Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour

Introduction

Our review of the Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour in the Catskills highlights a cozy, family-friendly encounter with farm animals on a beautiful 25-acre property in Hyde Park, NY. This tour, rated 5 stars with over 100 reviews, offers a chance to baby-step your way into country life while learning about fiber arts and history. It’s a relaxed, accessible adventure perfect for animal lovers and those seeking calm escapes.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The tour involves walking across uneven terrain and on soft grass, so it’s not ideal if you have difficulty with mobility. Still, the small group size and personalized touch make it a very genuine experience.

What we love about this tour is the intimate nature—you get close enough to pet and take selfies with alpacas, llamas, and farmyard friends—and the rich farm history from 1850 that adds depth to the visit. However, it’s a decidedly outdoor, rural experience, so be prepared for the weather, and plan ahead if you’re looking for more than just a quick animal encounter.

Highlights

• Meet a variety of farm animals including llamas, alpacas, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and barn cats.
• Learn about the historic 1850 homestead that dates back over 170 years.
• Guide your own llama or alpaca through scenic pastures and paddocks.
• A scenic farm setting with a stocked pond and expansive fields.
• All-day admission included with bottled water for participants.
• Small group size (max 8 travelers), ensuring more personal attention.

A Genuine, Family-Focused Farm Experience

The Clover Brooke Farm experience offers much more than just petting llamas and alpacas; it’s a chance to step into rural life for a little while. After arriving at the designated meeting point in Hyde Park, we’re greeted with a friendly introduction and a quick tour of the farm’s historic buildings. The mention of an 1850 homestead gives a tangible sense of the deep roots this farm has—adding educational interest to the gentle walking tour.

What makes this farm memorable is its connection to history combined with life on a working farm. As one reviewer noted, “Andrea, the tour guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable. You can tell she genuinely cares about her animals.” This care translates into a warm, personalized experience that feels more like visiting a friend’s countryside property than shuffling through a crowded zoo.

The farm’s animals all have unique personalities. Children and adults alike enjoy observing curious chickens, charming ducks, and playful rabbits. The barn cats, often overlooked by larger operations, add to the farm’s authenticity, wandering freely among visitors. The guide shares engaging stories about how the animals are cared for and the farm’s history, making it clear why hospitality and respect for the animals are central to this experience.

The Llama/Alpaca Trek: Connecting with Nature

The highlight of the tour is guiding your assigned llama or alpaca through the farm’s pasture. We loved the way participants are encouraged to take selfies—this makes for memorable photos, especially considering how soft and photogenic these creatures are. Our guide covers basic safety rules, ensuring everyone handles their gentle animal properly and feels comfortable.

The trek runs past scenic elements like a stocked bass pond and rolling fields full of wildflowers. Although this session isn’t long—about an hour and a half—the leisurely pace allows plenty of time for cuddling, snapping photos, and asking questions. It’s meant to be a peaceful, bonding experience rather than a strenuous hike. That said, trainers recommend travelers have moderate physical fitness, as some walking on uneven terrain is involved.

For families or solo travelers seeking a hands-on farm connection without the hassle of large crowds, this quiet horseback-like stroll is perfect. Several reviews praised the relaxed, friendly structure, with one saying, “We had a lovely time with the alpacas and llamas,” emphasizing how personable and approachable these animals are.

Learning About Fiber and Farm Life

After the trek, there’s time to explore the farm’s fiber facilities, where you can learn how alpaca and llama wool are processed into textiles. While the itinerary mentions a “self-guided” farm visit at the end, in practice, this is a chance to connect what you’ve seen during the trek with the wider farm operations.

This aspect appeals to visitors with an interest in craft traditions, as they can often see raw fiber, yarn, and finished products. The farm store offers an assortment of fiber-based souvenirs—perfect for those wanting a tangible memory. Several reviewers appreciated this added touch: “There’s a charming farm store to browse after the trek, where you can pick up unique, locally made crafts.”

The Practical Details

This tour runs on a well-defined schedule, primarily on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, which helps set expectations for planning. It’s priced at $65 per person, a modest fee considering the time, the involvement of a knowledgeable guide, and the personal interaction with animals. Compared to large-scale petting zoos or farms, the small group (capped at 8 participants) offers more individual attention and a quieter atmosphere.

Included in the price are bottled water and admission to the farm, making this straightforward and hassle-free. Visitors should be prepared for outdoor walking and possibly uneven terrain, so appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.

The farm insists that participants be at least 8 years old—the gentle nature of the animals makes it unsuitable for younger children. There are public restrooms on-site, and pets are not allowed, which helps maintain a controlled environment.

Booking the tour about four weeks in advance is typical, reflecting its popularity among those seeking authentic farm experiences. It’s flexible enough to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing peace of mind when planning.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Farm Life

Throughout the tours and from reviews, we gather that many visitors feel genuinely touched by the farm’s authentic, informal atmosphere. As Willy_A expressed, “Andrea was wonderful and very knowledgeable. You can tell she genuinely cares about her animals.” This dedication elevates the experience from a simple activity to a meaningful introduction to farm life.

The farm’s emphasis on sustainable care, local history, and family-oriented methods makes this a richer outing than many commercial farm visits. It’s truly about making personal connections—whether with animals, the land, or the farm’s history.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for animal enthusiasts, families with children over 8 years old, and anyone looking for a peaceful, educational rural outing. It’s less suited for travelers seeking extensive physical activity or those with mobility challenges, given the terrain and walking involved.

Couples or solo travelers wanting a quiet, heartwarming escape into nature will find this farm tour rewarding. For those interested in fiber arts or farm history, it offers a nice added layer of interest for a reasonable price. It’s also perfect if you’re after a brief, meaningful farm visit that isn’t overly commercialized or crowded.

The Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour at Clover Brooke Farm offers a heartfelt look at farm life with a focus on animal connection and local heritage. Its small group, personal guide, and relaxed pace make it a genuine, accessible escape into nature and rural tradition.

While it’s not a thrill-seeking adventure—more like a gentle stroll with furry friends—it’s exactly the kind of experience that stays with you through warm memories and adorable photos. The ticket price reflects the intimate setting and involvement, making it a good investment for those craving authenticity, quiet beauty, and farm-fresh animals.

This tour delivers calm, connection, and a taste of countryside life. Perfect if you want to slow down, meet fantastic animals, and learn a bit about the farm’s history all in one easy, well-priced outing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is best for age 8 and older due to safety and handling considerations.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including meet-and-greet, the llama/alpaca trek, and farm exploration.

What should I wear?
Since the tour involves outdoor walking on uneven terrain, wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is transportation provided?
No, participants meet at the farm’s location in Hyde Park, NY. Directions and parking info are supplied upon booking.

What animals will I see?
Besides llamas and alpacas, you’ll meet chickens, ducks, rabbits, and barn cats.

Can I bring pets?
No, pets are not allowed to help protect the farm animals.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers admission, guided animal interaction, and bottled water.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 4 weeks ahead is typical to secure a spot, as it’s popular among farm lovers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours before the schedule are fully refundable, offering flexibility.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic farm experience filled with cuddly animals and scenic views — this is an outing that accepts its calm nature and rewarding simplicity.