BUILD YOUR BASE CAMP
The Premier Location for Outdoor-Loving Families from NYC
For Manhattan families who live for weekend adventures and dream of raising children surrounded by nature’s playground, Elka Park represents something extraordinary: a place where world-class hiking trails literally begin at your doorstep. Located at the epicenter of the Northern Catskills’ most celebrated outdoor recreation, this exclusive area offers building opportunities that adventure-seeking professionals simply cannot find anywhere else.
Your Private Gateway to Hiking Legend
Immediate Trail Access from Elka Park:
Kaaterskill Falls (5 minutes away) Kaaterskill Falls Visitor Information – Catskills Visitor Center
• New York State’s tallest waterfall at 260 feet • Multiple trail approaches for different skill levels • Swimming holes and photography opportunities • Year-round beauty from frozen winter cascades to spring torrents
North-South Lake Complex (Walking Distance)
• New York State’s tallest waterfall at 260 feet • Multiple trail approaches for different skill levels • Swimming holes and photography opportunities • Year-round beauty from frozen winter cascades to spring torrents
North-South Lake Complex (Walking Distance) • Historic Catskill Mountain House site with Hudson Valley panoramas • Family-friendly loops perfect for children • Beach access for swimming and picnicking • Sunset Rock and Artist’s Rock with Hudson River School painting vistas
Overlook Mountain Trail (15 minutes)
The Complete Outdoor Recreation Ecosystem
Trail Diversity for Every Family Member:
Beginner/Family Trails and Intermediate Adventures:
Huckleberry Rail Trail: Flat, shaded 2.7-mile path along Tannersville Lake • North Point Trail: Short hikes with big payoff views • Mountain Top Arboretum: Four trail networks through meadows and forests
Hunter Mountain via Colonel’s Chair: Fire tower access with Catskill panoramas • Diamond Notch Falls: 2-4 mile options featuring 15-foot waterfall • Inspiration Point Loop: Classic Hudson River School painting locations
Advanced Challenges:
Devil’s Path Access: Technical hiking for serious outdoor enthusiasts • Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow: Steep, rewarding climbs • Catskill 3500 Club Peaks: Multiple high peaks within 30 minutes
Year-Round Outdoor Paradise Spring & Summer (Peak Building Season):
Wildflower meadows and rushing waterfalls • Perfect weather for construction and trail exploration • Swimming in pristine mountain lakes and swimming holes • Rock climbing and bouldering opportunities
Fall (Nature’s Art Gallery):
World-renowned foliage displays • Comfortable hiking temperatures • Harvest festivals and outdoor markets • Photography opportunities around every corner
Winter (Mountain Sports Central):
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails • Hunter Mountain skiing (10 minutes away) • Windham Mountain resort access (25 minutes) • Ice climbing and winter photography
The Infrastructure Advantage for Outdoor Families
What Sets Elka Park Apart:
Trail Maintenance & Access:
New York State maintains extensive trail systems • Multiple trailhead parking areas within minutes • Well-marked trails with current condition updates • Search and rescue services readily available
Community Resources:
• Local outfitters like Camp Catskill in Tannersville for gear and advice • Mountain rescue and first aid services • Weather monitoring and trail condition networks • Experienced local guides and outdoor education programs
Family Safety & Convenience:
• Cell service at most trailheads and peaks • Hospital and emergency services in nearby towns • Established emergency protocols for outdoor activities • Local knowledge network for trail conditions
Build Your Outdoor Legacy
Why Elka Park Building Lots Are Perfect for Adventure Families:
Privacy Meets Access:
• 2-15 acre lots provide space for outdoor gear storage • Direct trail access without crowded trailheads
• Room for workshops, equipment maintenance, and adventure planning
• Natural settings that extend the outdoor experience to your property
Custom Home Opportunities:
• Design mudrooms for gear organization
• Include features like outdoor showers and equipment drying areas
• Create spaces for trip planning and adventure documentation •
Build decks and outdoor living areas that complement the mountain setting
The NYC Professional’s Dream Scenario
Imagine finishing your Friday afternoon video call, loading the family into the car, and being on a mountain trail by sunset. This isn’t a vacation fantasy – it’s the reality of owning a custom-built home in Elka Park.
Weekend Warrior Possibilities:
• Friday Evening: Arrive and take sunset hike to nearby overlooks
• Saturday: Full-day adventure to Kaaterskill Falls or Hunter Mountain summit
• Sunday Morning: Family-friendly walk around North-South Lake before heading home