Biking & Hiking -- For the best hiking (certainly some of the finest in the state), see the text on the Mohonk and Minnewaska preserves (near New Paltz), above. The widely available free brochure Hiking Ulster County has details of plenty more trails in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, near Woodstock; see also the Ulster County website. Bike rentals are available from Table Rock Tours and Bicycle Shop, 386 Main St., Rosendale (next to the Red Brick Tavern; tel. 845/658-7832); Cycle Path, 138 Main St., New Paltz (tel. 914/255-8723); and Overlook Mountain Bikes, 93 Tinker St., Woodstock (tel. 845/679-2122).

Kayaking -- Atlantic Kayak Tours, 320 W. Saugerties Rd., Saugerties (tel. 845/246-2187), guides experts and novices on 40 different tours along the Hudson.

Rock Climbing -- EMS, 3124 Rte. 44/55, Gardiner (tel. 800/310-4504), has equipment and climbing lessons.

Skiing -- Northwest of Phoenicia, Belleayre Mountain, Route 28, Highmount (tel. 800/942-6904), has the highest skiable peak and longest trail in the Catskills, with 36 other trails and eight lifts, but also a lower mountain that's perfect for beginners and intermediates.