Ulster: Ski Resort, Nature Trails and Historic Sites

Ulster combines a clear winter focus with a diverse landscape and numerous historic destinations. Belleayre Mountain is a year-round ski resort in the Town of Shandaken. At the same time, the range of attractions extends from hiking trails and lakes to museums, historic buildings and notable bridges. When looking for accommodation for a ski holiday, you should therefore first decide whether Belleayre Mountain is the main focus or whether you want to combine skiing with nature and cultural experiences.

Key facts on the subject

• Belleayre Mountain is a year-round ski resort in the Town of Shandaken.
• The Ashokan Rail Trail runs 11.5 miles along the Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville.
• The Big Indian Wilderness encompasses 30 miles of trails through rugged, mountainous terrain.
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve is home to four Sky Lakes; two of the lakes have swimming areas supervised by lifeguards during the summer swimming season.
• Mohonk Preserve has five main trail entrances.
• The Walkway Over the Hudson is 6,768 feet, or 1.28 miles, long and rises 212 feet above the surface of the river.
• Historic Huguenot Street is a National Historic Landmark District with seven historic stone houses and additional historic facilities.

Winter orientation and choosing accommodation

For skiers, Belleayre Mountain is the specific winter reference point in Ulster. However, describing it as a year-round ski resort alone says nothing about the location of individual accommodations, the distance to facilities or current conditions. When choosing, therefore, consider which part of your stay should be the focus. Those who mainly want to ski can search based on connections to Belleayre Mountain. For a travel group with differing interests, Ulster also offers several independent destinations for hiking, landscape experiences and culture.

The mix of nature and culture is particularly relevant when not all travelers are planning the same activities. The Ulster County Nature Bus offers free rides and admission to the most scenic places in Ulster County. Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park combines scenic views of the Hudson River with a large beach area, a boat launch and hiking trails. These destinations represent different focuses for a stay than a day at the ski resort.

Trails, lakes and mountainous landscapes

Several trail options with different characteristics are available for planning day trips. The 11.5-mile Ashokan Rail Trail runs along the Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville. At Mohonk Preserve, five main entrances make it easier to navigate the trails, while the Big Indian Wilderness offers 30 miles through rugged, mountainous terrain.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve adds four Sky Lakes to this selection. Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting have swimming areas supervised by lifeguards during the summer swimming season. Depending on the time of year, this allows the stay to be expanded with a documented nature and swimming experience. Regardless, Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park offers views of the Hudson River, a large beach area, a boat launch and hiking trails.

History, bridges and regional culture

Historic Huguenot Street presents the multicultural history of a unique American settlement. Tours include three historic buildings. The National Historic Landmark District also includes seven historic stone houses, a reconstructed French church from 1717, a replica of an Esopus Munsee wigwam, special exhibitions, a research library and a historic cemetery. A free walking tour of the District provides historical information about the houses, background information, archival photos, as well as images of interiors and collection pieces.

Senate House State Historic Site allows visitors to see the rooms where New York's first senate met. It also features museum collections and interactive exhibitions, including “Revolution Comes to Kingston.” The Ashokan Bridge offers another historical focus: it is a wooden covered bridge over Esopus Creek on the grounds of the Ashokan Center and one of five covered bridges in Ulster County.

The Walkway Over the Hudson also makes a distinctive impression. The bridge is 6,768 feet, or 1.28 miles, long and stands 212 feet above the surface of the river. At the Ashokan Center, maple syrup production is also connected with the seasonal cycles and agricultural history of the Hudson Valley.

Other destinations in the same broader area: Orange, Greene, Delaware County, Onondaga, New York City, Franklin and Essex.

FAQ

Which ski resort is associated with Ulster?

Belleayre Mountain is a year-round ski resort in the Town of Shandaken and a specific winter reference point for the region.

What alternatives to skiing are available?

The documented alternatives include hiking trails, landscape experiences, historic sites, museums, Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park and the Walkway Over the Hudson.

How long is the Ashokan Rail Trail?

The Ashokan Rail Trail is 11.5 miles long and runs along the Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville.

Where are there supervised swimming areas?

At Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting have swimming areas supervised by lifeguards during the summer swimming season.

What does Historic Huguenot Street offer?

Historic Huguenot Street comprises a National Historic Landmark District with seven historic stone houses, a reconstructed French church from 1717, special exhibitions, a research library and a historic cemetery. Tours include three historic buildings.

What should you consider when looking for accommodation in Ulster?

Base your search on the main reason for your trip: Belleayre Mountain for a ski holiday, or nature and cultural destinations for a more varied stay. The attractions mentioned do not imply any specific distance to an accommodation.

For the broader travel overview: New York.