Come out and enjoy the spectacular fall colors of the Catskill Mountains!

We will strart our tour at 7:00 am in midtown Manhattan. 2nd Ave between 80th & 81st Street. (By the H&H Midtown Bagels East) DON'T BE LATE! Come 15 minutes early to sign in. 

You will be greeted by your tour guide for the day. You will sign our liability waiver, and after departure a light breakfast will be served on board the coach.

We will start the day with a visit to the MahayanaTemple in the Catskills. Dedicated in 1971, this is the Retreat of the Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America. At the time of founding, there were no other Chinese Buddhist retreats on the eastern coast of the United States.

The MahayanaTemple is located in a beautiful location between lakes and meadows. When it first opened it started out with one Main Hall.

Over the years it the Temple has been expanded with the Kuan Yin Hall, the Dee Tsang Hall, the Earth Spirit Hall, the Seven Storied Jade Pagoda, and finally the 500 Arhat Hall.

The hotel was built in 1824 and was famous for its panoramic views of the Hudson Valley on one side and two lakes on the other side that provided water and recreation. All that remains today of this famous resort is the gateposts and the sweeping views from the cleared site which we will enjoy.

We will eat lunch at a restaurant

Learn about the interesting life of Zadock Pratt, a man who built the largest tannery in the world of its time. To accommodate the labor force necessary for the tannery, the town of Prattsville population increased from around 500 to over 2000.

Zadock Pratt was a member of the United States House of Representatives; he was the father of the US Bureau of Statistics. He was also a Colonel of the 116th regiment from 1822 – 1826. Through his life had a total of five wives.

We will also climb up to the top of the rocks which provide an amazing view of the River and valley below. Trail length is about 1/4 mile to the top.

If you do not feel like participating in this short but steep hike, you will have the opportunity to relax by a picnic table listening to the river and enjoy the relaxing natural surroundings.

We will drive back to NYC. Arrival back to NYC at approximately 7:30 pm.

Hines Tours reserves the right to alter the itinerary, plans and arrangements for the tour, if in the judgment of Hines Tours it becomes advisable to do so.

What to bring and wear on the tour:

ID: Please bring a valid government issued identification. (Adults only)

CLOTHES: according to the weather, Upstate NY is usually cooler than NYC.

FOOTWEAR: Good walking shoes, sneakers or Hiking Boots. Do not wear sandals, dress shoes or high heels.

WATER: In a plastic bottle, especially on hot days. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

CAMERA: With extra film/memory highly recommended. You will experience breath taking scenery.

CASH: Although our tour is classified as an "all inclusive". It is advisable to bring some cash for souvenirs and gratuities for the guide which is left to your discretion.

AN OPEN MIND: Although this is a recreational/leisure tour, you will also learn about history.