Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour

Introducing the Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour

If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly escape that combines adorable animals with a touch of countryside charm, the Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour at Clover Brooke Farm in the Catskills might just fit the bill. This experience promises a close encounter with some of the softest creatures you’ll ever meet—llamas, alpacas, rabbits, ducks, and more—set against the backdrop of a historic farm.

Two things that really stood out to us are the personalized nature of the tour and the chance to connect with genuinely caring guides who know their animals well. Plus, the opportunity to walk through the farm’s bucolic 25 acres makes it a relaxing way to spend an hour and a half. One thing to consider: the tour involves walking on uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility. This experience feels perfect for animal lovers, curious travelers, or anyone in need of a gentle break from busy sightseeing.

This tour is especially suited for those who enjoy nature, farm life, or want a unique, intimate animal encounter in a beautiful setting. It’s a laid-back outing rather than a high-energy adventure, making it ideal for families with older children or adults seeking a tranquil farm experience.

Key Points

• Personalized animal interactions: Meet a variety of farm animals, including llamas and alpacas.
• Educational and fun: Learn about the farm’s history and the importance of fiber animals.
• Beautiful setting: Stroll across 25 acres of bucolic farmland, passing by a stocked pond.
• Inclusive experience: Water and farm entry are included, with a maximum group size of 8 for a personalized touch.
• Practical details: 1 hour 30 minutes long, booked about four weeks in advance, with a moderate walking level.
• Price point: $65 per person offers a good value for a relaxing, informative farm visit.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Venue: Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park, NY

Located in the heart of the Catskills, Clover Brooke Farm offers a genuine farmstead experience dating back to 1850. The farm itself covers 25 acres of lush, green pastures, ponds, and old-fashioned charm. Walking in, you’ll immediately notice the peaceful environment—perfect for unwinding and soaking in farm life.

Starting Point: A Warm Welcome and Farm Tour

Your visit kicks off with a quick introduction to the farm, where you’ll meet some of the smaller animals like chickens, rabbits, ducks, and barn cats. These encounters are not just photo ops; the guides take time to tell stories about farm life and the history of the homestead. It’s a relaxed start that helps set the tone for the rest of the experience.

Learning about the Animals: Llamas and Alpacas 101

The highlight of the tour is the introduction to llamas and alpacas, often called the “unicorns of the animal world” because of their unique and fluffy appearance. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, explaining what makes these fiber animals special, why they’re so loved, and how to handle them safely.

We loved the way the guide answered questions and made everyone feel comfortable—something that keeps the experience engaging and personable. As one reviewer put it, “Andrea, the tour guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. You can tell she genuinely cares about her animals.”

The Trek: Gentle Walking and Animal Bonding

Once everyone is familiar with the animals, it’s time to walk with your llama or alpaca. The guided trek takes you through gentle pastures and paddocks, passing by a stocked Bass pond, with ample space for selfies and candid photos. The slow pace ensures everyone can appreciate the scenery and connect with their animals.

The guides encourage participants to take selfies with the llamas and alpacas, which are undeniably photogenic—fluffy, curious, and friendly. Walking alongside these creatures is surprisingly calming and makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially if you love animals or are just looking for a peaceful moment in nature.

Final Stop: The Farm Store

Towards the end, you’re given a few minutes to browse the farm’s shop, where you can pick up fiber-related products or farm souvenirs. It’s a nice touch that offers a chance to take home a bit of farm life with you.

What’s Included and What to Know

Your ticket covers admission to the farm, a guided walk, water, and the chance to pet the animals. Restroom facilities are available on-site—important to know if you’re planning to spend a bit more time in the area. The tour is suitable for anyone age 8 and up, with a maximum group size of 8, making it intimate and personalized.

The Experience in Real Terms

Reviewers raved about how “Andrea was wonderful and very knowledgeable,” and how they appreciated the genuine care the guides showed for the animals. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 100 reviews, it’s clear this experience resonates with visitors.

One review mentioned, “What a unique experience! You can tell she genuinely cares about her animals,” which speaks to the authentic, heartfelt nature of the tour. Others appreciated the opportunity to connect with animals in a quiet, scenic environment—something that’s often missing from more commercialized farm visits.

Analyzing the Value

Considering the price of $65 per person, this tour offers a substantial experience, especially when you factor in the personalized attention and the chance to walk through 25 acres of scenic farmland. It’s not a fast or rushed visit; you get plenty of time to interact with the animals and enjoy the surroundings. For animal lovers and those seeking a calm, outdoor activity, it’s quite a good deal.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy animals, peace, and a touch of history, you’ll probably find this experience quite enjoyable. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate slow-paced, meaningful interactions rather than high-energy excursions. Families with children over 8 will find it engaging, especially if everyone loves animals or wants a gentle, nature-focused activity.

It’s also well-suited for solo travelers or couples looking to add a relaxed, farm-themed experience to their trip. Keep in mind that walkers should have moderate physical fitness, as the terrain can be uneven, and it involves walking about a mile.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Right for You?

This farm tour offers a rare chance to connect with friendly, adorable animals in a peaceful setting. Its intimate size, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful location make it more than just a farm visit—it’s a small, personal moment of farm life that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re after an experience that’s relaxing, educational, and filled with cute animals, this tour delivers in spades.

However, if you prefer high-energy activities or have difficulty walking on uneven ground, you might want to consider whether this fits your pace. The farm’s history, combined with its scenic landscape, makes it a lovely highlight for those craving a break from typical sightseeing, especially in the Catskills.

This is a solid choice for animal lovers, curious visitors, or anyone wanting a peaceful farm experience that’s well-organized and heartfelt.

FAQ About the Clover Brooke Farm Llama/Alpaca Hike

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but participants must be 8 years or older. It’s best for children who enjoy animals and gentle outdoor activities.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers farm admission, a guided animal hike, bottled water, and the opportunity to pet the animals.

Are there restroom facilities?
Yes, public restrooms are available at the farm.

Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed during the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain are recommended.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s the best time to visit?
The tour runs Tuesday mornings from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, but check in advance for any seasonal changes.

This farm experience offers a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and adorable animal encounters—ideal for anyone wanting to add a touch of farm life to their Catskills adventure.