The Vibe: Swimming, hiking, and patio dining.
Top Pick: A day at North/South Lake or lounging by the private pool at the house.
The Vibe: Leaf-peeping, cider donuts, and crisp mountain air.
Top Pick: Scenic drives through Tannersville and pumpkin picking at Story Farms.
The Vibe: Skiing, après-ski lounges, and cozy fireside nights.
Top Pick: Proximity to Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain.
The Vibe: The best local eats, breweries, and shops regardless of the weather.
Top Pick: Dinner at Silvia in Woodstock or brews at Old Factory Brewing Company
Bear House Catskills is located in Cairo, New York in Greene County, a quiet Catskills town close to popular destinations. A Town Named After an Egyptian Capital
Nearby:
15 minutes → Catskill
25 minutes → Hudson (restaurants, galleries, Amtrak)
30 minutes → Hunter & Windham ski mountains
30 minutes → Woodstock
Cairo (pronounced “Care-oh”) is a small town in Greene County, New York, located in the northern Catskill Mountains about 40 miles south of Albany and roughly 2–2.5 hours from New York City. The town blends rural Catskills scenery with a few surprising and creative local attractions. Below are some of the distinctive things that make Cairo a little unexpected.
The Town of Cairo was established in 1803 and renamed “Cairo” in 1808, inspired by the famous city in Egypt. Despite the spelling, locals pronounce it “Care-oh.” This pronunciation difference is one of the first things visitors notice when they arrive.
Why Visitors Find Cairo Interesting
Though nearby, Cairo isn’t a large tourist center like Woodstock or Hudson. Instead, it offers something different:
A historic Catskills town with roots dating to the early 1800s
Unexpected attractions, including a castle-style brewery
A small but evolving Main Street with cafés and cocktail bars
Easy access to mountains, hiking, and rural landscapes
For travelers looking to experience the less-commercial side of the Catskills, Cairo offers a mix of history, nature, and a few quirky surprises.
A Small-Town Main Street with Creative Businesses
Cairo’s Main Street is home to a small but growing collection of local businesses.
These locally owned spots reflect the town’s mix of long-time residents and newer small-business owners drawn to the Catskills.
Seasonal Public Art in the Catskills
During warmer months, Cairo participates in regional arts initiatives organized by the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. These programs have included outdoor sculpture and decorated bear exhibits placed throughout Greene County communities. The installations rotate seasonally and highlight local artists.
Catskills Nature Just Minutes Away
The town serves as a quiet base for exploring hiking, mountain scenery, and farms across Greene County. Cairo sits close to several outdoor destinations in the northern Catskills, including: Cairo Round Top – a 2,142-foot peak in the Catskill range, Kaaterskill Falls, and local parks such as Angelo Canna Town Park