Vacation rentals in Hancock

Located on the New York-Pennsylvania border, the Western Catskills city of Hancock is a gateway to the Upper Delaware River and all of the beauty and adventure it offers. Paddling is the most popular way to experience this 73-mile mountain waterway, which alternates between roaring rapids and shallow pools. Whether traversing it on kayak, canoe, or fishing boat (this is prime trout country), you’re likely to spot bald eagles, osprey, and deer. If you haven’t quite found your river legs, there are plenty of riverside trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding. Back in town, pitch your lawn chair on the public green for free summer concerts, or rub elbows with the locals at the weekly farmers’ market showcasing homemade bread and vegetables from nearby farms.

The best time to rent cabins in Hancock, New York, is May through October, when the weather is pleasant. July is great for water sports and joining in the fun at the Hancock Fireman’s Field Days with lumberjack competitions, carnival rides, and fireworks. October foliage is stunning when the maples and birch trees explode with color. This is also the month of the local Tractor Parade and Harvest Festival. Winters are colder in Hancock than most other cities in the state — especially during January and February. If you come during the holidays, don’t miss the Christmas tree lighting in the town square. At the Santa Parade, tractors pull floats filled with holiday revelers. There’s plenty of snowmobiling and skiing on offer in winter. In spring, Montage Mountain — a ski hub in winter and a waterpark in summer — hosts the April Mountain Brewfest and May Spring Wine Festival.

Crystal Lake Wild Forest

A 30-minute drive east of Hancock, you’ll find the 497-acre Crystal Lake Wild Forest, which encompasses a 32-acre man-made lake, wetlands, and rolling hills. There are several hiking trails within the preserve, including a 1.3-mile loop around the lake. A boat launch for non-motorized boats is available, and anglers can fish for trout, brown bullhead, and golden shiner. When the trails are covered in snow, you can cross country ski or snowshoe within the park, though the trails are not maintained during winter.

Hancock Town Square

At the heart of the village is the picturesque Town Square, which looks like something out of a vintage Americana film. Here you’ll find a traditional bandstand that features live music, theater performances, and events throughout the summer, as well as a pavilion for picnics and fields for kids and dogs to run around in. A farmers’ market takes place here every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Bouchoux Trailhead

The Bouchoux Trailhead to Jensen’s Ledges, a 20-minute drive away from Hancock, offers panoramic views of the Upper Delaware River Valley. A little over three miles long, the out-and-back trail passes by a bluestone quarry, and decorative cairns made from the gray-blue sedimentary rock line the path. The trail can be steep and rocky in places and crosses over a few narrow streams, so bear in mind that it is a bit challenging, but the view of the Delaware River from the top is well worth it.