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Activities Near Green Acres Retreat

Located along the Upper Delaware River in the Catskills, Green Acres Retreat is surrounded by scenic landscapes, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're visiting for hiking, fishing, kayaking, or simply to enjoy the peaceful mountain setting, there are countless ways to explore the area during your stay.

Fishing Rod
Autumn Leaves
Bike riding
Row Boat
Hiking Boots
Rolling Hills

Things to Do in Hancock NY

Green Acres Retreat is located just minutes from the town of Hancock and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, offering visitors easy access to hiking trails, kayaking routes, scenic drives, and charming Catskills towns.

Delaware River Adventures

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is one of the most important natural attractions in Hancock, NY, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. Visitors come here for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing—especially bald eagles that frequently nest along the river.

Located just minutes from Green Acres Retreat, the river offers easy access to peaceful shoreline views and some of the best outdoor experiences in the Catskills.

Fly Fishing

One of the Catskills’ greatest claims to fame is its world-class fly fishing.

With an abundance of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and rivers, the region has developed a rich fishing heritage that draws anglers from around the world. ​

Green Acres Retreat sits along the West Branch of the Delaware River, one of the most renowned trout fisheries in the Northeast. Anglers can catch everything from wild brown and rainbow trout to shad and smallmouth bass, depending on the season.​​

Nearby Fishing Access Points:

Junction Pool

Cadosia Fishing Access

Long Eddy Access

Whether you're an experienced angler or simply enjoying the peaceful river scenery, the Upper Delaware offers an unforgettable Catskills outdoor experience!​​​​

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Upper Delaware River. With calm stretches, scenic mountain views, and abundant wildlife, the river is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Guests can explore peaceful sections of the river at their own pace, taking in the quiet surroundings and spotting wildlife along the shoreline.

 

For rentals and guided trips, OARS (Outdoor Adventure Recreation Services) in Hancock offers kayaks, canoes, tubing, and a variety of river experiences just minutes from the retreat.

Tubing and Swimming

During the warmer months, the Upper Delaware River is a perfect place to cool off and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

Guests can float down gentle sections of the river, swim along the shoreline, or simply unwind by the water while taking in the surrounding mountain views. Tubing is a popular summer activity and an easy, fun way to experience the river at a slower pace.

Wildlife Viewing

The Upper Delaware River is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a peaceful place to observe nature throughout the seasons.

Guests can often spot bald eagles, river otters, deer, and a wide range of bird species along the river and surrounding forests, especially during quiet morning and evening hours.

Scenic Hiking Trails

The Catskills are known for their beautiful forests, mountain views, and peaceful landscapes. Green Acres Retreat is located on 66 acres of scenic woodland, offering guests the opportunity to explore nature both on and off the property. While our land is open to explore, please note that there are no designated or marked hiking trails onsite. Guests are welcome to enjoy the natural surroundings and wooded areas with care, or explore the many established hiking trails nearby. 

Jensen's Ledge (Bouchoux Trailhead)

10-minute drive

One of the most popular hikes near Hancock, this scenic trail leads to Jensen’s Ledges, offering panoramic views of the Upper Delaware River Valley. The trail is about 2 miles round trip and moderately challenging, making it a rewarding adventure for a wide range of experience levels.

Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve

10-minute drive

This peaceful nature preserve offers walking trails through wetlands and forests, perfect for birdwatching and quiet nature walks. It’s a great option for guests looking for a relaxing outdoor experience.

Crystal Lake Wild Forest

45-minute drive

A beautiful natural area near Roscoe featuring hiking trails, picnic spots, and a scenic lake that is popular for swimming and relaxing during the summer months.

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Partridge Island Walking Trail

20-minute drive

A quieter alternative to some of the more popular trails, this route follows the East Branch of the Delaware River and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forest and water views. It’s a great option for guests looking to explore a more secluded part of the Catskills.

Tompkins Falls

1 hour drive

A hidden gem in the area, Tompkins Falls is a scenic waterfall tucked into the surrounding forest, offering a short and rewarding hike to a peaceful natural setting. It’s a great spot for photos and a quick outdoor escape, especially during spring and early summer.

D&H Rail Trail

25-minute drive

The D&H Rail Trail follows a historic railway corridor and offers a flat, easy path ideal for walking, biking, or a casual stroll. This trail is perfect for guests looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.​ Trailhead located at 78 State Line Rd, Windsor, NY.

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted on the Green Acres Retreat property.​

Hunting is available at designated locations throughout the surrounding Catskills region. Guests should review all New York State hunting regulations and obtain proper licensing before participating. Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation for more details. 

Tompkins Hunting Club

Located in Hancock, this public hunting club offers access to local hunting grounds. Call (607) 637-4574 for more information.

Adam Hill Hunting Adventures 
A family-owned operation offering professionally guided hunting experiences in the Catskills since 1988.

Snow Skiing

The rolling hills surrounding Hancock provide premium cross-country skiing, while nearby mountains provide scenic downhill terrain for winter visitors.

French Woods

20-minute drive

French Woods property up Route 97 is a cross-country skier’s paradise! A peaceful cross-country skiing destination offering scenic trails through wooded landscapes, perfect for a quiet winter escape. If you’re longing to get away to a winter wonderland for a while, this is the place!

Elk Mountain Ski Resort 

45-minute drive
Located in the Endless Mountains, Elk Mountain offers a full downhill skiing experience with a variety of trails for all skill levels. It has been named the Best Overall Mountain in the Mid-Atlantic Region. With 180 skiable acres and 27 trails, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will feel right at home. 

Explore Nearby Catskills Towns

A few charming towns are located within a short drive of the retreat and are perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring the Catskills.

Roscoe

30-minute drive
Known as Trout Town USA, Roscoe is famous for its fly-fishing heritage.

Callicoon

35-minutes drive
A picturesque riverside town with historic buildings, local shops, and a popular farmers market. 

The Callicoon Farmers Market is one of the best farmers markets in the Catskills and a favorite weekend activity for visitors.

Held along the Delaware River in this charming town, the market features local produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and live music. 

It’s especially popular in summer and fall and makes for a great morning outing followed by exploring the town.

Livingston Manor

40-minute drive
A vibrant Catskills town known for its breweries, fly-fishing culture, and charming Main Street. 
The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor is one of the most famous fly-fishing museums in the country.

Located along Willowemoc Creek, it celebrates the history of fly fishing in the Catskills and features museum exhibits, historic fishing artifacts, casting demonstrations, and scenic riverfront grounds. Even guests who don’t fish often enjoy walking the grounds and learning about the region’s fishing heritage.

Scenic Drives and Covered Bridges

Delaware County is home to several historic covered bridges, including two located in Hancock. Driving through the countryside to see these charming landmarks is a favorite activity for visitors and photographers alike.

The Basket Historical Society Covered Bridge is one of the historic covered bridges located near Hancock and part of Delaware County’s famous covered bridge driving route. The surrounding winding country roads also make for beautiful scenic drives, especially during fall when the Catskills are known for vibrant foliage. Check out this article for more details. 

Covered Bridge
Bridge Map
Covered Bridge

Summer Camps

The Catskills are home to several well-known summer camps. For families visiting the area, this creates a unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stay while children participate in nearby camp programs.

Camp Lohikan
Camp Starlight
Camp Hilltop
French Woods

Some of the best moments of a Catskills getaway happen right at Green Acres Retreat.

Guests can enjoy peaceful walks around the property, relax under the stars by the outdoor firepit, or simply unwind surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains.

The retreat sits on 60 acres of scenic countryside, offering a tranquil escape just a few hours from New York City.

Plan Your Catskills Getaway

Green Acres Retreat provides the perfect home base for exploring the natural beauty and outdoor adventures of the Catskills.

Whether you're hiking scenic trails, fishing along the Delaware River, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, your Catskills escape begins here.

Enjoy the Retreat

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