Windham: Trails, Winter Sports and History

Discover Windham through a range of interests: trails through meadows and forests, winter sports, and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Windham, the activities you have planned can help guide your trip planning. Options range from a family-friendly loop trail to trails in the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness; in winter, skiing and snowshoeing are also available.

Trails and Scenery Around Windham

The Windham Path is a public, family-friendly 1.5-mile loop trail along Route 23, just outside the village of Windham. It passes through meadows and wooded areas, crosses bridges, and offers views of the Great Northern Catskills. The trail is suitable for leisurely cycling and walking and for all age groups. It also provides the only public access to Batavia Kill Stream in Windham.

In summer, the Windham Path is open to walking and cycling; in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible there. The Windham Multi-Use Path is designed to connect residential, business, and activity centers in Windham, Hensonville, and Maplecrest along the Batavia Kill corridor. The loop trail is significantly different in length from the Escarpment Trail, so you can consider route length as one specific difference between the two options. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The 23.9-mile blue-blazed Escarpment Trail runs through the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness. Cross-country skiing is permitted in this wilderness area in winter. Windham High Peak reaches an elevation of 3,524 feet and is accessible from the Peck Road Parking Area. These details offer different points of reference: the loop trail is a designated route just outside the village, while the Escarpment Trail is a much longer route through the wilderness. The peak provides an additional named elevation point for trip planning.

Winter Sports and Seasonal Activities

At Windham Mountain Club, ski runs span 1,600 vertical feet and 285 acres of skiable terrain; 97 percent of the terrain is covered by modern snowmaking. The Ski & Ride School offers snow sports lessons to guests of all ages and ability levels; program availability may vary. The club offers lift tickets and lessons to the public. Before planning, check with the operator for current operating conditions, ticket availability, and lesson details.

One specific lesson offering is group lessons for adults aged 13 and older who are new to skiing or snowboarding or are beginners. A lift ticket is required and must be purchased at the same time as the lesson. Windham Mountain Club’s Snow Tubing Park is located in Windham, about a mile and a half from the Lodge. Operations are seasonal and depend on conditions.

There are seasonal options beyond the ski slopes, too. Nearby, CD Lane Park is in the hamlet of Maplecrest, which is part of the Town of Windham. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas and only when a lifeguard is on duty. Access is seasonal and subject to these conditions; check current conditions before visiting. For road cycling, Windham Outfitters offers custom cycling routes. Confirm current offerings with the provider before your trip.

History and Scenery

The Windham History Trail leads to historic homes and scenic spots. It complements the trails and outdoor activities with a way to take in historic sites and scenery together. Windham offers a range of interests for outings, from walks and bike rides to winter sports, historic homes, and viewpoints. Which of these options is right for you depends on the activities you’d like to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Acra, Cairo, Prattsville, Palenville, Catskill, Athens, Hensonville, Greenville

For the main travel overview: Greene.