Local Area Attractions Near Catskill Mountains/ Gilboa KOA Holiday

Discover a world of enchantment just beyond our campground. Explore the Catskill
Mountains; rich history at the Zadock Pratt Museum, or indulge your inner explorer with
a visit to the Gilboa Fossil Forest, a hidden gem dating back 380 million years.
 Our proximity to many state parks like Mine Kill offers prime hiking. Don't
forget to take a scenic drive along Route 23A, known as the Mountain Top Arboretum.
Or visit any of the other fun attractions listed below.

Schoharie Reservoir

Schoharie Reservoir

You can fish and boat on the reservoir but you must get an access permit from the DEP. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/recreation/recreation.page   Our KOA is a boat steaming cleaning station for the reservoir.

Website

Zoom Flume Water Park

Zoom Flume Water Park

Zoom Flume is New York's number one family water park! Zoom into summer and enjoy a refreshing day with friends and family!

20 Shady Glen Rd

East Durham, NY 12423

800-888-3586

Website

Sunken City Hard Cider

Sunken City Hard Cider

Located right in Gilboa !
Sunken City Cider, we are producing authentic New York hard cider, creating lasting memories, and Growing Good Times!

193 Stryker Rd, Gilboa, NY 12076

Gilboa, NY 12076

607-882-1339

Website

Schoharie County Beverage Trail

Schoharie County Beverage Trail

Schoharie County is a rural and agricultural county located in Upstate New York. The Schoharie County Beverage Trail winds through the picturesque hills & valleys of the county and consists of seven small, local businesses, each one unique. Whether you are looking for craft beers, wines, ciders or spirits, this trail has a little something for everyone.

Website

Greene County Tourism

Greene County Tourism

The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County is a peak destination for events—music & arts, food & culture, sporting & outdoors and local happenings. It all happens here, 12 months out of the year.

Website

Schoharie County Tourism

Schoharie County Tourism

All roads lead through Schoharie County.Halfway between Albany and Cooperstown, Schoharie County has been a destination for many and a welcome stopover for others.
Use the website link for info on things to do in the area.

Website

Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns

Cool Cave ToursAre you ready for a fun and affordable family day out? How about a vacation full of learning for all ages? Whether you live in New York and want to take a day trip, or you are driving through the area looking for a fun affordable family vacation, Howe Caverns is one of the most exciting NYS attractions. The cave tour consists of a 1.25 mile walk with a 0.25 mile boat ride. There are also 139 stairs throughout the cave tour. Please arrive 15-30 minutes early to use the restrooms. Gift shops close when the last tour comes out of the cave (specialty tours excluded).

255 Discovery Dr.

Howes Cave, NY 12092

518-296-8900

Website

Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum

Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum

The museum features the original brick 1875 Station House and railway artifacts, together with six other original railroad buildings, including the Freight Shed, a Weigh Station, a Mill Building, two small whistle-stop stations and the Borden's Creamery Building. In addition, there is the restored 1891 Passenger Car from the Middleburgh & Schoharie Railroad, and a 1917 wooden caboose. Museum welcomes groups/motor coaches. VISIT OUR WEBSITE
PLEASE READ SEASON / HOURS OF OPERATION

  • Open weekends, Memorial Day to Columbus Day, 12:00pm -4:00pm and by appointment


143 Depot Lane

Schoharie, NY 12157

518-295-7505

Website

Shephard Hills Golf Course

Shephard Hills Golf Course

This beautiful historic golf course is 15 miles from camp in Roxbury. About a 20 minute drive. Also has an Amazing Restaurant.

562 Shephard Hill Road

Roxbury, NY 12474

607-326-7127

Website

Mountain Top Arboretum

Mountain Top Arboretum

Beautiful public gardens with trails to explore and learn about local plant life!

Arboretum gardens and trails open dawn to dusk, every day of the year.Education Center open 9am to 4pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

4 Maude Adams Road

Tannersville, NY 12485

845-532-3259

Website

Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History Center

Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History Center

"CLICK HERE AND LEARN ABOUT THE GILBOA MUSEUM,
HOME TO THE OLDEST FOREST ON EARTH

AND IT'S WORLD FAMOUS FOSSILS.

We are proud to continue to offer the Juried History Center at the Gilboa Museum. With a generous grant from Nicholas Juried and the doubling of our exhibition space at the Museum we have much more room to present informative and historical presentations. This history center enables us to preserve and present the amazing history of the region for generations to come and vividly bring to life the stories of people that have settled and lived their lives in this beautiful region of America.

With the past addition of the John and Anna Juried Memorial Barn the amount of display space continues to increase. This agricultural building houses equipment from the Benjamin Road farm of Michael McNamara, the Village of Gilboa's produce delivery wagon from Clayton Buel, and historical antique barn tools. This display provides a look back in farming history for visitors to see where we were and how far we have come in American farming.

We would also recommend visiting the Gilboa Historical Society website for additional information about the Schoharie Reservoir and the work of the Gilboa Historical Society.

To learn more about Gilboa and it's history visit Gilboa Home website for additional archival newspaper articles, historical audio interviews and photos of old Gilboa before it was sacrificed for NYC drinking water.

Museum hours are: 12:00pm to 4:00pm, Saturdays & Sundays from May 24th, Memorial Day Weekend until Columbus Day, October 12th 2025.

Besides an excellent Devonian fossil exhibit and the Juried History Center the Gilboa Museum has several new, permanent displays. Many donations of logging saws, and antique farming tools are on display, artifacts from the original town of Gilboa and large Devonian tree size fossils have also been incorporated as part of the museum's permanent collection. Pictured is the newly expanded Museum. The Juried Barn (not pictured here) is next door and the wraparound museum deck provides visitors a place to sit, enjoy the view, and eat lunch after visiting the Museum.

 During the year we are open 12:00 to 4:00pm every weekend from Memorial Day weekend in May to Columbus Day in October." ~per their website


***CHECK OUT OUR EVENT PAGE FOR A LISTING OF ALL OF THE GILBOA MUSEUM'S EVENTS, JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM OUR PARK!***

122 Stryker Rd.

Gilboa, NY 12076

Website

Blenheim Gilboa-Visitors Center 1378

Blenheim Gilboa-Visitors Center 1378

"Experience Powerful Fun! With the History of Power & the Power of History Near the Capital Region. Try interactive exhibits.

Visitors Center:

Welcome to the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center, nestled in a beautifully restored 19th-century dairy barn within the charming Lansing Manor complex! This isn't your average museum—it's a hands-on playground where you can dive into the fascinating world of electricity. Explore interactive exhibits that make learning fun, from the basics of how electricity works to its amazing uses in everyday life.


Historic Lansing Manor (Temporarily Closed):

Step back in time and discover enchanting Lansing Manor, a treasure trove of authentic 19th-century furnishings and antiques! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property boasts 10 spacious rooms across two floors, plus a charming below-ground kitchen and utility rooms. This wonderful site is a classic example of Federal period architecture.

Plan Your Trip:

  • Immerse in a 2-3 hour exploration in the scenic Catskills, near Cooperstown and the Capital Region.
  • Explore diverse trails and spot eagles during your walk.
  • Discover extended recreational opportunities at nearby Mine Kill State Park.
  • No pets except for service animals.

Explore the Area:

We offer a blend of excitement and education. Dive into STEM exhibits and historical lessons. Explore nature with environmental education at our wetlands and enjoy outdoor recreation at neighboring Mine Kill State Park. Plus, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers grants for eligible entities for the Connect Kids to Parks bus grant, which may cover transportation costs, making it easier than ever for qualifying institutions to join the fun. Come explore, learn, and play with us!

Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 5 pm (closed on certain holidays)

Free admission & parking! View our Brochure" ~per their website


***ONLY ABOUT 4 SHORT MILES FROM OUR PARK!!!

Blenheim Gilboa-Visitors Center 1378

State Rte 30 North

Blenheim, NY 12131

Website

Gilboa Fossil Forest near Gilboa Dam

Gilboa Fossil Forest near Gilboa Dam

"Gilboa Fossil ForestNew York, United States, is a petrified forest and one of the oldest known forests.[1][2] Located near the Gilboa Dam in Schoharie County, New York, the region is home to tree trunks from the Devonian period. The fossils, some of the only survivors of their type in the world, are believed to have been from one of the first forests on Earth, and was part of the Earth's afforestationPaleobotanists have been interested in the site since the 1920s when construction work for a water supply project found several large, vertical fossilized stumps. Some of these remain on display at the Gilboa Dam site." ~per wikipedia

"The Gilboa Dam is located on the Schoharie Reservoir in Gilboa, New York, with the nearest visitor access and public viewing area located at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center at 1378 State Rte 30 North, Blenheim, NY 12131. The dam itself is part of the New York City water supply system, situated in the Catskill Mountains." ~per google


***ONLY ABOUT 4 SHORT MILES FROM OUR PARK!!!

Website

Pratt Rock "New York's Mt. Rushmore"

Pratt Rock "New York's Mt. Rushmore"

"Pratt Rock - New York's Mount Rushmore

Ripley's 'Believe it or Not' called it "New York's Mt. Rushmore.

"Often referred to as New York's Mount Rushmore, this larger-than-life monument to one man's achievements in the name of industry is a must-hike-to-see while you're in the Great Northern Catskills.Zadock Pratt was an early settler of Greene County who happened to rise in his career from a tanner, to a banker, then finally to the House of Representatives. When he had reached the pinnacle of his career, he commissioned stone workers to immortalize his life's achievements on a nearby cliff. The result: a series of carvings in stone depicting the highlights of his life.Hike the short, 3.1-mile round-trip off of Route 23E just outside of Prattsville to see this one-of-a-kind spectacle. Perfect for beginners, you'll gain 900+ feet of elevation, and get a spectacular view of the surrounding valley from several points along the trail.Parking is available at the trailhead. As you begin your ascent, you may notice a few older tombstones. This is where Pratt's beloved horses and dogs were buried.Wear sturdy shoes, practice safe hiking, and enjoy discovering more about Pratt's life. Better yet, stop by the Zadock Pratt Museum to learn more. Open to the public every day, and there is no admission." ~per greatnortherncatskills.com

"About Pratt RockPratt Rock, known locally as the “Mount Rushmore of the East,” was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Built between 1842 and 1862, the Rock was originally designed to memorialize Pratt's life. The carvings on the Rock depict Zadock Pratt, his son George, a horse, a hemlock tree, the tannery, the Pratt coat of arms, a wreath with the names of two of Pratt's children, and an arm raising a hammer. The monument became a memorial dedicated to George after George died in the Civil War in 1862. The Pratt Rock Park, an early 19th-century pleasure park, also included an early use of Far Eastern terraced gardening influenced by Pratt's visit to Korea in the late 1830s." ~per their website

***ONLY ABOUT 7 SHORT MILES FROM OUR CAMPGROUND!!!

Pratt Rock

14296 NY-23

Prattsville, NY 12468

Website

Zadock Pratt Museum

Zadock Pratt Museum

"The Zadock Pratt Museum (Prattsville, NY) is located in the western Catskills mountaintop region—an area with a storied history of emerging times and ideas including the birthplace of color photography and the site of the world's oldest fossils. With the life and legacy of Zadock Pratt at its core, the museum is dedicated to excavating local history, community, and culture through special and permanent exhibits, conservation, education, archives, and public programming.Vision & MissionThrough our service, space, and programming, we create equitable futures where every being can thrive. We are building a transformative educational, historic, and cultural hub in the spirit of Zadock Pratt—a shining star on the mountaintop that champions land, people, communities, and ideas. Our mission is to excavate, elevate, and share the rich histories and cultures of Prattsville and the greater tri-county Catskills region. With the life and legacy of Zadock Pratt at our core, we aim to:

  • Be a critical beacon of local research and education
  • Serve and preserve through community-minded programming, events, and encounters that tell expansive stories
  • Contextualize and cultivate ideas that matter 

Our HistoryBuilt in 1828 and redesigned in the 1850's, the building is the 19th century Greek Revival home of visionary Congressman, banker, soldier, industrial revolution innovator, and town founder Zadock Pratt. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986. The Pratt Homestead, now the Zadock Pratt Museum was built in 1828 and restored as a museum in 1976.The Museum has been in existence as a museum since 1959, functioning in a variety of settings until the Zadock Pratt Homestead located on Main Street, Prattsville, was acquired in 1962 by a group of dedicated local residents. Operated by local volunteers, including the then Prattsville Chamber of Commerce, this group re-organized in 1974 to restore the Pratt homestead.With support from the town of Prattsville and the O'Connor Foundation, the building was restored, collections moved, and the museum opened on July 4, 1976. The Museum's first full-time professional director was hired shortly after the restoration.It was restored to its approximate 1856 appearance. The Museum contains approximately 5,000 sq. ft. dedicated to period room settings, exhibit areas, a research room and a caretaker's apartment. A modern replica of Pratt's carriage house was built to house meeting, store and office facilities. It is also used by other community groups for meeting purposes." ~per their website

Zadock Pratt Museum

14540 NY-23

Prattsville, NY 12468

Website

The Old Stone Fort Museum

The Old Stone Fort Museum

"Presenting three centuries of rural New York history in and among seven historic and exhibit buildings on 25 acres in the scenic Schoharie Valley, the Old Stone Fort Museum welcomes you to discover, explore, and experience the multitude of stories woven into the rich history of Schoharie County. Featuring thousands of artifacts on display, the centerpiece of the museum complex is the Old Stone Fort, built in 1772 as a High Dutch (German) Reformed Church, the structure was fortified in 1777 and attacked by British forces in 1780.

The Schoharie County Historical Society has been operating the Fort as a museum for more than 130 years. The Society has a collection of more than 50,000 artifacts related to the history of Schoharie County; maintains a research library and a local genealogy collection; publishes a semi-annual local history magazine; and offers a wide range of educational and recreational activities. Society offices are in the William Badgley Museum, across the street from the Old Stone Fort."

The Old Stone Fort Museum

145 Fort Rd.

Schoharie, NY 12157

Website

Mine Kill Falls

Mine Kill Falls

Mine Kill Falls: A Hidden Gem of Schoharie CountyTucked inside Mine Kill State Park in the scenic foothills of Schoharie County, Mine Kill Falls is one of New York's most striking multi-tiered waterfalls — a dramatic 80-foot cascade carved into a deep, winding gorge. Visitors can enjoy year-round access to this natural wonder, with well-maintained trails and multiple viewing platforms that make the falls easy to experience for hikers of all skill levels.A Multi-Tiered Waterfall Worth the WalkMine Kill Falls is made up of three distinct drops:

  • A 20-foot upper cascade just below the NY-30 bridge
  • A 40-foot middle drop, the tallest and most dramatic
  • A final 20-foot lower cascade that spills into a tranquil pool

Together, they create an 80-foot descent that's especially impressive in spring and early summer when water flow is strongest.Visitors can take a short 5–10 minute walk from the dedicated parking area to reach the overlook platforms, or hike down into the gorge for a closer, more immersive view. The trail to the bottom is brief but can be steep and muddy — worth it for those wanting the full experience.A Park Full of AdventureMine Kill State Park offers far more than just the falls. Guests can enjoy:
  • Hiking and nature trails
  • Fishing and boating access
  • Seasonal swimming pools
  • Disc golf, picnicking, and year-round recreation

The waterfall area is open year-round from dawn to dusk, making it a beautiful stop in every season — from lush summer greens to icy winter formations.A Perfect Day Trip Near Gilboa KOA HolidayMine Kill Falls is just a short drive from Gilboa KOA Holiday, making it an easy and unforgettable outing for campers, families, and nature lovers. Spend the morning exploring the gorge, then return to the campground for mountain air, creekside relaxation, and a cozy evening by the fire.From roaring cascades to peaceful campfires, make your adventure complete — book your stay at Gilboa KOA Holiday today!


***ONLY A FEW MINUTES FROM OUR CAMPGROUND!!!***

Mine Kill State Park

161 Mine Kill Rd. North

Blenheim, NY 12131

Website

Secret Caverns

Secret Caverns

Secret Caverns: New York's Quirkiest Underground AdventureJust minutes from Howe Caverns, Secret Caverns offers a completely different kind of cave experience — rustic, quirky, and full of character. This limestone solutional cave in Howes Cave, NY, has been welcoming curious explorers since 1929 and remains famous for its 100-foot underground waterfall, narrow winding passages, and folk-art-covered entrance that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.A Descent Into the “Petrified Escalator”Your guided tour begins with a trip down 103 concrete steps, humorously known as the Petrified Escalator. From there, visitors follow a ¼-mile walkway through a maze of stream-cut passages, soaring domes, and calcite formations — all illuminated by the cavern's whimsical lighting system.Along the way, you'll encounter formations with playful guide-given names like Liberty Bell, Giant's False Teeth, and Frozen Niagara, before reaching the grand finale: a towering 100-foot subterranean waterfall thundering into the darkness.A Cave With CharacterSecret Caverns is known not just for its geology, but for its personality. From hand-painted roadside signs to the giant fiberglass groundhog mascot, the attraction embraces a fun, offbeat charm that sets it apart from more commercialized caves.The cave system itself stretches over 6,200 feet, part of the larger Secret-Benson Cave System, though only the first 2,640 feet are part of the public tour. Beyond the waterfall lies Benson's Cave, a wild cave reserved for experienced cavers.Know Before You Go

  • Open: 11 AM–3 PM on select days (seasonal schedule)
  • Tours: Every hour on the hour
  • Admission: $20 adults, $10 kids 6–12, free for ages 5 and under
  • Cash only — no ATM on site
  • Not wheelchair or stroller accessible
  • Sturdy footwear required

Expect tight squeezes, low ceilings, and a few drips — all part of the authentic spelunking charm.A Perfect Day Trip Near Gilboa KOA HolidaySecret Caverns is an unforgettable stop for families, adventurers, and anyone who loves discovering hidden wonders beneath the earth's surface. After exploring the underground waterfall and winding passages, return to Gilboa KOA Holiday for fresh mountain air, creekside relaxation, and a cozy campfire to end the day.Ready for an adventure that's truly underground? Book your stay with us at Gilboa KOA Holiday and make Secret Caverns part of your getaway.

671 Caverns Rd.

Howes Cave, NY 12092

Website

Blenheim Covered Bridge

Blenheim Covered Bridge

The Old Blenheim Covered Bridge — A Landmark Reborn. First opened in 1855, the Old Blenheim Covered Bridge quickly became an essential lifeline for the people of Schoharie County. Spanning the powerful Schoharie Creek, it offered farmers a reliable way to move equipment and produce from one bank to the other. In winter, locals packed snow inside the bridge so sleighs could glide through, and in the early 1900s, automobiles replaced horses and wagons as the primary travelers across its wooden span. By 1933, a new steel bridge was constructed beside it, and the original covered bridge transitioned to pedestrian use. For more than 150 years, it stood proudly as one of the longest single-span covered bridges in the world — a beloved icon admired by residents and visitors alike. That legacy was shaken on August 28, 2011, when Tropical Storm Irene sent devastating floodwaters surging down the Schoharie Creek. The historic bridge was swept away, leaving the community heartbroken at the loss of a treasured symbol. But Schoharie County's spirit proved stronger than the storm. Thanks to FEMA and the determination of local residents, a faithful duplicate of the original bridge was constructed and dedicated in 2017. Today, the Old Blenheim Covered Bridge stands once again — not just as a crossing, but as a powerful testament to resilience, heritage, and the enduring pride of the community.A visit to the bridge is more than a scenic stop; it's a step into the living history of Schoharie County.

After visiting the bridge, guests can return to camp for campfires, stargazing, and the relaxing atmosphere that makes Gilboa KOA. Stay, explore, and experience the best of Schoharie County — all from Gilboa KOA Holiday.

Route 30 North

Blenheim, NY 12131

Website