Looking for a peaceful Catskills escape with outdoor adventure and small-town charm? Head to Ellenville, New York! Tucked between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill Mountains, Ellenville offers hiking, hang gliding, waterfalls, and historic charm—perfect for nature lovers, weekenders, and curious travelers alike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ellenville is from late spring through fall (May–October). Hike lush trails in summer or experience spectacular foliage in autumn. Winter is quieter, with snow-covered scenery and nearby skiing options.
How to Get There
- By Car: Ellenville is located on Route 52 and U.S. Route 209, about 2 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from Albany.
- By Bus: ShortLine and Trailways offer bus service from NYC to Ellenville with stops in nearby towns.
- By Train: The closest Amtrak and Metro-North stations are in Poughkeepsie and Middletown, both about 45–60 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay
- Honor’s Haven Retreat & Conference – A peaceful resort with mountain views, wellness programs, and indoor/outdoor pools.
- Village Motel – Simple and affordable stay close to town and dining options.
- Nearby Cabins & Airbnbs – Choose from cozy cabins, converted barns, and woodland retreats throughout the surrounding area.
Top Attractions
Northeast Off-Road Adventures (NORA)
Learn to drive off-road and enjoy an exciting, hands-on outdoor experience.
The Northeast Off-Road Adventure Company is located on 75 acres of wooded mountain top where they offer training and tours to avid off-road enthusiasts. NORA offers driving courses to suit all levels of expertise – you can learn to improve your off-road driving knowledge by attending one of their beginner or advanced classes or simply book a fun family off-road outing. They also offer their very popular SOAR program for enthusiasts with mobility impairments. NORA also offers mountain tours and events which are suitable for beginners with no previous off-road experience. Come and join in the fun and learn all the skills you need to take your 4X4 off road and into adventure.
Northeast Off-Road Adventures, 23 Tempaloni Road, Ellenville, NY 12428, Phone: 845-514-9895
Shadowland Stages
Catch a live performance and enjoy a quiet, cultural evening.
Based in a romantic 1920’s art-deco movie house on Canal Street, Shadowland Stages have recently celebrated their 35th consecutive year of producing live stage performances in Ellenville. The performing arts company started off as a traditional Summer Theatre but these days you can enjoy their professional performances all year round. In addition to bringing live theatre to Ellenville, the company strives to ignite a love of all things theatrical in children from the age of 5 years (and their parents) by hosting acting lessons for children and adults. The company produces a full calendar of events – you can join their mailing list to stay informed.
Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY 12428, Phone: 845-647-5511
Where to Eat
Aroma Thyme Bistro
Savor farm-to-table dishes and enjoy a romantic, eco-friendly dining trip.
If you really care about what you eat, Aroma Thyme Bistro should feature at the top of your Ellenville dining list. Located in the heart of the fertile Hudson Valley, Aroma Thyme Bistro is all about socially responsible cuisine and was the first restaurant in upstate New York to become a Certified Green Restaurant. In keeping with the ethos of the restaurant, the finest fresh natural ingredients including pasture-reared natural meats are used to produce the tastiest and healthiest dishes without the use of conventional flavor enhancers like refined flour, cream and butter. In addition to the wonderful food the bistro offers over 250 craft beers and wines from select estates all over the globe.
Aroma Thyme Bistro, 165 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY 12428, Phone: 845-647-3000
Cohen’s Bakery
Grab fresh pastries and enjoy a quick, affordable morning treat.
Cohen’s Bakery first opened its doors in the early 1920’s. The bakery soon became famous for their raisin pumpernickel and their corn rye. The bakery was owned and run by two generations of Cohens until it was bought by the present owners in 2003. Today the bakery is just as popular as every and has added sit-down breakfast, lunch and wonderful coffee to their bakery goods. Start your day the Cohen’s way with a delicious traditional American breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon and a side order of mouth-watering pancakes. If you have a smaller appetite you can enjoy oven-fresh bagels. At lunchtime you will find that their freshly-made sandwiches are hard to beat.
Cohen’s Bakery, 89 Center Street, Ellenville, NY 12428, Phone: 845-647-7620
If you are a first time Ellenville visitor
- Sam’s Point Preserve – Hike to cliffs, Ice Caves, and Lake Maratanza with stunning views over the Hudson Valley.
- Shawangunk Ridge State Forest – Explore trails, waterfalls, and vistas along the famous Gunks.
- Skydive the Ranch – Take the plunge with skydiving and aerial views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
- Ellenville Fault Ice Caves – Visit one of the rare eastern U.S. ice cave systems, often chilly even in summer!
If you are interested in local events
- Ellenville Blueberry Festival (August) – Celebrate summer with crafts, local food, live music, and blueberry treats.
- Farmers Market (Seasonal, Sundays) – Local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors in Liberty Square.
- Shawangunk Ridge Trail Race (Fall) – Scenic trail race through the ridges and forests of the area.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Ellenville, New York
- Kerhonkson (15 min) – Visit Kelder’s Farm, see the giant garden gnome, or hike in Minnewaska State Park.
- Napanoch (10 min) – Quiet hamlet with access to Sam’s Point trails and scenic byways.
- Wurtsboro (20–25 min) – Stop at Bashakill Wildlife Management Area for birding and kayaking.
- Accord (25–30 min) – Explore farm markets, cideries, and laid-back Hudson Valley countryside.
- Rondout Reservoir (25 min) – Drive along peaceful roads with scenic water and mountain views.
FAQ
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Where is Ellenville located?
- Ellenville is located in Ulster County, at the eastern foothills of the Catskill Mountains.
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What scenic routes can visitors explore in Ellenville?
- This is a very pretty part of New York State and is home to the newly completed Shawangunk Scenic Byway.
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What outdoor activities are available in Ellenville?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can get back to nature at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which offers a variety of hiking trails and access to Lake Minnewaska, the Verkeerdekill Falls, and the Ice Caves.
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What historical attractions can visitors see in Ellenville?
- History buffs will enjoy walking around the Historic Downtown, which features several buildings dating back to the 1800s, and the Terwilliger House Museum.
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What other recreational activities are available in Ellenville?
- You can play a round of golf at one of several courses or practice mindfulness at the Blue Cliff Zen Buddhist Monastery.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Northeast Off-Road Adventures (NORA)
- 2. Shadowland Stages
- 3. Aroma Thyme Bistro
- 4. Cohen’s Bakery