Some prefer their Great Outdoors to be handily accessed from the comforts of a full-fledged resort with fine dining, comfy beds, and spa. Below are three suggestions in the Northeast US.
90 miles north of NYC, Mohonk Mountain House is a "Victorian castle resort" in the Shawangunk Mountains, surrounded by forests and 85 miles of trails. A special program makes Rock climbing accessible to complete beginners, advanced climbers and even children ages seven and older. Program runs all-day or half-day, April through November; kids under 12 must be with an adult. read more.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, in southwest PA, is an upscale resort with 2800 wooded acres and many outdoor activities, such as pedal boat, canoe and kayak rental, trail rides, sailboat rentals, paintball, Adventure Center, Equestrian Center, fly fishing, and Wildlife Academy. This summer, Nemacolin's Kidz Rule Package gives kids a bunch of free activities.
Also in PA, Skytop Lodge in the Poconos has a huge Dutch Colonial stone Lodge that's in 5500 acres of forest. Activities include guided nature walks, hiking, biking trails, kayaking, archery, outdoor pool, mountain biking, fly-fishing school.
