Woodstock

Sports and the Outdoors

Looming over Woodstock, Overlook Mountain (Off Meads Mountain Rd. 845/256-3000. www.catskillcenter.org) has inspired generations of landscape artists, as well as several rock musicians. The 3,140-foot peak offers one of the best views in the Catskills, on clear days taking in five neighboring states. On the way up the 2½-mi dirt road—an almost constant ascent—you'll see the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House, a once-grand hotel; an old fire tower is at the top. To get here from the Woodstock village green, turn onto Rock City Road. Proceed to the four-way stop, after which the road becomes Meads Mountain Road. Continue for another 2½ mi. The Overlook trailhead and parking are on the right, across the road from Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.

Stretching over 47,500 acres, the Slide Mountain Wilderness is the largest and most popular wilderness area in the Catskills. The area includes Slide Mountain (Off Rte. 47, 10 mi south of Big Indian. 607/652-7365, 607/652-5076, or 607/652-5063. www.dec.ny.gov) —which, at 4,190 feet, is the range's highest peak—and encompasses several forest preserves. Its 35 mi of hiking trails take you over lofty peaks with spectacular views. The most straightforward way up Slide Mountain is via the Woodland Valley-Denning and Burroughs Range trails, accessed from the Slide Mountain trailhead parking area on Route 47, west of Woodstock. You'll trek 2.7 mi and climb 1,780 feet to the summit, where a plaque commemorates naturalist and poet John Burroughs.