Even the DEC must walk. Mountain bikes and snowmobiles are allowed in these areas. Both the Wilderness and Wild Forests provide beautiful natural environments, close to civilization but far enough away so you can clear your head, forget your day to day pressures and leave these mountains refreshed and rejuvenated. Current day residents are content to let the rest of the world think these mountains are filled with the old time stereotypical hotels because we know that what's really here is unparalleled natural beauty. Many refugees of our overcrowded cities have migrated here, bringing their city-bred talents and expertise with them.
Good food abounds.
Small villages and towns, Phoenicia, Margaretville, Pine Hill are home to shops offering charming gifts, local crafts, specialty foods. There are galleries and unusual museums. In the summertime, farmstands, craft fairs, flea markets abound. We are the guardians of a well-kept secret. Time, in many ways, has passed the Catskills by, just as it did for one of our more famous characters, Rip Van Winkle .