Andes, NY

Andes is a small rural town tucked into the western slopes of the Catskill Mountains in Delaware County, New York, with a year-round population of roughly 1,200 residents. The town has long been known for its rolling farmland, quiet country roads, and a compact downtown of antique shops, galleries, and farm-to-table eateries that give it a creative, second-home feel layered onto its deep agricultural roots. It serves as a natural gateway to the broader Catskills and sits about 130 miles, or roughly a three-hour drive, northwest of New York City, making it a popular weekend escape for downstate visitors.

One of the biggest draws in the area is Belleayre Mountain, a state-owned ski resort located in nearby Highmount, about a 20- to 30-minute drive south of Andes. In winter, Belleayre offers a range of trails suitable for beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders, while in summer the mountain hosts hiking, mountain biking, music events, and a popular skyride to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding Catskill High Peaks.

Just a short drive east of town, the Pepacton Reservoir stretches across more than 5,000 acres and forms a dramatic centerpiece of the region's landscape. The reservoir is part of New York City's water supply system and is ringed by the Catskill Scenic Trail, a rail-trail that follows the old Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor. Visitors come for shoreline fishing, paddling in designated areas, and long walks or bike rides along the trail, which links Andes to neighboring hamlets and the larger Catskill Park.

The town itself sits near the edge of the Catskill Park, the vast network of public and private lands that anchors outdoor recreation in the region. From Andes, travelers can easily reach a network of state-owned hiking trails, trout streams, and forest preserves that draw leaf-peepers in autumn and hikers and anglers through the warmer months. Neighboring hamlets like Margaretville, Bovina Center, and Roxbury are all within a roughly 20-minute drive, each offering its own cluster of farms, general stores, and seasonal events that complement a stay based in Andes.

With its quiet country setting, walkable antique-filled downtown, and proximity to some of the Catskills' most popular outdoor attractions, Andes offers short-term-rental owners a base that appeals to both weekend city escapees and longer-stay visitors drawn to the rhythm of upstate life. The combination of a low-key main street, scenic reservoirs and trails, and a short drive to Belleayre gives the town year-round appeal, supporting both winter ski trips and summer hiking and foliage-season getaways.