Looking for things to do in Cairo, NY? I got you. Cairo is small-small but it offers a wonderful mix of nature, scenery, food, low-key charm, and quick access to some of New York’s best hiking and biking trails.
Cairo — which is pronounced “care-oh” — makes a fantastic base for exploring everything the eastern Catskills region has to offer. It’s chill, here, and there’s always parking!
Here’s a roundup of places to visit in, around, and near to Cairo. You’ve got a deep set of choices of things to do in Cairo: trails to explore, arts to enjoy, spots to grab a bite, and places to stock up during your stay.
Local Stores & Food Stops
Red Star Café & Goods
A great stop for fresh coffee, fantastic cappuccinos, locally made gifts, and cozy vibes. Red Star offers a curated mix of pantry items, and local fare. It’s the best spot in town for chilling inside or on their porch. Instagram.
See & Be Kitchen
Run by a husband-and-wife team, See & Be is a deeply community-rooted space built around the belief that good food takes time. Their focus is on long, slow-fermentation sourdough made the old-fashioned way, using high-quality wheat for better flavor and health. But their croissant bread is to die for. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, and everything on the menu is thoughtful and made with care.
Delightful Bites by Nina
Whether it’s a flaky croissant, a gooey chocolate chip cookie, or a custom-designed birthday cake, everything Nina makes is full of joy and intention. She uses simple, local ingredients you can actually pronounce, and the results speak for themselves: playful, comforting, and seriously tasty. From everyday pastries to beautifully decorated cupcakes and cookies, this spot is a sweet little gem worth visiting, and revisiting.
Spirits of Cairo
I love this liquor store. It’s well-stocked, the staff are super friendly, and the prices are reasonable.
Hannaford’s
Need to stock up on supplies? This is the best spot.
Where to Eat in Cairo, NY
Cairo may be a small town, but it punches above its weight when it comes to food and drink. From casual breweries to farm-driven fine dining, there’s something here for every palate, and plenty more just a short drive away.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back burger and beer after a hike, or a thoughtful meal made from garden-fresh ingredients, here are some standout spots to check out.
Old Factory Brewing Company
After a hard day on the trails, this is the best place to grab a beer and a bite . Solid burgers, as well as beer flights, pitchers, and growlers.
Julia’s Local
Rustic American cuisine with a Scandinavian twist — and they literally pick their ingredients directly from their own incredible garden. (You can also take an incredible cooking class here.)
Cheap Eats Near Cairo, NY
Mateo’s for pizza. Best Work for Chinese. And there’s a CVS for TV snacks and that weird cream you need.
Towns Close to Cairo
There are several fantastic towns less between 15 and 25 mins from Cairo — e.g. Catskill, Woodstock, and Hudson — each with very strong restaurant games, and solid bar scenes.
Check out this list of places to stay.
As for the outdoors, hiking and biking, there are so many things to do in Cairo, NY.
Outdoors in Cairo, NY
Cairo Town Park
After your coffee and treats, check out Angelo Canna Town Park, right opposite Red Star Café. It’s so wonderful: enormous open playing fields, a stream, a dog park, some fun workout equipment. And it has a great view of the Catskills High Peaks., with Blackhead Mountain centered beautifully above the treeline. Great for families or a relaxed afternoon outside.
Cairo Nature Preserve
A little outside town, just around a bend on Route 23, is the world’s sweetest nature preserve. It has everything you need for a quick blast of forest bathing: the old town reservoir which is basically a big pond surrounded by a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, with a short trail that runs around its end, and snakes off into the woods if you want to walk up and down a few short hills. I absolutely love this little gem of a preserve.
Polly’s Rock
A very short and flat walk, but really lovely spot, with a fun view of Cairo Round Top.
Best Hikes Near Cairo, NY
Easy Hikes Near Cairo
25 minutes from is the world-famous Kaaterskill Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in New York, and among the tallest in the Eastern United States.
If you want to visit the rock where Rip Van Winkle slept for 20 years, you can hike Rip’s Rock from Winter Clove Inn.
Hard Hikes Near Cairo
Kaaterskill Falls is very close to the beginning of the Escarpment Trail, a stunning 23 mile thru-hike route that’s well worth checking out, even in part, because it’s just truly stunning—especially the section around Inspiration Point.
Cairo is also well situated for some of the best Catskills High Peaks. You’re just 20 minutes from Windham High Peak — one of the easiest of the high peaks — which has a stunning spruce forest with boardwalks and offers three separate banger views from the summit.
Want something more challenging? You’re also just 30 minutes from the Devil’s Path, one of the toughest hiking trails in the country. You’ll definitely need some quality eats after tackling even one of those mountains.
BTW, if you want the best Catskills hiking content, follow my @TotalCatskills account.
Mountain Biking Trails Near Cairo
Cairo and the surrounding area offer a surprisingly rich network of mountain biking trails for riders of all levels — from mellow double-track loops to fast and flowy single-track. Whether you’re looking to explore wooded hillsides, get in a serious cardio session, or just cruise through nature, there are several excellent trail systems within a short drive. There’s so many things to do in Cairo, NY.
Roundtopia (Round Top Trail Network)
Often referred to as “Roundtopia,” the Round Top Trail Network features over 20 miles of mountain biking trails carved into privately owned land but generously opened to the public. This interconnected system offers a mix of single-track, double-track, and fire roads, with options for both beginners and more experienced riders. In the winter months, many of the trails are groomed for fat biking, making it a true year-round destination.
Public access is available via multiple local landmarks and resorts, including:
- Riedlbauer’s Resort
- Glen Falls House
- Winter Clove Inn
- Crystal Brook Resort
- Mountain Brauhaus
Each entrance offers a slightly different entry point into the network, and some locations feature trail signage and bike-friendly amenities. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-driven — a local gem for anyone looking to ride without the crowds.
Elm Ridge Trail System (Windham, NY)
About 20 minutes north of Cairo in Windham, you’ll find the Elm Ridge Wild Forest, home to one of the best mountain biking trail networks in the Catskills. Maintained in part by the Windham Area Recreation Foundation (WARF), the Elm Ridge trail system includes technical climbs, fast descents, and scenic ridge rides through classic Catskill forest. It connects to the Windham High Peak hiking trail, making this area great for multi-use adventuring.
Elm Ridge is a go-to spot for both casual riders and serious mountain bikers, with trail options ranging from flowy, machine-built segments to more rugged backcountry routes. Parking is available at the Elm Ridge trailhead on Route 23 just west of downtown Windham.
Arts Near Cairo
Definitely worth checking out is Olana , a short drive across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to lovely grounds, an incredible house, and some great views.
The Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill is a 15 minute drive from Cairo.
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I hope you found this round-up of things to do in Cairo NY helpful. Check out this list of amazing places to stay.
Want more Catskills towns?
Keep an eye on my @TotalStays Instagram account. So much more on the way.
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