Northern Catskills - Ideas Wanted

Hi all:

I'm heading up to the Great Northern Catskills in New York in a few weeks with the family. I've never been before. I've done some research and have a few ideas as to what to shoot, but would like to solicit ideas from those with knowledge of the area, and even from those who don't maybe some ideas in general. Also I'll be bringing (and likely shooting with the first time depending on when it arrives in the mail) a Haida 10 stop neutral density filter. Here's what I am thinking about shooting so far:

Kaaterskills Falls
A lake in the area
Tannersville Main Street
Fireflies (not sure if they will be out up there)?
Something along the Hudson River

Other ideas? Thanks.

Do you plan to hike at all or just sites accessible from the road?

For other water features, Diamond Notch Falls and different spots off of Platte Cove Road are nice too. Go early or late to Kaaterskill Falls if you can - that place gets very crowded.

Ashokan Reservoir is a nice walk and might be a good spot.

Along the Hudson River - I'm not sure what is easily accessible from that side. The Catskills themselves are west of the river. There are multiple spots I can think of on the east side further south, but not further north on the west side.

Thanks for the reply! I do plan to hike a little, though probably nothing too strenuous as I will be with my young kids. I will check out those other water spots. Good to know with respect to the Kaaterskill falls. I definitely like to avoid crowds. Are there any farms in the area that may be fun to visit and photograph?

Josh

Hmm, I can't think of any farms off the top of my head, but it's not something I've specifically looked for (we are usually hiking when we are there!).

We were recently at a place called Rochester Hollow and it was an easier hike with some interesting ruins/old rock walls. There is also a stream that could provide some photo opportunities. I don't know how young your kids are and how far they can hike, but this one is easier. I have a few pics posted:

http://www.pbase.com …hog/rochester_h​ollow_0715

Ashokan Reservoir is great for kids - it's walking on a road that has been converted to pedestrian only - it crosses the reservoir itself.

There's another swimhole called Blue Hole that is fun - it's pretty and people are often jumping in or swinging off a rope. It's by one of the trailheads for Peekamoose Mountain (can't think of the road off the top of my head, but should be easy to find with google).

If you are going to Kaaterskill Falls, nearby is North and South Lake (state park, requires a fee). Kids would like the beach area on the lake. You can also walk nearby to some views. It's easier hiking there too if you start from the lake - it's pretty level and you have some good views.

This is a local photographer who takes some wonderful photos - you can browse her galleries for some ideas:

http://www.jldeitz.com​/HudsonValleyLandscape​s/

So I just got back from my trip to the Catskills. The Catskills and the Hudson Valley are beautiful. Great photo opportunities abound. That said, I underestimated how difficult it would be travel with a 5 month old while maintaining the freedom to go out and shoot whatever/wherever/when​ever.

I did get out to NS Lake and got some nice shots of the family overlooking the Hudson Valley, but wasn't able to visit too many other spots (not that we didn't try: wife too freaked out about the walk along 23A to get to the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead; Hunter Mtn wouldn't let us ride the ski lift to the top with the baby). However, the cabin we stayed at was on a lake and provided a great vista and some wildlife. The blue hole looked really cool, but it was just a bit out of the way to make the trip.

I will post a few of the better photos here by the weekend, but my main reason for posting now is to encourage you to go out to Opus 40 (15 min. west of Saugerties) if you have not already been. What an unbelievable location for all manner of photos. It's amazing for both portraits (especially in the narrow passageways) and landscapes. There are reflection pools and the little museum at the top of the small house has wall to wall to ceiling displays of old quarry tools that make for excellent backdrops or subjects (hooks, chains, saws, chisels, hammers, etc.). Again, if you haven't been do yourself a favor and check it out, and plan to spend some time because there are so many different and cool angles, vertical levels, light contrasts, etc. to utilize.

Anyway, thanks again for your suggestions.

This post is obviously too late for the OP, but if anyone else comes across this thread they may find this useful.

The artists who painted Main St. in Tannersville live a short drive away. Their house is absolutely exquisite, and even more over the top than Main St. itself. They are always happy to receive visitors; I got the directions from one of the Main St. shopkeepers. There is phenomenal photography around their property and pool house, and we had a great conversation about their work, travels, and the like. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.