The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, fall is right around the corner. Now is the time to get out and enjoy one of the most amazing of the visual splendors Delaware County has to offer...the autumnal foliage! The brilliant yellows of birch, elm, poplar, redbud and hickory, and the reds, oranges and purples of red oak, hickory, ash, sugar maple, sweet gum, black gum, sourwood, red maple, and dogwoods, make the Great Western Catskills one of the top destinations for fall foliage seekers.
Though the wonder of autumn can be seen through the window of a car, one of the best ways to experience the season is to immerse yourself in it on the back of a bike, the seat of a canoe or kayak, or by simply getting out on your own two legs. Here is a suggested itinerary that will bring you up close and personal with the best that Delaware County has to offer.
Day 1 - Arrive in Margaretville by car or by Trailways Bus and check into the Margaretville Motel. Enjoy a bike ride from Margaretville to the Shavertown Bridge for a canoe or kayak rental on the Pepacton Reservoir or hike along the Shavertown Trail. Spend the night relaxing at the Margaretville Motel.
Day 2 - Bike from Margaretville to Spillian in Fleischmanns for a day of hiking or simply relaxing in a beautiful atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and then spend the night at Spillian.
Day 3 - Bike from Spillian to Arkville for a train ride on the Delaware and Ulster Railroad to Roxbury. In Roxbury, bike to Halcottsville and visit Kayaking the Catskills for your choice of a canoe or kayak paddle or take a hike on the trails right on the property. Spend the night at the Roxbury Motel.
Day 4 - Continue biking along the Catskill Scenic Trail from Roxbury to Stamford. Spend the night at The Colonial B&B. Relax and enjoy after your long day in the beautiful Catskill outdoors.
Day 5 - Bike the Catskill Scenic Trail to Bloomville and then take County Route 18 to NYS Route 28to the Fisk House B&B in Delhi. Spend time at their pool or browse the Antique Shop next door. Spend the night at the Fisk House.
Day 6 - Board the Trailways Bus at the Fisk House B&B for your return home.
Trailways Bus is more than happy to transport your bike as long as it is in a bike box or bike bag. Bags can be bought at most dealerships and boxes are for sale at the Port Authority baggage office.
Whether you follow this itinerary or you create your own, make sure you get out and enjoy the breathtaking colors of fall that Delaware County has to offer.