Catskill Excursions
Be aware that changes and detailed questions need to be handled by the specific business
Rail Explorers
Experience the freedom of the wild and the magic of the railroad like never before. Ride custom built rail bikes alongside the rushing waters of the Esopus Creek and enjoy scenic landscapes and the natural wonders of the Catskills! Guests of the Emerson receive a 10% discount when booking Rail Explorers by phone. Call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0. Discount is valid Monday through Friday only (non-holiday). Rail Explorers is typically open May through October.
Ashokan Rail Trail
Ashokan Rail Trail
A Day Away Kayak Rentals
Interested in kayaking? We’ve partnered with A Day Away Kayak Rentals to offer Emerson guests 10% off kayak and pedal board rentals. Cruise the Rondout Creek, see the Eddyville Bridge and Waterfall, paddle through an active barge and ship building dock, explore the Historic Kingston Waterfront or navigate the Hudson River to the Rondout Lighthouse. Rental includes instruction (if needed) and lifejackets. Beginners of all ages are welcome! Open May through October. Call Reservations at 845-688-2828, option 0 to book your kayak excursion!
Golfing
Check out the links at Ulster County’s premier golf clubs. Typically open May through October.
Woodstock Golf Club – Enjoy access to the Woodstock Golf Club, a private members-only 9-hole course that also plays host to the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Golf Club Open, reportedly the longest running U.S. golf tournament open to both amateurs and professionals and held on the same course.
Wiltwyck Golf Club –Wiltwyck’s championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is widely recognized as the best example of modern championship golf architecture within 60 miles of its home in Kingston.
Call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0 to set up a tee time.
9- holes any day $35
18-holes any day $59
Includes complimentary golf cart
Wiltwyck Family Golf Clinic- Learn to golf with the entire family- all ages welcome
One-hour session with a certified professional instructor
$80 One instructor- 1-5 person group
$140 Two instructors- 6-10 person group
24-48 hour notice required to guarantee availability.
Golfing
Check out the links at Ulster County’s premier golf clubs. Typically open May through October.
Woodstock Golf Club – Enjoy access to the Woodstock Golf Club, a private members-only 9-hole course that also plays host to the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Golf Club Open, reportedly the longest running U.S. golf tournament open to both amateurs and professionals and held on the same course.
Wiltwyck Golf Club –Wiltwyck’s championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is widely recognized as the best example of modern championship golf architecture within 60 miles of its home in Kingston.
Call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0 to set up a tee time.
9- holes any day $35
18-holes any day $59
Includes complimentary golf cart
Wiltwyck Family Golf Clinic- Learn to golf with the entire family- all ages welcome
One-hour session with a certified professional instructor
$80 One instructor- 1-5 person group
$140 Two instructors- 6-10 person group
24-48 hour notice required to guarantee availability.
Fly Fishing
Available April 1st – End of fishing season
Did you know the freestone streams of New York’s Catskill Mountains are considered the cradle of American fly fishing?! The Esopus Creek, long considered the birthplace of fly fishing, just happens to be in our backyard. This very special excursion is perfect for beginners and experienced fly fishermen alike and includes a ½ day or full day of guided fly fishing instruction with a Catskill Mountain Angler.
Please note this excursion does not include fishing license, waders or wading boots. Contact Catskill Mountain Angler directly for wader and wading boot rentals. All other equipment provided as part of the excursion.
Call 845-688-2828, option 0 for reservations and license information. This excursion requires 72-hour advanced reservations and is based on availability.
Half Day – 4 hours
- 1 angler- $300
- 2 anglers-$350
- 3 anglers-$500
- 4 anglers-$600
Full Day – 8 hours
- 1 angler- $450
- 2 anglers-$550
- 3 anglers-$800
- 4 anglers-$900
Hudson River Cruises
For over 35 years, Hudson River Cruises has provided passengers a first-hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From their location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston, Hudson River Cruises provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline from May through October. Special Emerson guest pricing available.
For more information, call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0.
Hudson River Cruises
For over 35 years, Hudson River Cruises has provided passengers a first-hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From their location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston, Hudson River Cruises provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline from May through October. Special Emerson guest pricing available.
For more information, call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0.
Mushroom Walks
Call us at 845-688-2828, option 0 for availability.
A truly one-of-a-kind experience – take a two-hour guided hike with the “Mushroom Man,” John Michelotti. An expert in all things mushroom, John will teach you to identify Catskill mushroom species, how to grow edible mushrooms and all about the healing properties of fungi.
Call 845-688-2828, option 0 for information. Please Note: Mushroom Walks are held at various trails. Guests must be able to coordinate transportation to/from the trailhead.
Mountain Top Arboretum
Open year-round, Mountain Top Arboretum is comprised of 178 acres of public gardens and northeastern US native plant and tree displays. A 25-minute scenic drive from the Emerson Resort & Spa’s property, Mountain Top Arboretum lends itself for a beautiful, relaxing and educational walk through some of the area’s most serene fields and wooded trails. This excursion is FREE to Emerson guests and the public. For more information visit Mountain Top Arboretum’s website or call us at 845-688-2828, option 0.
Mountain Top Arboretum
Open year-round, Mountain Top Arboretum is comprised of 178 acres of public gardens and northeastern US native plant and tree displays. A 25-minute scenic drive from the Emerson Resort & Spa’s property, Mountain Top Arboretum lends itself for a beautiful, relaxing and educational walk through some of the area’s most serene fields and wooded trails. This excursion is FREE to Emerson guests and the public. For more information visit Mountain Top Arboretum’s website or call us at 845-688-2828, option 0.
Union Grove Distillery Tour
Take a two-hour tasting tour of Union Grove Distillery and sample some of the region’s award-winning spirits! Owners Brian Mulder and Todd Pascarella have been operating out of their Arkville, NY location since February 2016, developing their 2017 Gold Medal Winning Vly Creek Vodka, Catskill Mountain Spirit, Drie Brooke Rye, and FirGin along with offering infused vodkas and spirits.
This excursion includes a beautifully wrapped welcome package consisting of two Union Grove logo’d rocks glasses and one 100ml bottle of Vly Creek Vodka, $30 per package. Call our Reservations department at 845-688-2828 to book your Union Grove Tasting Tour! This excursion requires a 24-48 hour notice. Guests must be able to coordinate transportation to/from Union Grove Distillery.
Kayaking on Lake Wawaka
Bring your family and enjoy over a mile of river nestled next to a waterfall, on the shores of Lake Wawaka. Single kayaks are only $40 and tandems are just $60. Kayak rental includes use of the grounds, hiking trails, picnic areas and swimming hole for the day!
Guests of the Emerson receive a 10% discount. Call our Reservations department at 845-688-2828 for more information!
Local Skiing
Just a short drive from the Emerson, both Belleayre Mountain and Windham Mountain offer skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter months. Belleayre also offers a breathtaking Sky Ride on the Catskill Thunder Gondola, which operates weekends and select midweek days from late June to mid October. Call our Reservations department at 845-688-2828 for more information!