FROM TREETOPS TO WATERFALLS
A weekend getaway to upstate New York - from treetops to waterfalls!
Upstate New York is one of our favorite destinations for weekend getaways. The mountainous terrain with countless lakes and gorgeous scenery never disappoints -- especially in fall!
This trip was originally planned for the summer tent camping, but we ended up rescheduling it twice due to weather. In the end, the fall foliage and mild weather made it all the more magical an experience!
The weather was perfect for being outdoors with few bugs about and the cool night temps were perfect for hanging by the campfire while roasting marshmallows. Of course, the highlight of the trip was the Catamount Aerial Adventure Park! Both girls enjoyed the experience of zipping between the trees along the numerous elements.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to do any of the hikes we originally planned on Mt. Washington and Bear Mountain due to weather, but that gives us a great reason to come back!
Days
Day 1: Road Trip to Camp Site
Getting settled in.
From our home in NJ, it's a 3.5hr drive up to Copake, NY. There are numerous routes that you can take with different sights along the way. We stopped at Ruby Hill Farms to take a short break and pick up some local, farm-raised meats for the weekend. Upstate New York is known for it's numerous farms, fresh produce, and local meats so don't miss out! While we initially planned to camp in Taconic State Park, we switched our destination due to the cooler weather of the fall.
Visit
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Storm King Art Center
This destination is along our route, but we could not make enough time to visit this amazing sculpture park. Be sure to check it out if you can make the time along your trip! -
Thompson Finch Farm
We've always enjoyed visiting pick-your-own farms when in season. This was originally planned for our summer trip, but we had to skip it in the fall. -
Lemon Squeezer
An amazing hiking spot along the way. As we started our trip later than expected, we had to skip this hike. -
Ruby Hill Farm
A great place to stop to pick up provisions for your trip. The farm is great fun for kids and also offers a variety of local, farm-raised meats for purchase.
Eat
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Church Street Deli & Pizza
Awesome pizzas and burgers!
Stay
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Copake Camping Resort
Cabin Rental - Deluxe Cabin D1. Note that the cabins do not include linens (no towels, sheets) so be sure to bring your own. Each cabin offers a small fridge and bathroom including shower with hot water. Be sure to pet the cap cat - Raven - if he stops by for a visit!
Photos
Day 2: Catamount Aerial Adventure Park + Hiking
From treetops to waterfalls!
Catamount ski resort offers visitors a wide choice of slopes in the winter, but also operates a ropes course and massive zipline in the off seasons. The ropes course was above and beyond all expectations; one of the most impressive we've seen. The course offered several route types (yellow, green, blue, black, double black (most difficult)) and numerous routes accessible to kids as young as 7. Unlike some of the courses we've done before, this one features multiple zipline elements. Arrive early as the course can get packed after 11 AM! We're glad that we ended up coming in the fall as the gorgeous golden leaves made for an amazing sight! There is a large communal water cooler at the course, but you should consider bringing your own water since it can be quite a workout! Afterwards, we stopped at the Copake General Store for a quick snack and coffee before heading out to Bash Bish Falls for a hike to the impressive waterfall. The Bash Bish Falls area straddles the NY/MA border with the actual falls on the MA side. There are two parking areas: one on the MA side and one on the NY side. For easier access to the falls, park on the MA side as there is an easy 0.8 mile hike from the NY side lot to the actual falls. From the NY parking lot, you can also go down and access additional hikes, including a hike (down and to the right) to the historic Iron Works site.
Visit
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Catamount Aerial Adventure Park
An amazing ropes course that offers a number of routes each of which can feature 17+ elements! The graded routes offer challenges for visitors of all ages (minimum 7 years old). The black routes are quite a challenge! Be prepared with water and some snacks if you take a break to recharge in between. You'll get 3 hours on the course once you complete your orientation. -
Copake Lake Boat & Ski
If you're interested in kayaking or SUP, then stop here to rent a kayak or paddle board. -
Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area
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Sages Ravine
This hike branches off of the Bear Mountain loop. -
Bash Bish Falls State Park
The park straddles the NY/MA border with the falls actually being located on the MA side. The MA side upper parking deck places you close to the falls while the lower NY side parking deck requires a 0.8 mile hike (1.6mi total) in and out. The hike is relatively easy with minimal elevation change. Hiking down and to the right from the NY side lot will take you to the historic Iron Works site. Worth the quick hike! -
Copake Iron Works Historic Site
The industrial center of this remote village, the Copake Iron Works site offers visitors a look at how Copake and the surrounding regions helped fuel America's industrial growth. Now very few structures remain that tell the story of Copake's early days. -
Tri-State Point - NY MA CT
Located on Mt. Washington along the Mt. Frissell and Brace Mountain loop, this point marks the boundary between NY, MA, and CT. We didn't get to visit due to lack of time!
Eat
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Copake General Store
A quaint shop in the center of Copake (one of very few). A good stop to pick up produce, supplies, and a quick bite! -
Depot Deli
Near the history Iron Works site, this small shop has various supplies, but more importantly, ice cream! Stroll across the street to Ore Pond to check it out!
Stay
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Copake Camping Resort
Cabin Rental - Deluxe Cabin D1. Note that the cabins do not include linens (no towels, sheets) so be sure to bring your own. Each cabin offers a small fridge and bathroom including shower with hot water. Be sure to pet the cap cat - Raven - if he stops by for a visit!
Photos
Day 3: Drive Home
We were rained out on our final day, but we had hoped to stop at the impressive looking Chuang Yen Monastery along the way. If your trip permits, make sure to put this on your itinerary!
Visit
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Harney and Son's Tea Shop
If your route up takes you past Millerton, stop here for tea and snacks! -
Chuang Yen Monastery
We had planned to stop here along our return trip, but heavy rains forced us to change plans. This monastery looks like a hidden gem in upstate NY and worth the visit! Open 10 AM to 3 PM daily. No videography allowed.
Eat
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Ruby Hill Farm
We loved the burgers that we picked up so much that we stopped here along the way back to pick up more!
Stay
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Copake Camping Resort
Cabin Rental - Deluxe Cabin D1. Note that the cabins do not include linens (no towels, sheets) so be sure to bring your own. Each cabin offers a small fridge and bathroom including shower with hot water. Be sure to pet the cap cat - Raven - if he stops by for a visit!
Photos
FAQ
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What's the minimum age for Catamount Aerial Adventure Park?
The minimum age is 7 but each of the graded routes (yellow, green, blue, black, double black) has age restrictions.
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What are the best places to pick up supplies in Copake?
The Copake area is quite remote! There aren't many super markets or stores around so the Copake General Store or the gas station on main street are going to be your best bets. I recommend bringing a freezer cooler to pick up local, farm-raised meats along the way.
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Can you swim in Bash Bish Falls?
Swimming and water play is no longer allowed in the park due to the risk of injury and the lack of staff to police the falls. Do not swim in the falls as it can be dangerous after heavy rains and the remote location makes it a challenge for first responders if someone gets injured!
Summary: Copake, Catamount, and Bash Bish Falls
What an amazing weekend getaway! Both of our girls want to come back and try the ropes course again. With a longer stay, we'd definitely want to get hikes in both Mt. Washington and Bear Mountain which we had to skip this trip.
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