Planning family hiking in the Catskills? Our cabins sit steps from the Willowemoc Creek in Livingston Manor — the perfect base for exploring the region’s best trails. Whether you have toddlers or teens, the trails below cover every level, with honest drive times, distances, and family-specific tips.
The Best Family Hiking Catskills Trails Near Our Cabins
Each trail below was selected because it’s genuinely suitable for families — manageable distances, clear trail markings, and rewarding payoffs that keep kids motivated. All are within a 35-minute drive from our cabins on Wegman Road in Livingston Manor.
1. Hurleyville Rail Trail — Easy / Stroller-Friendly
- Distance: ~3 miles
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy — completely flat and paved
- Drive from our cabins: ~20 minutes
The most accessible trail in the area and a great first hike for young children. The Hurleyville Rail Trail follows a historic O&W Railway corridor through Sullivan County countryside on a fully paved, flat path. Benches, picnic tables, and informational kiosks are spaced along the route, making it an enjoyable outing for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone who wants fresh air without elevation gain.
Family highlights: stroller and wheelchair accessible, historical railway kiosks, shaded in summer, no elevation change.
2. Parksville Rails to Trails — Easy
- Distance: ~3.5 miles
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy — flat even surface
- Drive from our cabins: ~15 minutes
Another converted rail trail following the old O&W Railway bed, this scenic path runs alongside the Little Beaverkill River with pastoral countryside views throughout. The flat, even terrain makes it ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Kids tend to stay engaged by the river glimpses, occasional wildlife sightings, and the sense of covering real ground. Also suitable for bikes if you want to cover more distance.
Family highlights: Little Beaverkill River views, flat surface suitable for all ages, wildlife sightings, bike-friendly.
3. Frick Pond Loop — Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 2.2-mile loop
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Drive from our cabins: ~15 minutes (Livingston Manor)
Set within the Willowemoc Wild Forest — the same wild forest that borders our property — this gentle loop delivers dense woodland, open wetlands, and long mountain views. Boardwalks carry hikers over marshy sections, making it navigable year-round and a genuine delight for kids who love exploring a wet, wild landscape up close. Early morning visits offer excellent birdwatching.
Family highlights: boardwalks over wetlands, year-round access, excellent birdwatching, mountain vistas.
4. Huggins Lake Trail — Easy
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy — year-round accessible
- Drive from our cabins: ~20 minutes (near Roscoe)
A longer easy trail through peaceful Catskills woodland leading to a beautiful lake where families can fish and — in warmer months — swim. The destination payoff is big: kids who might grumble on the way out are inevitably won over by the lake. Pack a picnic and plan to linger. The moderate length makes it a satisfying full-morning outing for families with older children.
Family highlights: fishing at the lake, swimming in summer, great picnic spot, year-round trail access.
5. Russell Brook Falls — Moderate
- Distance: Short out-and-back
- Time: 45 minutes–1 hour
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive from our cabins: ~10 minutes (near Roscoe)
The hike that earns the most gasps from first-timers. Russell Brook Falls is a must-see for families — the trail is short but genuinely rewarding, ending at a stunning waterfall cascade that makes for incredible photos and a natural motivator for any reluctant young hiker. Located just minutes from Roscoe, it pairs perfectly with lunch in town afterward. Best visited in spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.
Family highlights: dramatic waterfall payoff, short enough for young kids, best in spring and early summer, easy to combine with a Roscoe lunch stop.
6. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower — Moderate
- Distance: 6.0 miles roundtrip
- Time: Half-day outing
- Difficulty: Moderate — best for kids 8 and up
- Drive from our cabins: ~30 minutes
The crown jewel of hikes in this region. The trail winds through shaded Catskills forest to a restored historic fire tower with sweeping 360-degree views. The drive up the scenic Beaverkill valley is beautiful on its own. Plan for a half-day, bring plenty of snacks and water, and save it for a clear day — the views from the top are truly unforgettable. Highly recommended for families with older children who have some hiking experience.
Family highlights: historic restored fire tower, 360-degree panoramic views, shaded forest trail, scenic Beaverkill valley drive.
Family Hiking Safety Tips
The Catskills are welcoming and well-maintained, but a little preparation makes all the difference — especially with young hikers. Keep these tips in mind before you head out.
Wear Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with grip are a minimum for any trail. For anything beyond the paved rail trails, sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners will protect ankles and handle the wet roots common on Catskill trails after rain.
Start Early and Set a Turnaround Time
Catskill afternoons, especially in summer, can bring thunderstorms. Aim to start hikes by 8–9am and agree on a turnaround time before you leave — not when kids are already tired and the weather is rolling in.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need
Plan for at least 16oz of water per person per hour of hiking. The Catskills’ cooler mountain temperatures can make it easy to underestimate how much water the whole family needs on the trail.
Protect Against Ticks
Ticks are present in the Catskills from April through October. Apply DEET-based repellent to exposed skin and clothing before heading out, and do a full tick check on the whole family when you return to the cabin. Lyme disease is prevalent in this region.
Download Your Trail Map Before You Leave
Cell service is unreliable on many Catskill trails. Download the AllTrails app and save your trail map for offline use before leaving the cabin. Most trails near us are listed on AllTrails with GPS tracking available.
Check the Weather
Mountain weather changes quickly. Check the local forecast each morning and turn around immediately if thunder develops — especially when hiking toward any summit or fire tower. Lightning exposure on open ridgelines is a serious risk.
Layer Up — Even in Summer
Trail temperatures at elevation can be 10–15°F cooler than in the valley. Pack a light fleece or wind layer for kids even on days that look warm. Getting wet and cold mid-hike is a real possibility if the weather turns.
Tell Someone Your Plan
Before heading out, let someone know — a family member back home or our cabin staff — which trail you’re hiking, your planned return time, and how many people are in your group. It’s a simple step that matters in an emergency.
What to Pack for a Family Hike in the Catskills
Essentials
- Water (at least 16oz per person per hour)
- Snacks and lunch for longer hikes
- Trail map or downloaded AllTrails app (offline)
- Fully charged phone
- Cash or card for town stops after the hike
Clothing and Gear
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking footwear
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Light rain jacket or wind layer
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
Health and Safety
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- DEET-based insect repellent
- Small first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes)
- Any prescription medications
- Blister bandages
For Kids
- Extra snacks (the single best motivator on the trail)
- A small backpack they carry themselves
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Nature journal or sketchbook
- Change of clothes for the drive back
When to Hike: A Seasonal Guide
Each season in the Catskills offers a completely different hiking experience. Here’s what to expect depending on when you visit.
Spring
Trails come alive with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt. Russell Brook Falls is at its most dramatic in spring. Expect muddy conditions on unpaved trails — waterproof footwear is recommended. Tick season begins in April, so repellent is a must from this point on.
Summer
A lush, green canopy provides shade on most trails. Start hikes early to beat afternoon heat and the thunderstorms that roll through regularly in July and August. Huggins Lake is a perfect reward after hiking — pack a swimsuit. Bug repellent is essential throughout summer.
Fall
Peak season in the Catskills, and for good reason. Foliage runs from mid-September through October and the colors on the Balsam Lake Mountain trail are breathtaking. Comfortable temperatures, fewer insects, and the most dramatic mountain views of the year. Fall weekends book quickly — reserve your cabin early.
Winter
A quiet, peaceful experience for families who embrace the cold. The paved Hurleyville Rail Trail and Parksville Rails to Trails remain accessible through winter. The Balsam Lake Fire Tower trail requires microspikes or snowshoes in icy conditions. Always check trail conditions before heading out.
What Our Guests Say
“I love this place — me and my family spent two 4th of July weekends here and I already booked another for next year. The owner is extremely pleasant to deal with. I would recommend Creekside Cabins to anyone who enjoys a great getaway for two or the whole family.”
— Verified Guest, Google Review
“An amazing cabin by the Willowemoc Creek! Clean and well-supplied, the cabin was perfect. Very close to downtown Livingston Manor and the surrounding towns. Overall a great experience — we’ll absolutely be back.”
— Verified Guest, Google Review
“Excellent view of the creek. The cabin has all the amenities needed for a comfortable and extremely pleasant stay — fire pit, BBQ, and great sitting areas. Extremely clean with plenty of room for the whole family.”
— Verified Guest, Google Review
“We have stayed here several times to fly fish and every visit has been fantastic. The Creekside team is attentive and easy to work with. The cabins are clean and comfortable, and the location right on the bank of the Willowemoc is awesome. Don’t think twice — book now!”
— Verified Returning Guest, Google Review
Ready to Hit the Trails?
J&S Creekside Cabins puts you two minutes from some of the best hiking in New York State. Our four cabins are located at 12 Wegman Road in Livingston Manor — the perfect base camp for exploring everything the Catskills have to offer.
Download AllTrails and save your trail map offline before leaving the cabin.
Reserve your cabin today or call us at (607) 242-2960.