History as a scenic vacation spot “The beat goes on”
As one of the first tourist destinations in the United States from the early-1800s through the 1920s, the beauty of the mountains, forests and streams lured landscape artists, the founders of the famous Hudson River School of Painting. Thomas Cole, Sanford R. Gifford, Frederick Church and authors and poets Washington Irving, Mark Twain and James Fenimore Cooper were among the famous who came here. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Chester A. Arthur also visited, staying at the famous Catskill Mountain House which opened in 1823.
Artists are still lured to the Town of Hunter. The cultural experience continues for today’s visitors with art galleries, theater, music, dance and other wonderful events and festivals throughout the year. Only 124 miles north of New York City and less than a 2-1/2 hour drive and 50 miles south of Albany (New York State’s capital), makes Hunter a nearby mecca. Located within Catskill State Park, with thousands of acres of protected forest, Hunter has spanned the centuries and continues still to attract visitors from all over the globe.
The Town of Hunter was founded in 1813 with its economy fueled by tanneries, sawmills and wood product factories built along the Schoharie Creek and in its mountains. A major shift to tourism occurred with the establishment of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad and its Huckleberry Line. Luxury hotels such as the Catskill Mountain House, Hotel Kaaterskill and The Laurel House filled the growing demand for tourist accommodations. The magnificent hotels are no longer standing but live on in local history. Now lovely inns, B&Bs, hotels and resorts accommodate our many guests to the region.
After a decline in tourism during the Depression and World War II, Hunter rebounded in the post-war era and with the opening of the Hunter Mountain Resort in 1960, a world recognized facility known for its variety of skiing opportunities and famous ethnic summer and fall festivals. In the summer the most visited campsite in all of New York State, North/South Lake, is located in the Hamlet of Haines Falls. It is open to the public. Enjoy non-motorized boating, swimming, hiking and camping.
So whatever the season, no matter the activities you enjoy, Hunter has it all!! From hiking the trails of the Catskill Park, mountain biking, swimming, golfing, ice climbing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice skating, tennis, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, nature walks, bird watching, photography, antiquing, attending yard sales or just relaxing with a good book.
Visit one of our 30 plus local restaurants. Come see the Fall foliage; it rivals any in the Northeast.
Learn more about the area history at the Haines Falls and Village of Hunter libraries, the Catskill Mountain Foundation Bookstore in the Village of Hunter and at the Mountain Top Historical Society in Haines Falls located on the original Ulster & Delaware Railroad
