Cairo & Round Top & Purling, NY
For Bavarian atmosphere and mountain culture – not to mention heaping plates of bratwurst washed down with mugs of beer – head to the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. This little pocket of the Catskills offers a European feel that can be seen in everything from the architecture of the buildings, to the wardrobe of wait staff at German-themed restaurants where dirndls and lederhosen are a common sight.
The Round Top and Purling area also offers unparalleled outdoor recreation on one of the best mountain biking trail networks in New York State, the Roundtopia trail network, as well as waterfall hikes ideal for quiet contemplation surrounded by nature’s majesty.
For where to go, what to see, what to do, and where to stay, keep reading!
Crystal Brook Resort Mountain Brauhaus is open April through January. This German-themed, family-friendly, resort feels like an all-ages summer camp. On-site amenities include breakfast, basketball and tennis courts, an outdoor pool and spa, bocce, and more. Visitors are welcome to dine at the resort’s Mountain Brauhaus where you will feel like you’re in Bavaria as Austrian musicians play traditional dancing tunes, and dine on traditional cuisine, beer and wine.
Riedlbauer's Resort is open April through October and December through March. This family-run German-American resort is famous for its delicious home-style cooking and welcoming atmosphere. Feel like you’ve wandered into a Bavarian village the minute you drive on property. There’s also no better place to be during Oktoberfest than Riedlbauer’s! Every corner of the resort is decorated, delicious food and drink are plentiful, and the music and dancing last long into the night. On-site amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and golf course. Meals are included for overnight guests, and the restaurant is open for visitors. Nussy’s Bier Garten offers a place to gather outside and enjoy a drink with friends. Located just off of Round Top’s bike trails, it’s a great place to stop after riding Roundtopia’s trails.
Winter Clove Inn is open year round. The sprawling historic inn is located on 300 acres of private land bordering the Catskill Wilderness Park, making it the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature. The inn is all-inclusive, so all meals and on-site activities are included. The inn offers a bowling alley, golf course, game room, and an indoor and outdoor pool and fitness center. Guests also have access to cross-country skiing with complimentary use of gear, on-site hiking trails, waterfall walks, and more. Winter Clove’s grounds feature Artist Falls, a 25-foot waterfall crowned by a scenic covered bridge.
Glen Falls House offers a reimagined retreat at a historic hotel in the Catskills. Recently renovated, the rooms offer the fresh, clean linens synonymous with Scandinavian design, while common spaces are welcoming retreats that invite guests and visitors alike to gather and enjoy a meal. Trotwood, the inn’s on-site restaurant, offers a menu of gourmet comfort food and drinks. The Tavern, the inn’s music and entertainment venue, offers summer concerts and events. Planning a wedding? With the on-site amenities and picture-perfect waterfalls and grounds, Glen Falls House offers a one-stop-shop destination wedding venue in the Catskills.
The Bavarian Manor Country Inn is open year-round, offering comfortable rooms. Situated on 100 acres of woodland, the manor connects to a network of hiking and biking trails that offer solace and incredible views. Rooms feature comfortable touches, and a handful of rooms offer a whirlpool tub and fireplace. Fun fact: the manor claims to be “a little” haunted!
Blackhead Mountain Lodge & Country Club is open April through October. The course is an 18 hole, par 72 championship course that offers breathtaking views that every golfer can enjoy. You can also book a stay right at the resort and enjoy food and drinks at Massmann's, their onsite restaurant and bar!
Glen Brook Farm is a full service resort located in Round Top featuring a pool, outdoor activities, dining hall and more.
Purling Waters is a fully-rigged campsite on beautiful, private land with unique local experiences that accommodates up to 6 campers. Enjoy crystal clear waters right on the edge of Shinglekill Creek!
This B&B is a Quaint Miller's house situated at the top of a beautiful 32 foot waterfall. Choose from 4 rooms, all decorated with antiques and memorabilia from the area. The grounds have several walking paths, a gazebo, and a wide front porch for relaxation!
Trotwood at Glen Falls House’s menu offers gourmet comfort food. During the summer, cookouts make the most of the weather and the opportunities for social distancing by offering outdoor dining. From roasted chicken to fire-spun lamb, Trotwood invites revel and relaxation in equal measures.
Mountain Brauhaus at Crystal Brook Resort offers an Oktoberfest atmosphere year-round. The menu features authentic Bavarian cuisine served in a Bavarian-style beer hall. The Brauhaus also hosts an incredible weekend line-up, where you can break out those dancing shoes and dust off your lederhosen and dirndl. Guests will feel like they’ve been transported to Germany!
Nussy’s Bier Garten is located at Reidlbauer’s Resort, offering a seasonal gathering spot for hearty, German and American fare. From barbecue to all-you-can eat German buffets, stop by and dig in. An evening at Nussy’s usually means free entertainment, lawn games, and a turn at the driving range.
The Log Cabin Cafe and General Store offers everything you need in Purling, NY. Offering delicious breakfast, and hearty sandwiches, as well as coffee, chips, toiletries, candy, Boar's Head meats, and so much more, the Log Cabin is your local one-stop shop.
Round Top Trail Network has created a mountain biking destination known as Roundtopia. Trails crisscross the town, skirting streams and waterfalls, ending at watering holes, and continuing onto bigger excursions to Dutcher's Notch and Mountain House Rd. which are 2,000 feet above the Round Top trails. Trails are maintained by local volunteers, and the single track is sublime. An upper section of trails offers climbs up Lower Moonshine Ridge Trail and Switchback Hill, as well as some technical downhill routes. Riedlbauer's is the main hub of the trail network, and home to mountain biking watering hole, Nussy's Bier Garten.
Glen Falls is located on the property of Glen Falls House, a popular destination for dining, drinks, and overnight stays. The falls are easily accessible and offer a placid location for enjoying a good book, cooling off on a hot day, or sketching outdoors. Access the falls from Glen Falls House property.
East Kill Falls is a bit more of a trek at 7.2 miles roundtrip, but oh, are they worth it! There is some minor bushwhacking for 100-200 feet to get to the falls. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer and bear. The trailhead is at the DEC parking lot at the end of Stork Nest Road off of Maple Lawn Road.
Choose from over 280 full service sites with water & electric or tenting with water sites. Head out on the lake for boating and fishing or enjoy rec hall activities including video games, pool table, basketball court, swimming pool, kiddie pool, bath houses, laundry and general store. Pets are welcome too!
Artist Falls is located on Winter Clove Inn’s property. This 25-foot-high waterfall is the result of years of erosion creating a large basin at the bottom of the waterfalls. The Alfred Clark Covered Bridge sits on top of the falls. Both the falls and covered bridge are easily accessible from Winter Clove Inn and are a short walk from the parking area.
