Before we acquired the breathtaking 90-acre parcel that would become The Catskill Project, after much bushwacking and stream wading, our broker cautioned us: “You are buying a truly unique and stunning piece of the Catskills, but not all of it is buildable.” He was referring to the more than 40 acres of forested, steep, and water-rich terrain that couldn’t support new homes.
To us, that wasn’t a drawback – it was a gift.
Instead of viewing this land as unusable, we saw it as an invaluable amenity for the residents of our sustainable community. These protected acres are a natural extension of the private lots, offering every homeowner access to an expansive, shared backyard. One of the first things we did after breaking ground was create a nature trail through this undeveloped area – one that we’ve now walked dozens of times, both alone and with prospective buyers searching for sustainable homes in New York.
Though we’ve memorized every stone, switchback, and stream along the 35-minute loop, the trail is too beautiful and never feels the same. It is impossible to tire of it. It’s a living ecosystem, and nowhere is that more evident than in springtime. As the seasons change, the quiet hush and sparse look and feel of winter gives way to a lush, vibrant canopy. The deciduous trees – about 80% of the local growth – explode with fresh greenery, and one feels like being blissfully swallowed by the deep, healthy Catskills forest– a living illustration of why we chose to preserve this land.
Let me invite you on a brief walk along the trail. No words can quite do it justice but hopefully it will whet your appetite to come and experience it yourself.
You’ll begin at the end of Manor Falls Drive, where a gravel path invites you through dense wetlands teeming with vegetation and life. Not far from Lot 8, the trail curves around the community pond – a gathering place where neighbors might be sitting around a fire ring.
Then the trail begins to drop, and the forest part of the trail begins at this point. Descending steeply, you keep glancing to your right toward a burbling stream. After a few switchbacks you come to one of our favorite spots: a viewing deck perched beside a cascading waterfall. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger and you immediately understand why as it provides a downright therapeutic view of a cascade of waterfalls to your right and beneath you. Why not sit down on one of the pieces of garden furniture here and take it all in – and next time maybe bring crackers and cheese with a bottle of bubbly to complement the experience. This is your outdoor living room and you are ready to leave the deck only once you hatched a plan to come back.
As the trail continues, the path then descends gently across a steep slope. Soon you are stepping over a year-round stream originating just up the slope in a spring. Don’t be surprised if you become compelled to scramble up the slope and take a healthy sip of the water – the purest and most refreshing you can find anywhere. And why not nibble on delicious clover you find surrounding the spring? Consider it a mid-hike snack.
Soon after you continue you find yourself at a fork in the trail, giving you a choice: descend to the base of a yet-unnamed waterfall for an icy dip in its swimming hole where you will feel gloriously alive, or climb to a higher vantage point for panoramic views. We placed a few stumps at the overlook, perfect for a rest – or for a naming contest. If a good name for the waterfall pops into your mind, we’re all ears! Either way you go – down to the right or up to the left – you are treated to possibly the most charismatic moment of the loop: a venerable gusher and a true beauty.
Once saturated and refreshed, the path winds uphill via switchbacks and traverses. You’ll cross several streams and find more stumps by the path in places where we found ourselves wanting to stop and take in more of the beautiful features along the trail. Or did we mean to offer some of us an opportunity for a breather? Are you admiring a stream rushing through a gorge? Or are you winded? Surely, it’s the former…
As you enter the last part of the hike you find an old stone wall on the right delineating our property, with a sweeping view of a large meadow beyond it. On the left you may see a glimpse of the carbon-neutral homes tucked into the landscape – like the ones on Lot 2 and Lot 4. Is that Jan at his table saw over there, busy with one of his countless projects? And is that Esther carrying a new piece of pottery from her studio? We won’t disturb them and finish our hike by Huber Road, not far from where Manor Falls Drive enters the community, with our lungs full of fresh Catskills air and your mind already plotting your return.
What a hike! And is it possible I noticed a slight quickening of your steps toward the end? Could it be because you are ready for a beer at one of the local breweries? We won’t tell … but we might meet you there.
Come See It for Yourself – You’re Invited!
Join us for an Open House on Sunday, July 6th from 11 AM – 2 PM and experience the beauty, comfort, and innovation of The Catskill Project firsthand.
👉 RSVP now and take the first step toward your dream home.