7 Best Kid-Friendly Catskills Hikes Near Margaretville

There are trails for every age and ability within a 20-minute drive of Peek-a-Blue. Here are our favorites, ranked from easiest to most challenging.

Easy — Strollers and Toddlers Welcome

1. Andes Rail Trail (15 min drive)

A flat, grassy path that follows the old Delaware & Northern railroad bed. It’s the smoothest trail in the area for an all-terrain stroller. As a runner myself, I find this is the best spot for a flat morning 5k before the family wakes up.

2. Pakatakan Trail (10 min drive)

An easy creekside walk near Dry Brook. Kids love the water access—they’ll want to throw rocks in the creek the entire time. Shaded and cool even in the heat of summer.

Moderate — Ages 5 and Up

3. Dry Brook Ridge Trail — Lower Section (12 min drive)

The first mile climbs gradually through mixed forest. Turn around whenever the kids get tired. For those training for a race, this lower section offers a great heart-pumping climb without the full 5-hour commitment of the ridge.

4. Balsam Lake Mountain (15 min drive)

The fire tower at the summit is the goal. It’s a 3-mile round trip with a steady (not steep) climb. Kids who can hike for an hour can handle this.

5. Millbrook Ridge Trail (18 min drive)

A loop trail through forests and meadows. Less trafficked than Balsam Lake, so you’ll likely have the trail to yourselves.

Challenging — Experienced Hikers

6. Dry Brook Ridge — Full Traverse (12 min drive)

The full ridge hike covers 6-8 miles with significant elevation gain. Not for toddlers, but incredible for experienced hikers looking for a workout.

7. Slide Mountain via Phoenicia Trail (40 min drive)

The highest peak in the Catskills (4,180 ft). Rocky, rooty, and rewarding. A bucket list summit for anyone staying in the central Catskills.

Trail Tips

Check for Ticks: They are active May through September.
Start Early: Popular trailheads like Balsam Lake fill up by 10 AM on summer weekends.
No Service: Cell service is non-existent on most trails. Download your maps at the cabin before you head out.