Photo by @alexmoliski on Unsplash
Spring is the Catskills’ most underrated season.
Ski season winds down in March, the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, and the mountains go through a transformation that’s worth showing up for — rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt, wildflowers along the trails, and a quietness to the region that disappears by July. If you’ve only been to this part of the Catskills in winter or peak summer, a spring visit feels like a different place entirely.
Here are some worthwhile things to do near Windham this spring.
Kaaterskill Falls
The single best reason to visit the Catskills in spring is Kaaterskill Falls. At 260 feet it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State, and snowmelt in April and May pushes the falls to their most dramatic — water roaring over the cliffs in a way that slows to a trickle by late summer. Hudson River School painters, Thomas Cole among them, made Kaaterskill Falls famous in the 19th century, helping establish this corner of the Catskills as one of America’s earliest tourism destinations.
The most accessible route is from the Laurel House Road trailhead — less than a mile round trip to the lower falls overlook, manageable for most fitness levels. Longer routes connect to the Escarpment Trail for those who want more elevation. Note: the Molly Smith parking lot on Route 23A is permanently closed — park at Laurel House Road, Schutt Road, or South Lake instead. The trailhead gets busy on weekends — arrive early. About 30 minutes from Windham. Full trailhead and safety information at the NY State DEC and the Catskills Visitor Center.
Windham High Peak and the Escarpment Trail
The Escarpment Trail offers dramatic ridgeline views across the entire Northern Catskills, and Windham High Peak at 3,524 feet rewards hikers with a panoramic summit stretching from the Blackhead Range to the Hudson Valley. Spring brings wildflowers along the trail and softer light at the summit.
The trailhead starts from Route 23 near Windham. Parking fills quickly on weekends — an early start is recommended. For experienced hikers, the full Escarpment Trail runs 17.4 miles and connects to North-South Lake — one of the more ambitious day hikes in the region.
The Windham Path
Not every spring morning calls for a serious hike. The Windham Path winds through open fields and crosses the Batavia Kill on a covered bridge, with mountain views in every direction. In spring the fields fill with wildflowers. It’s flat, accessible to all ages, and sits right in town — a good option for families with younger children or anyone who wants a slower morning.
The main loop is 1.5 miles, accessed from Route 23, with a second half-mile section connecting to South Street. The 2025 Dent Loop addition adds another 1.5-mile extension through adjoining woods.
Elm Ridge Wild Forest
Elm Ridge near Windham has become a Catskills mountain biking destination — a trail system built with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference featuring over 20 miles of singletrack through spruce stands and open ridgelines. Trails range from beginner-friendly to technical descents. Spring riding is good once the trails dry out — typically mid-April through May. Check conditions before heading out.
Windham Mountain Club
Windham Mountain Club doesn’t close when ski season ends. In spring the surrounding trails open for hiking, and the mountain transitions toward its summer mountain biking programming. The spa at The Outpost is worth knowing about for a recovery afternoon after a full day outdoors.
Windham Fine Arts
— A contemporary gallery in the village with rotating exhibitions across painting, sculpture, photography, and print. Windham Fine Arts is worth a stop between meals if you’re spending a full day in town.
Windham Farmers Market
The Windham Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, mid-May through late October, at 5399 Main Street (Route 23) across from The Windham Local. Vendors sell produce, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, meats, flowers, and crafts, with live music most weeks. Check the website or their Facebook page to confirm the current season’s opening date before you go.
Where to Eat
Babblers — Situated next to the Batavia Kill at Wylder Hotel Windham, Babblers is the kind of place locals return to year-round. Laidback atmosphere, solid food and drinks, and a welcoming spirit that suits a post-hike afternoon well. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Deer Mountain Inn — About 15 minutes from Windham in Tannersville, Deer Mountain Inn’s restaurant is worth the short drive. A three-time Wine Spectator award winner led by a James Beard semifinalist chef, it offers small plates on a mountain-view patio, a three-course dinner by the fireplace, and a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails and local brews. Note: currently closed Mondays and Tuesdays through June 1 — full seven-day service resumes June 2nd. A reservation is recommended on spring weekends.
Where to Stay
Hilltop Horizons in nearby Cornwallville sits at the center of everything in this guide — a six-bedroom property with panoramic Catskill mountain views, sleeping up to 12, built for groups and families who want the mountains on their doorstep without sacrificing comfort. Everything listed here is within easy reach.
Spring availability is still open. Book direct at artisanstays.us and skip the platform fees.
