Mountain Top Arboretum, Tannersville, NY - Image 1
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Mountain Top Arboretum Tannersville NY

4.7
·303 reviews·Tannersville, United States

Explore 209 acres of native and exotic trees, gardens, meadows, and forests with boardwalk trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
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Mountain Top Arboretum, Tannersville, NY - Image 1

Mountain Top Arboretum Tannersville NY

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 209 acres of native and exotic trees, gardens, meadows, and forests with boardwalk trails.

4.7
(303 reviews)

"A gorgeous and highly diverse opportunity to step into nature! Love this space!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Hiking Boots

Hemlock Trail has roots & rocks. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort and safety!

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast on weekends. Beat the rush for a stress-free visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hidden Marsh Boardwalk

Hidden Marsh Boardwalk

Hidden Marsh Trail

Wander through wetlands on a boardwalk, surrounded by peat moss and serene marshland. A truly immersive nature experience.

Spruce Glen Old Growth

Spruce Glen Old Growth

Spruce Glen Trail

Marvel at inspiring old-growth hemlocks in this ancient forest. A humbling walk through towering, majestic trees.

West and East Meadows

West and East Meadows

Meadow Trails

Experience the beauty of manicured gardens and open meadows, a testament to thoughtful landscape design.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Explore diverse landscapes from meadows to wetlands on well-marked trails. Wear sturdy shoes for root-covered paths like the Hemlock Trail. Free admission makes it accessible for all budgets.

Peak Season Parking

Weekends can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as it can get tight. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more serene experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Coffee and donuts in the mountains? Fred’s in Tannersville is a no-frills, drive-thru donut shack known for fresh, handmade donuts, hot coffee, and fast servicex all from your car window. Open daily (except Wednesdays), it’s just 5 minutes from your Catskills cabin stay. Would you stop here on your way up? 🍩☕ #tannersville #catskills #donuts #drivethru #weekendgetaway #catskillseats
@stayelka
6.5K likes • 151.1K views

👟 Wear Hiking Boots

Hemlock Trail has roots & rocks. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort and safety! Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast on weekends. Beat the rush for a stress-free visit. Reddit

Here’s the perfect 3-day fall itinerary in the Poconos with a base location in Tannersville, PA. A guide to the best spots for a cozy autumn getaway. #travel #traveltipsandtricks #traveltok #traveltiktok #vacationideas #nopassportneeded #traveling
@whitneyelle_
5.7K likes • 60.8K views
📌 Bucket list upstate NY MOUNTAIN TOP ARBORETUM 📍Tannersville, NY The public garden is tucked in the Catskill Mountains. Has 209 acres of garden, meadows and forest. An educational centre that offers year programs for children and adults. Mountain Top Arboretum displaying the native plant of the northeastern US. The trails and boardwalks connect 200 acres of plant collections, meadows, we...
lina_newyorkcity
0 likes • 3.4K views

🧘‍♀️ Pack a Book

Quiet spots abound for reading or napping amidst nature's tranquility. Reddit

🆓 Free Admission!

Enjoy the beauty without an entry fee. Donations are welcome! Reddit

🍁 catskills weekend guide 🍁 let’s explore tannersville & livingston manor: day 1: tannersville ☕️: fellow 🥪: circle w 🍽️: tabla, jesse’s harvest house, deer mountain inn 🥾: kaaterskill falls, mountain top aboretum 🛍️: downtown tannersville day 2: livingston manor & new windsor ☕️: the walk in 🍕: the kaatskeller 🛍️: seasons, homestedt, eden boutique 🍎: jones farm 🌳: storm king art center 🚗: re...
@alexedinger
4K likes • 39.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Hiking Boots

Hemlock Trail has roots & rocks. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort and safety! Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast on weekends. Beat the rush for a stress-free visit. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Pack a Book

Quiet spots abound for reading or napping amidst nature's tranquility. Reddit

🆓 Free Admission!

Enjoy the beauty without an entry fee. Donations are welcome! Reddit

🌳 Explore All Trails

Don't miss the woodland and meadow areas for a complete experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(303 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Mountain Top Arboretum's stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, from serene marshes to ancient forests. The free admission and well-maintained trails make it an accessible and highly recommended spot for a peaceful nature escape. Some note that parking can be challenging on busy weekends.

"What a gorgeous and highly diverse opportunity to step into nature! Love this space! While here we experienced incredible walking trails that invite visitors to step into an interesting variety of outdoor areas from evergreens to wetlands filled with peat moss to meadows. The trails are easy to navigate and well marked. This place is absolutely worth a visit. I can’t wait to go back!"

Deborah Sarmir

"One of the favorite nature walks in Catskills, arboretum combines man-made landscape of West and East Meadows with native beauty of Spruce Glen (old growth hemlocks there are inspiring and trail to Hidden Marsh boardwalk reminded me illustrations to Grimm Brothers fairy tales). Parking may be tight on weekends."

Mike Z

"Serene, heavenly. Rains had just stopped and we walked on the soft wet ground and saw experienced the gentle nature with light breeze on our faces and lush green visuals. All our travel tiredness and stress the melted away instantly."

Mitesh Bohra

What People Like

Beautiful diverse trails
Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Free admission

What People Dislike

Weekend parking can be tight

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

While direct public transport to the arboretum is limited, you can take a bus or train to a nearby town like Catskill or Kingston, and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to Tannersville. Some visitors have found it challenging to navigate without a car, so planning your transport in advance is crucial. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available. However, it can get tight on weekends, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit+1

The arboretum is located in Tannersville, NY. Use GPS navigation for the most accurate directions to 3654 NY-23, Tannersville, NY 12485. TikTok

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from NYC. The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. TikTok

Tannersville itself offers some amenities like coffee shops and restaurants, as seen in TikToks featuring local spots. However, for a wider range of services and easier transit connections, consider staying in larger towns like Woodstock or Kingston. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Mountain Top Arboretum is free. While there's no charge, donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the grounds and programs. Reddit

The arboretum is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or special event closures. TikTok

No advance booking is required as admission is free. You can typically just show up and explore. Reddit

Yes, the arboretum offers year-round programs for children and adults, focusing on native plants and conservation. Check their schedule for educational workshops and events. Instagram

While specific pet policies can vary, many arboretums allow leashed dogs. It's best to confirm their current pet policy before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The arboretum features a variety of trails, including boardwalks through wetlands (like Hidden Marsh), root-covered forest paths (Hemlock Trail), and open meadow paths. They are generally well-marked and easy to navigate. Reddit+2

Absolutely! The arboretum offers educational programs for children and its diverse landscapes provide engaging exploration opportunities. The easy-to-navigate trails are great for little legs. Instagram

The terrain varies from flat boardwalks and gentle meadow paths to more challenging, root-and-rock-covered inclines on forest trails like the Hemlock Trail. Reddit+1

Yes, there are numerous spots to sit, relax, read a book, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings. Reddit

The arboretum showcases native plants of the northeastern US, including diverse trees, meadows, and wetland flora. You'll learn about various species along the trails. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Hidden Marsh boardwalk offers unique perspectives of wetland flora, while the Spruce Glen trail provides dramatic shots of old-growth hemlocks. The meadows also offer beautiful, open vistas. Reddit

Yes, it's an excellent location for nature photography with its diverse ecosystems, native plants, and serene landscapes. The changing seasons offer different photographic opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary greatly. It's essential to check the arboretum's official rules and regulations regarding drone operation before your visit. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical. Reddit

The end of the Hidden Marsh boardwalk and clearings within the Spruce Glen offer particularly picturesque scenes. The transition areas between meadows and forests are also visually appealing. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mountain Top Arboretum is a fantastic destination for families. The diverse trails, from easy boardwalks to forest paths, offer engaging exploration for children of all ages. The arboretum also hosts educational programs designed for younger visitors, making learning about native plants fun and interactive. Instagram

Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for varying terrain. The Hidden Marsh boardwalk is a particular hit with kids, offering a unique perspective on wetland life. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as some trails can be uneven. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a family outing that combines fun and learning.

🚶 Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts

For solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat, Mountain Top Arboretum is ideal. The well-marked trails allow for independent exploration, and the numerous quiet spots are perfect for reading, sketching, or simply enjoying the solitude. Reddit+1

With free admission, it's an accessible way to immerse yourself in nature. The diverse ecosystems, from old-growth forests to serene marshes, provide a rich experience for anyone passionate about the natural world. Consider visiting on a weekday to fully appreciate the tranquility.

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Mountain Top Arboretum a rewarding location. The varied landscapes offer a wide range of subjects, from the intricate details of native plants to grand vistas of meadows and forests. The Hidden Marsh and Spruce Glen are particularly photogenic spots, offering unique compositions. Reddit

Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The arboretum's natural beauty provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning nature photography, whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems

Mountain Top Arboretum is a treasure trove of natural beauty, meticulously curated to showcase the native flora of the northeastern United States. Visitors can traverse a variety of landscapes, from the serene Hidden Marsh, where a boardwalk guides you through a wetland ecosystem rich with peat moss, to the awe-inspiring Spruce Glen, home to majestic old-growth hemlocks. These distinct environments offer a rich tapestry of plant life and a chance to connect with nature on a profound level. Reddit+1

The arboretum also features beautifully maintained West and East Meadows, demonstrating thoughtful landscape design that complements the wilder areas. These open spaces provide a sense of tranquility and offer different photographic opportunities. The well-marked trails, including the root-and-rock-laden Hemlock Trail and the gentler meadow paths, ensure that visitors of all fitness levels can explore and appreciate the diverse ecosystems. Reddit

Beyond the visual splendor, the arboretum serves an educational purpose, displaying the names of various trees and offering insights into their natural habitats. This makes it an ideal spot for learning about local botany and conservation efforts. The inclusion of Thomas Cole quotes on the trails adds a layer of artistic and historical appreciation to the natural experience. Reddit

A Haven for Solitude and Reflection

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Mountain Top Arboretum offers a sanctuary of quietude. Many visitors describe the experience as serene and heavenly, with the gentle breeze and lush visuals melting away travel tiredness and stress. The arboretum's design encourages visitors to walk at their own pace, sit and relax, or even take a nap outdoors, making it a perfect spot for introspection and rejuvenation. Reddit+1

The arboretum's commitment to preserving natural beauty also means it's a place where one can truly disconnect. The absence of loud crowds, especially on weekdays, allows for a deeper immersion in the sounds and sights of nature. Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment by the small pond or contemplating the ancient hemlocks, the arboretum provides an environment conducive to mindfulness and stress relief. Reddit

This tranquil atmosphere makes it an excellent destination for solo travelers or anyone looking to recharge. The free admission further enhances its appeal as an accessible retreat, allowing everyone to experience the restorative power of nature without financial barriers. Reddit