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.

Rail Explorers
Family on Rail Explorers vehicle

Ashokan Rail Trail

The Ashokan Rail Trail, or “ART,” showcases stunning views of the Ashokan Reservoir, mountain vistas and birdlife. The ART is built upon the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad right-of-way and opens an 11.5 mile corridor to the public without access permits for the first time in more than a century. The ART is open sunrise to sunset year-round (try cross country skiing or snowshoeing the ART during winter months), and is pet-friendly and ADA compliant.
Ashokan Rail Trail
Aerial view of Ashokan Trail
Aerial view of Ashokan Trail

Ashokan Rail Trail

The Ashokan Rail Trail, or “ART,” showcases stunning views of the Ashokan Reservoir, mountain vistas and birdlife. The ART is built upon the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad right-of-way and opens an 11.5 mile corridor to the public without access permits for the first time in more than a century. The ART is open sunrise to sunset year-round (try cross country skiing or snowshoeing the ART during winter months), and is pet-friendly and ADA compliant.
Ashokan Rail Trail
Woman in whitewater raft holding oar above her head.

A Day Away Kayak Rentals

Interested in kayaking?  We’ve partnered with A Day Away Kayak Rentals to offer Emerson guests 10% off kayak 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!

A Day Away Kayak

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.

Aerial view of golf course
Woodstock

9-holes – $45 per day

18-holes – $65 per day

Includes complimentary golf cart

Wiltwyck

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.

Aerial view of golf course

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.

Woodstock

9-holes – $45 per day

18-holes – $65 per day

Includes complimentary golf cart

Wiltwyck

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 fisherman holding a trout

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
Catskill Mountain Angler
NYS Fishing License

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 is $27 for adults and $19 for children ages 4-11.

To book a cruise on the Hudson, call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0.

Hudson River Cruises
Hudson River Cruises
Hudson River Cruises

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 is $27 for adults and $19 for children ages 4-11.

To book a cruise on the Hudson, call our Reservations Department at 845-688-2828, option 0.

Hudson River Cruises
Fly Agaric on forest trail.

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.

Catskill Fungi

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
mountain top arboretum
mountain top arboretum

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
Tennis

Tennis

Game, Set, Match! Tennis courts are available at Wiltwyck Golf Club however must be booked two weeks in advance. Rates are $15 per hour, per court. Emerson guest pricing for private 1-hour lessons with Wiltwyck Tennis Pro, Scott Taylor, are $60 each; semi-private lessons are $40 each.

Wiltwyck

Woodstock Brewing

Visit our neighbor down the road and taste and experience some of the best handcrafted beers in the region. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Woodstock Brewing must be arranged at least two weeks in advance and is based on availability.

Woodstock Brewing

Woodstock Brewing

Visit our neighbor down the road and taste and experience some of the best handcrafted beers in the region. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Woodstock Brewing must be arranged at least two weeks in advance and is based on availability.

Woodstock Brewing
Union Grove Distillery Logo

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.

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!

Kayaking on Lake Wawaka

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!

Belleayre Mountain