your dining experience.

Make sure to come because great food and beer do come together here at Hunter Mountain Brewery.

Enjoy a Relaxing Visit at Mountain Club Spa

Nothing beats a relaxing spa visit after a very long day.

If you feel down and tired, drop by Mountain Club Spa to ease your senses and help you unwind.

Its services include facials, massages, and herbal body treatments that will allow your body to rest, recover, and prepare for more activities on your trip.

Save this place in your itinerary whenever you feel the need to have a good relaxing time with your friends and family.

Taste the Sweet Honey from Traphagen

Sometimes we need a bit of sweetness to elevate our foods and meals, and the perfect way to prepare them is by adding honey.

During your trip to Hunter, check out the sweet and unique products from Traphagen’s Honey.

Located on Main Street, Traphagen’s Honey sells the best locally produced honey in the area, along with unique products and delicacies.

The honey sold here comes in different variants that will surely appeal to your taste buds and make you come back for more.

If you want to take home fantastic honey and special delicacies that your family will undoubtedly enjoy, then this place is a must-visit.

Visit Catskill Mountain Foundation Gallery and Bookstore

Before leaving Hunter, New York, you should come to the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gallery and Bookstore on Main Street.

The gallery boasts a theatre that performs art shows and showcases dancing and singing, as well as plays that mirror the town’s culture.

You can also take educational art programs to take a peek at how they produce their shows and performances.

Aside from the theatre, a bookstore also shows visitors a collection of thrilling local books.

It’s a great place to socialize and meet with locals and tourists.

Drop by the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gallery and Bookstore with your peers and family.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Marvel at the Precious Gift of Nature at Mountain Top Arboretum

Boardwalk trail at Mountain Top Arboretum

Eric Dale / Shutterstock.com

Located in Tannersville, New York, the Mountain Top Arboretum is a gorgeous park just an 11-minute ride from Hunter.

Check out trees that seem to touch the heavens and rare and native plants that give life to the area.

You can also explore the parkland and natural preserve.

Peter and Bonnie Ahrens founded the Arboretum.

Their passion for nature and trees pushed them to transform their summer home with a seven-acre garden into a 178-acre arboretum.

Their creation houses meadows, wetlands, and forests filled with different kinds of trees and plants.

The place also devotes itself to research and education.

During your visit, you’ll learn about the ecological importance of the trees and how the fantastic landscape of the Catskills Mountains helps plant life thrive.

Visit the Mountain Top Arboretum for both an educational and exciting experience.

See a World of Colors and Lights at Emerson Kaleidoscope

Do you want to see an acid trip of striking colors and lights through the world’s largest kaleidoscope?

If so, visit the Emerson Kaleidoscope at Mt. Tremper, New York, just a 26-minute ride from Hunter.

While lying down on the floor, you’ll see astounding light shows, described as a visual and sound experience that tells a story to behold.

There are also high-end kaleidoscopes for everyone to try; this attraction is unlike anything you have ever seen.

Kaleidoscope collectors from around the globe visit the store to look at the unique kaleidoscopes sold here.

You might want to start collecting them for your home, too.

Enjoy the Kaleidoshow only at Emerson Kaleidoscope.

Admire the Glorious Views at Five State Lookout

Go to Acra, New York, 17 minutes from Hunter, to find the Five State Lookout.

Visitors can enjoy the unique and spectacular panoramic view of the observation deck.

You can observe the Helderberg Mountains of New York, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Connecticut Valley.

Are you amazed yet?

You can’t enjoy the beauty of five separate states from one spot other than the Five State Lookout.

Don’t forget to take photos of the magnificent scenery.

Ride the Rail Carts at Rail Explorers: Catskills Division

Enjoying the scenic nature is way better on a rail.

You can find the Rail Explorers: Catskills Division in Phoenicia, New York, a 22-minute ride from Hunter.

This place offers a cart ride on a railroad track where riders pedal the cart to move along the tracks.

While riding on the rail, visitors will enjoy the spectacular views of nature and the beautiful creek nearby.

Explore the area in this unique experience.

After the two-hour and 30-minute ride, you can only describe this fun escapade as unforgettable.

Plan your visit to Rail Explorers: Catskills Division with your family and friends.

After your stay, you will indeed return.

Camp and Hike at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness

Scenic waterfall in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness

VIKVAD / Shutterstock.com

A trip to Hunter, New York, is not complete without having to enjoy the nature and wildlife of the area.

Go camping and hiking at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in West Kill, New York, 28 minutes from Hunter.

This wilderness park offers many activities for every visitor with different interests and hobbies.

Visitors can do hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting, and trapping.

You will never run out of something fun to do at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness.

The park is also brimming with wildlife and habitats that house unique creatures such as endangered birds and rare plants.

Visitors will see the small but beautiful waterfalls, fresh springs, tall trees, and vast meadows that will surely capture every heart.

The scenery adds perfection to the whole park escapade, so prepare your hiking and camping gear for this unforgettable adventure.

Final Thoughts

The cold is never a bother while having fun in Hunter, New York.

With all the thrilling activities to do and relaxing destinations to visit, every guest that expects a memorable vacation will have the best time of their lives.

Check out the best things to do in Hunter, New York.

Enjoy an unforgettable vacation that you’ll want to do again as soon as possible.

Book your trip today!

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