DENVER VEGA VALLEY - The View of the Century
Heading south on Route 30 from the hamlet of Roxbury, take a left and head east on Scudder Hill Road (County Route 8). You'll wind up the hill for a mile or so and suddenly come upon its crest. Whatever the season, prepare to have your breath taken away as you meet the splendid panorama of the Denver Vega Valley.You'll understand in an instant why many generations, from 18th century farm settlers to second homeowners, have longed to put down roots here.
Once home to the rural communities of Denver and Vega, the valley was more populous a century or so ago, when farming was a way of life. Today the valley still offers imposing vistas of farmland, pasture and, once again, woodlands. Generations ago, the valley settlement was known as Batavia and the Batavia Kill still winds its way down the valley along the highway, gurgling in summertime and roiling noisily when the snow melts. Long timers still take their bearings along the Denver-Vega Road (County Route 36) from the names of family farms from decades ago, some of whom are still settled here. Aside from the popular townhouse community of Roxbury Run, which was developed in the 1970s, there is a lot of wild space to be savored here for hiking or fishing. Many "second homes," discretely tucked away in its hills and dales, have become permanent homes to those lured by the valley's charms.
High up in the valley is the solemn and austere landmark, the First Old School Baptist Church, its elegantly square symmetry now the ideal setting for chamber music concerts and intimate performance events. Across the road is the Vega Cemetery, one of the loveliest rural graveyards of the dozens you can scout out in the Roxbury township. Further up the road is yet another valley landmark, The Vega Hall. Once home to the Grange, it now hosts the Sunbonnet Quilters group and other community events. It's the election day polling place for the 300 or so lucky residents who call the valley home.
Be sure to take in the valley on any visit to Roxbury: its vistas will be forever part of your Catskills lexicon.