Adventure

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development Learn more about the Catskills; hike with a guide to one of the five historic fire towers; take an outdoor survival skills workshop to learn basic fire- and shelter-building techniques. Rte. 28, Arkville, NY; +1 845 586 2611.

Plattekill Mountain Feed your adrenaline fix along the park's 60+ miles of lift-served bike trails; watch a USA Cycling-sanctioned mountain bike race; take to the woods and go camping. 469 Plattekill Mountain Rd., Roxbury, NY; +1 607 326 3500. Fee.

Slide Mountain Pack a picnic; climb lofty peaks; take in the great views; hike the Giant Ledge and Woodland Valley-Denning trails; snowshoe in the winter. Five miles south of Rte. 28, Shandaken, NY; +1 845 256 3000.

Whiteface Mountain Mountain bike along wooded trails; picnic by the AuSable River; explore the falls' deep pools from various vantage points; take a guided tour. Continue north on Rte. 86 and just beyond Wilmington, NY; 888 944 8332.