A Little Getaway: Tiny Home Resorts in CapNY

The beautiful backdrops here in CapNY are the perfect place for an escape from everyday life. Nestle up among the Catskill mountains, discover solitude just minutes from downtown Albany, or explore the rolling green hills of the Hudson Valley with a stay in one of these tiny havens. And, we’ve included both affordable and splurge options. Take your pick!

176 Levett Road, Coxsackie, NY 12051

The simple wood cabins at Gather Greene will make you feel like you’re sleeping in nature. However, you’ll be comfortably nestled in a comfortable king-sized bed, with a floor-to-ceiling window and views to the outside. Inside, the intelligent, minimal design has all you need for a perfect escape. The mirrored closet reflects the woods outside and tucks away your luggage. A hidden beverage nook stores multiple caffeine options. The cabins include a mini fridge, luxe linens, and outdoor furniture to enjoy on the  deck.

Nearby: The Martin Van Buren Historic Site, and a quick 20-minute drive to the shops and eateries in Hudson and Catskill.

Booking: http://www.gathergreene.com/cabins

275 Parker Rd, West Sand Lake, NY 12196

June Farms is a luxe-rustic oasis just 10 minutes from the hearts of both downtown Albany and Troy. The 120-acre farm is home to Instagram-famous Scottish Highland cows, Shire horses, pigs, ducks, goats, and occasionally, spotted barn cats.

June Farms offers several options for spending a delightful night or two. The TimberTown cabins are the ultimate choice for a truly off-the-grid experience. Each cabin has a king-sized bed, wood stove, and BBQ grill. Don’t expect to be able to check your news feed or give yourself a salon blowout. These cabins aren’t connected to electricity or running water (but a spa-style bathroom is only steps away). The wood stove provides a cozy, comforting heat and glow for a night away with a friend or partner.

Booking: https://junefarmscabins.com/

  • Airstream

The 1984 Airstream is an upgraded option for a scaled-down escape. The silver structure is nestled among the trees, and inside you’ll find a basic, modern kitchen and full bathroom. The best part? A salt water hot tub to soak away stress among the elements. 

During the day, take a leisurely lap around the site and visit the animals. In the spring and summer, there are delicious options for food and premium cocktails at the snack bar. The food and drinks are worth the trip. Owner and CapNY restauranter Matt Baumgartner has curated a menu of crave-worthy treats like wood fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and perfectly sweet lemonades. Also in the peak season: guided walks, seasonal events, and even workout classes led by local instructors. 

Nearby: the famous Kay’s Pizza on Burden Lake (seasonal)

Wright St, Prattsville, NY 12468

The Catskill Bungalow is a standout yellow tiny home with plenty of charm. Though small—about 200 square feet—this mini abode feels like a home away from home. Just a short walk to the small town of Prattsville, you can explore the nearby Schoharie Creek, dozens of hiking trails, and attractions such as Hunter Mountain (15 minutes) and Windham Mountain (10 minutes).

The Catskill Bungalow’s proximity to ski and snowboard destinations makes it a perfect option for a unique winter getaway. So, whether you’re looking for action-packed or low-key escapes, this is a great choice. Plus, the modest price leaves room in your budget for more exploring. 

Nearby: Kaaterskill Falls, scenic trails and hikes throughout the Catskills, and downtown Catskill.

Booking: https://www.catskillbungalow.com/prices.html

2776 County Route 23B, South Cairo, NY 12482

These delightful spaces may be small but they offer gigantic appeal. Each of the 11 tiny homes here are completely unique, and all offer stunning, wooded views through their large windows.   Many include loft beds that will take you back to childhood bunk bed days, and some sleep up to 6 people. And, the site has four seasons of activities, from sledding to swimming, making them a perfect backdrop for a mental reset. They are all fully connected to electricity and internet and the small kitchens and outdoor grills make cooking simple. 

Nearby: Olana State Historic Site (check out our guide to Olana With Kids!),  Gracie’s Luncheonette in Leeds (everything on the menu is homemade, even the ketchup!), downtown Catskill and Hudson.

Booking: https://atinyhouseresort.com/ 

411 NY-296, Hensonville, NY 12439

This custom-built geometric marvel has birchwood decor, a massive bay window, and a stunning forest mural. This is glamping at its rustic finest — a huge step up from traditional camping! The bed and wood stove are cozy, and keep nights nice and warm, even in winter.  

This pick is very close to many ski and snowboard hotspots, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities throughout the Catskills. The mountains and neighboring towns are also known to host fantastic fall festivals–this one is perfect to try now AND again later, when gatherings and celebrations return.

The owners live nearby, so you’re not in total isolation, but there is plenty of privacy.

Nearby: Local eateries in Windham including Vesuvio and Windham Local, downtown Catskill.

Booking: https://www.catskilldomeo.com/

Spencertown, NY

The Hemptons offers something for everyone. It’s an active organic hemp farm ready for visitors all year round. There are several options to spend a night or two among the greenery. The stay is what you make it. One can relax in a hammock with a good book or help out the owners Vanessa Villanova and Suzie Eckhart, the founders of The Hemptons Farm with farm tasks. 

The idea is a trip to help you escape—however that looks for you—and perhaps it means kicking back with nature and perhaps it means learning something new or putting in a day’s work on something besides spreadsheets and Zoom meetings. 

They have a tiny house to stay in right on site, it’s blocky and industrial looking and has multiple windows to catch views of the gorgeous scenery. There are also a few other options for larger groups like glamping in the farmhouse. Vanessa and Suzie make each stay custom to every guest depending on what you’re looking for.

You can also learn more about the growing hemp and cannabis industry. They not only grow the plant but they make products like lotions and tinctures.

Booking: https://thehemptons.com/

  • Written by: Lauren Mineau

Lauren Mineau is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for highlighting the places, spaces, and people that make upstate New York a great place to be. Her experience in local news, B2B marketing, and higher education, ignited her passion for telling stories of things people are curious about. In her spare time, you can find her searching for the perfect iced coffee, juggling five craft projects at a time, or cracking the perfect pun.

4 Must-Experience Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Activities in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

There are countless outdoor activities to partake in during CapNY’s spring and summer months. 10 state parks. Countless trails & opportunity. It’s important for us that CapNY has outdoor experiences that are accessible to EVERYONE across our community.

In this article, we’ll cover FOUR must-experience wheelchair outdoor activities that you should add to your to-do list on an upcoming weekend. Check it out!

Albany County
Located at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar

Five Rivers is a natural wonder of CapNY, with over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. It offers accessible programming for children, adults, and groups. Here you’ll find their upcoming programs and events. Whether you’re looking for guided or solo exploration, with over ten miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers “fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.”

Accessible Features:

All amenities of the Visitor Center, Comfort Station, picnic area, Woodlot Trail and Nature’s Backyard Trail are wheelchair accessible, as are several hard-surfaced interior routes. Sign interpreters are available upon request for education programs. Braille, large print and audio format interpretive guides are available upon request, as well as wheelchairs, walkers and a scooter.

Columbia County
Location:
Here’s the map with the different loops and trailheads!
-To enter at the Beaver Byway: 4079 County Rd 9, East Chatham, NY
-To enter at the Lake Loop: 451 Gale Hill Road, East Chatham, NY (use this entrance for kayaking access)
-If you are planning to use the Gale Hill Road entrance please use 398 Gale Hill Road when entering in GPS. The 451 is the official 911 road number, but some GPS systems lead elsewhere.

Hand Hollow includes about 3 miles of trails, most of it being pure forest. Explorers can admire an open meadow and kayak or fish in Meizinger Lake, which includes an accessible kayak launch. You have a great chance of catching a peek at a beaver and/or great blue heron if you observe closely. Sprinkled with spring wildflowers, it makes for a beautiful spot for meditating, gazing, and photos.

Accessible Features:

The parking area and fishing pier on Spiegelberg Lake are both accessible. Click here for more.

Greene County
Location: 70 Catskill View Cir, Saugerties, NY 12477

This forest, of almost 8,000 acres, is a popular destination due to the iconic Kaaterskill Falls, which can be enjoyed by all…from Laurel-House Road parking area, it’s 0.3 miles to the observation platform overlooking the falls.

Despite misconception, there’s more than hiking trails to be explored here. There’s accessible camping, horseback riding, and more.

Accessible Features:

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access. Kaaterskill Wild Forest features several horse trails with accessible horse-mounting platforms at various trailheads. Additionally, the Escarpment Trail leads to an accessible trailside campsite.

Washington County
Location: Ferguson Road & Calhoun Lane Washington County Rte. 49, Ferguson Road, East Greenwich, NY, 12834

Wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation all encompass the purpose of Carters Pond area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, and animal viewing are all popular activities there.

If hiking is calling your name, check out the mile long Interpretive Nature trail. In 2012, staff and volunteers made half of the loop into a fully accessible trail. “The trail offers an opportunity to learn more about nature and examine the relationship between wildlife, habitat, soils, and climate. There are many species of trees, plants, fungi, and ferns to identify along the path in both upland and wetland habitat communities.”

Accessible Features:

A wheelchair accessible half-mile loop trail and path to an elevated viewing platform exists within the nature trail described above. The accessible loop trail goes through several habitat areas, providing views of wooded wetlands, upland forest, and the large marshy pond. The trail has a hardened stone dust surface and includes a boardwalk, several foot bridges, and ample passing spaces. It is connected to a designated accessible parking area. There is no privy at this location.

A shorter trail leads from the accessible parking area up a very slight grade to a point where it meets a wooden boardwalk with railings. The level board walk extends out toward the pond as the surrounding ground slopes fairly steeply down to the water’s edge. The short board walk ends at a small deck with railings that allows room for a wheelchair to turn around. The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk provides a pleasant bird’s eye view of the pond.

 

Now get outside & explore! Tag us in your pics @gocapny on all platforms!

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

5 Great NY State Parks: Empire Pass

Updated: July 2025

The Empire Pass Card is a perfect way to become acquainted with the natural wonders of the Capital Region.

  • The Empire Pass

Open the gates to the pleasures of the great NY State parks with the amazing Empire Pass! The shareable, wallet-sized card is a full-season parking pass to New York’s 180 state parks. Empire Passes can be purchased online here.  The Empire Pass is a great option for a single adventurer and their dog, a fun-seeking family, or a boisterous group of friends looking for low-cost outdoor activities.

What started as a money-saver quickly became an exploratory tool and recreation motivator for me.  Purchasing an Empire Pass encouraged me to learn more about the Capital Region and the local beauty that I would otherwise drive by.  Here I share 5 great NY State parks you can visit with your Empire Pass. Plus, there are ideas about what you can do at the park, and attractions in the surrounding areas.

  • Saratoga Spa State Park
Photo: Lau Rivera

Impressive architecture, glittering pools, and amazing history are hallmarks of Saratoga Spa State. Plus, you’ll find museums, SPAC, a golf course, a historic hotel, an amazing day spa, restaurants, walking trails, and more. This state park offers something to everyone. 

My visit started with a slow, outdoor, self-guided walking tour of the Hall of Springs and Avenue of the Pines. These are both perfect spots for a photo shoot or an Instagram shot.  At noon I ate lunch and caught some sun on the grounds outside of the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, a luxury spa that specializes in natural mineral baths.  If the sun is too much, retreat to the refuge of the shady forest trails nearby.

Four Season Fun at Spa State Park

The park offers several options to those who want to swim or cool off.  I like to wander along Geyser Creek, because it is quiet and shady.  The Peerless Pool is great for families with kids. Want to glam it up? Then Victoria Pool is for you. It’s perfect for lounging and leisurely dips. 

A unique feature of this park are the 12 mineral springs that are scattered throughout.  Searching for the springs is a good way to tour the park with young children — click here for a map. Following one of the park’s eleven trails is another great way to see the land.  The Geyser Trail is the longest trail and reaches almost every corner of the park.  Trails are open all year, weather permitting. In winter, you can cross country ski and snowshoe on these trails!

Photo: Lau Rivera

If you visit on a Sunday, go to the Spa City Farmers’ Market and peruse seasonal vegetables and crafts.  Need coffee?  Stop by Wired Coffee for a cold brew.  Both the market and the café are conveniently located in the park, so you don’t have to give up that parking spot if you’re hungry or want to shop! You can also rent CDTA’s CDPHP Cycle bikes at several locations throughout the Park, which will allow you to see all the sites, and then peddle to downtown Saratoga Springs via the bike trail.

  • Moreau Lake State Park

Nestled in the dense woods of Saratoga County, Moreau Lake State Park offers walking trails, camping in the summer, and snowshoeing in the winter.  What I love most about Moreau is the stunning view of the lake from the beach area.  The large, sandy beach on the west shore of the lake is great for kids and fishing; the smaller north shore is better for pets.  After a swim at noon, my partner and I took our dog on the Nature Trail and the Wetland Walk around Mud Pond.  I enjoyed the variety of ecosystems on the Nature Trail.  Some trails are flat and quite easy, so they are a good hiking option for novices or hikers of different abilities. There are also some more challenging scrambles, for those seeking amazing views of the southern Adirondacks.

More great options:
Rent cabins at Moreau!
  • Grafton Lakes State Park
Photo: Malaney Young

Grafton Lakes State Park, located in the lush forests of Grafton,  is one of the most popular parks in CapNY.  There’s a great beach on Long Pond, plus five other ponds for fishing and boating.  The woods behind the beach are great area for hanging out and grilling with a group or eating lunch from Grafton’s Town Store ( 2436 NY-2, Cropseyville). I suggest going during the week or arriving early on the weekends in the summer, to ensure you’ll find a spot on the beach or a picnic bench. 

Capital District explorer, New York State worker, and local music lover (and, yes, my friend) Susan Rice recommended Grafton Lakes State Park to me because it’s “beautiful and very family oriented” – and she’s right!  With over 30 trails, there are hiking options for every family member and every ability level. 

The park offers an abundance of recreation options, including a basketball court, a softball field, a volleyball court, and playgrounds.  My favorite part of the park is the small, dog-friendly beach next to the swimming beach. Here, leashed pets are permitted to play.  Before you leave Grafton, take amazing photos of the sunset at Dickinson Hill Fire Tower, or chill out at the marvelous Grafton Peace Pagoda.  Almost anything you need for a fun day outdoors is available at Grafton Lakes State Park. 

  • Cherry Plain State Park
Photo: Kassie Buffham

Cherry Plain State Park is in Petersburg, NY, on the east side of Rensselaer County.  Within the small park is a beach on Black River Pond, five hiking trails, campgrounds, a boat launch, and a playground.  Because of its small size and location, this park is a great option for visitors and campers who want a quieter experience. 

During my visit, I parked along State Park Road, walked to the Boat Launch, then took a short hike along Lakeside Trail with my dog. All trails are less than 2.5 miles and vary from easy to difficult.  If you like aquatic activities, Black River Pond is wonderful for a calm kayak float, or a long day of fishing in the winter or summer.  If you don’t own a boat, but still want to set sail, Cherry Plain has boat rental options for kayaks and rowboats. Click here for information about kayak and rowboat rental availability.     

While in Cherry Plain, visit the Rocky Hill Country Store on Route 22, where you can get a delicious sandwich for breakfast or lunch, or select from a variety of local honeys, syrups, and jams.  Drive a little further to Stephentown and stop by Four Fat Fowl, an artisan creamery that makes and distributes some of New York’s tastiest cheeses.

  • Thacher State Park
Photo: Brad Wenskoski

The breath-taking view from Thacher State Park is magnificent all year round.  The park sits on a mountain, and is worth your, or your vehicle’s, gently inclining climb.  

When we parked in the Overlook area, my partner and I took in the gorgeous view of the fall foliage across Albany County.  I was slightly shocked and pleasantly surprised to see as far as the tallest buildings on UAlbany’s campus and state offices downtown.  

Thacher State Park isn’t popular for its vista alone.  Trails for all-season activities can be found throughout the park, with some winding (safely) along the cliff.  The playgrounds and campsites near Thompson Lake provide a suitable area to spend a weekend with your family.  Thacher State Park is also a local top choice for day trips.  Its proximity to Albany (only a half hour away!) makes the park a prime location for a sunset stroll.

After your visit, grab dinner downtown at Rain Modern Chinese on Lark Street, or El Mariachi, with locations on Hamilton and Lark Street. If you like beer and ciders, take a peek at what’s happening near the park at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery.  Their bottle shop is open every day and they serve scrumptious foods on weekends. And of course, they’ve got amazing apple picking in the fall — a perfect complement to the views at Thacher State Park.

Indian Ladder Farms
  • Written by: Brennan Austin Peters

Upstate Overnights: Catskills Edition

Overnights in the Catskills reward you with rich relaxing experiences. Choose from historic boutique hotels, tiny homes in the wilderness, or campgrounds. Or pick a creatively redesigned homes by fabulously talented locals. Clearly, the Catskills are the perfect weekend destination. So, whether you’re a CapNY resident or just visiting for a few days, these spots are guaranteed to make your mini-vacay unique and Instagrammable.

The Lowdown

Getaway is a modern cabin rental service that’s facilitated completely online. You can find their tiny homes all over the country, deep in the woods. Get an overnight getaway to the Catskills sleeps up to four people and is dog-friendly! Aside from the basics, the homes include a kitchen, snacks, a firepit with fire starting materials, and a little library.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

Not only does the idea of renting a modern tiny home in a naturesque bubble in the Catskills sound like a lovely adventure, but I love what they’re all about. Getaway encourages their guests to completely unplug from the everyday hustle, to spend the time connecting with loved ones (or yourself, if you’re a solo traveler like me), and to simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Oh, and another perk of booking a stay with them…they will make a donation to Feed America on your behalf! Your overnight getaway to the Catskills will do you good, in all the ways.

The Details

How it works: book your stay, get an email and text with your cabin address, name and key code, and enjoy. Simple as that! Don’t wait to reserve your Getaway!

Link Facebook Instagram

The Lowdown

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is designed to welcome a new generation of urban explorers to the four-season wonders of the Catskills. Offering clean and contemporary styled rooms and suites, along with an on-site restaurant with locally inspired cuisine, this lodge in the heart of the mountains is the base camp for adventurers.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

If there is one word about an overnight at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, it’s aesthetic. The exterior and interior designs were thoughtfully curated to appeal to people who appreciate a contemporary feel. Oh, and the VIEWS! Especially from their outdoor decks and in-ground, heated pool…can’t beat it. Their website also shows you any “happenings” going on in the immediate area that you could enjoy. That’s a nice touch for those not familiar with the Catskills.

The Details

You can view any openings on this booking calendar. Check out their room and suite options via their gallery here!

Link Facebook Instagram

The Lowdown

This is definitely different from the other brick-and-mortar places — we’re talking about good ol’ traditional camping. Stay overnight at the Devil’s Tombstone campgrounds – one of the oldest in the Catskill Forest Preserve. It’s a small campground with wooded sites, a small shallow lake — Notch’s Lake — and spots for boating, fishing, and hiking.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

Devil’s Tombstone campgrounds offers 24 tent and trailer sites, two picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills, a playground, a volleyball net, horseshoes, and firewood for sale. Swimming, boating, and showers are available at North-South Lake Campground — 8 miles away.  Camping is a very affordable option and provides that rustic feel that many nature lovers crave. This campground provides hiking access to the 21-mile Devil’s Path Trail. This is a haven for serious hikers! It offers breathtaking views of the Central Catskills from the Buck Ridge Lookouts.

The Details

Book your stay quickly and easily here!

Link

The Lowdown

Overnights at the Winter Clove Inn & Resort offer family-friendly, year-round, all-inclusive accommodations in Catskills country. Family owned and operated, this is one of the oldest resorts in Upstate New York. Guests can choose one of three lodging options depending on your space and amenities preference: The Carriage Lodge, The Oaks Lodge, and The Main Inn.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

Overnights at the Winter Clove Inn provide what I love: a spacious, activity-filled place that caters to spending quality time with your family. Check out some of the activities they offer, here! Also, three meals a day are prepared by a chef and included in your stay! That’s a huge perk and value for people wanting to maximize their time exploring the outdoors. Speaking of the outdoors, Artist Falls is just a short walk out of your front door — a stunning waterfall complete with a covered bridge overlooking the magnificence.

The Details

You must call (518-622-3267) or email the resort to book your stay. You can click here to fill out a contact form! Scroll to the bottom of this link for rates.

Link Facebook Instagram

The Lowdown

Have you ever stayed on old zoo grounds? Pretty unique, huh! You can when you stay overnights at the Long Neck Inn, the former Catskill Game Farm. Once a 150 acre zoo with all types of animals, now the site hosts the Inn (five guest rooms). Plus, there are four upscale glamping sites! All are connected to 20+ miles of maintained mountain hiking and biking trails.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

The concept and theme of this place is so interesting. I wonder who thought of the idea of turning the zoo into an Inn and glamping accommodations — if you visit and find out the answer, let me know! What I love most are the charming glamping areas…it’s such a comfortable, immersive way to explore the Catskills.

The Details

Click here for more details about each room and space! Once you find your desired space, you can book right online.

Link Facebook Instagram
  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!