The mass exodus of New York City during the Pandemic in large part went north and scattered among the sleepy hills of the Catskills.
And it’s little wonder why.
In the Catskills you can find dozens of world-class dining establishments, art galleries, and conveniences that weren’t here a decade ago.
You’ll still find local businesses selling artisan goods to the locals and visitors alike, a craft brewery with live folk music on a whimsical summer afternoon, and perfect slices of land to get away from the buzz and dip your feet in the many rivers flowing throughout the region.
As one of the perfect mountain retreats, and my home, I’m pleased to let you in on the best things to do in the Catskill Mountains, NY.
1. Admire Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most beautiful and iconic natural attractions in the Catskills region of New York.
This stunning two-tiered waterfall drops a total of 260 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Visitors can access the falls via a well-maintained hiking trail that winds through the woods and offers plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the area.
When visiting Kaaterskill Falls, it’s important to keep safety in mind. The trail can be steep and slippery in places, so wearing sturdy shoes with good traction is recommended.
Visitors should also stay on the marked trail and avoid climbing on the rocks or swimming in the falls, as these activities can be dangerous.
Despite these precautions, a visit to Kaaterskill Falls is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for anyone exploring the Catskills region.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
2. Hike in the Catskill Mountains
The Catskills region of New York is known for its beautiful hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Devil’s Path, a challenging 24-mile trail that takes hikers over six peaks, including the highest peak in the Catskills, Slide Mountain.
This trail is not for beginners, as it can be steep, rocky, and challenging in places, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
For those looking for a less strenuous hike, the Overlook Mountain Trail is a great option.
This 4.6-mile trail takes hikers up to the top of Overlook Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from a fire tower.
Along the way, hikers can explore the ruins of an old hotel and a stone tower, as well as a peaceful forest with plenty of wildlife.
The trail can be steep in places, but it’s well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Overall, the Catskills region offers a wide variety of hiking trails to explore, from challenging multi-day treks to easy day hikes with stunning views.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
3. Visit Woodstock
Woodstock, New York is a charming small town in the heart of the Catskills region that is famous for its music festival in 1969.
Today, the town is a thriving hub for artists, musicians, and creative types, with plenty of galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore.
One of the best ways to experience Woodstock is to take a stroll down Tinker Street, the main street in town, where you’ll find a mix of vintage shops, art galleries, and eclectic cafes.
You can also explore the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum, which features a rotating selection of works by local artists.
Another popular attraction in Woodstock is the Bearsville Theater, a historic music venue that has hosted performances by everyone from Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones.
The theater is located in a beautiful wooded setting and offers an intimate atmosphere for live music performances.
In addition to music, Woodstock also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in the winter. Overall, a visit to Woodstock is a must for anyone exploring the Catskills region and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to New York.
Image by Cory Bjork on Unsplash
4. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
At Hunter Mountain, visitors can enjoy over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, including a variety of runs for all skill levels.
The resort also offers night skiing and snowboarding, which is a fun and unique way to experience the mountain after dark.
For those who prefer to stay off the slopes, Hunter Mountain has plenty of other activities to enjoy, including a zip line and a snow tubing park.
Meanwhile, at Windham Mountain, visitors can enjoy 285 skiable acres, as well as a terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
The resort also offers snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing for those who want to try something different.
One of the most unique experiences at Windham Mountain is the Catamount Adventure Park, which features zip lines, a giant swing, and other high-flying attractions.
Overall, both Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain offer plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure in the winter months.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, these resorts are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Photo by Moriah Wolfe on Unsplash
5. Take a scenic drive on Route 28
Route 28 is a scenic drive that winds its way through the heart of the Catskills region of New York, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers.
The road stretches for over 65 miles and is a popular destination for motorists and motorcyclists who want to explore the area’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming small towns and villages, many of which offer unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
One of the highlights of the Route 28 scenic drive is the Ashokan Reservoir, a large body of water that supplies drinking water to New York City.
The reservoir offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and boating. Another must-see attraction on the drive is the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Overall, the Route 28 scenic drive is a great way to experience the beauty of the Catskills region and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to New York.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
6. Explore the Hudson River School Art Trail
The Hudson River School Art Trail is a unique cultural attraction in the Catskills region of New York that allows visitors to explore the area’s rich artistic heritage.
The trail takes visitors to a series of locations that inspired the Hudson River School painters, a group of 19th-century American artists who created some of the most iconic landscape paintings in American art history.
Along the trail, visitors can see the actual vistas and landscapes that inspired the artists, and can compare them to the paintings themselves.
Some of the notable locations on the trail include Kaaterskill Falls, the Catskill Mountain House, and Olana State Historic Site, the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church.
The Hudson River School Art Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art and nature, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Catskills region.
The trail is self-guided, but visitors can download a free guidebook that includes information on the sites and the artists who painted them.
The trail is open year-round and is a popular destination for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Catskills region through the eyes of some of America’s most celebrated painters.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
7. Visit the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in music history or the arts.
The center is located on the site of the original Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 and offers a variety of exhibits and events that celebrate the festival’s legacy.
Visitors can explore the Museum at Bethel Woods, which features a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of Woodstock and the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The center also hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and festivals throughout the year, featuring both contemporary and classic acts.
In addition to music, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts also offers a variety of other arts and cultural experiences. The center hosts a variety of workshops, classes, and exhibitions that showcase the work of local and regional artists.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the surrounding natural beauty of the Catskills region. Overall, a visit to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers something for everyone.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
8. Go Apple Picking in the Fall
Apple picking is a beloved autumn activity in the Catskills region of New York, and there are many orchards throughout the area that offer the opportunity to pick your own apples.
One popular orchard is Dubois Farms, located in Highland, NY. This family-owned orchard has been in operation for over 100 years and offers a variety of apples to choose from, including Honeycrisp, Gala, and McIntosh.
In addition to apple picking, Dubois Farms also has a farm store that sells fresh produce, baked goods, and cider donuts, as well as a corn maze and hayrides for visitors to enjoy.
Another popular orchard in the Catskills region is Masker Orchards, located in Warwick, NY.
This orchard has over 200 acres of apple trees and offers a variety of apples to choose from, including Empire, Granny Smith, and Jonagold. Masker Orchards also has a country store that sells homemade apple pies, cider, and other treats, as well as a petting zoo and pony rides for children.
Overall, apple picking is a fun and festive way to enjoy the beauty of the Catskills region in the fall, and is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.
Photo by Brian Wegman on Unsplash
9. Livingston Manor
My new home town! Livingston Manor, whose slogan is “Small town, big back yard”, is a charming town with plenty of attractions that make it an ideal destination for visitors.
One of the top reasons to visit Livingston Manor is its stunning natural scenery.
The town is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
In addition, Livingston Manor is home to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Another reason to visit Livingston Manor is its vibrant community and rich history.
The town has a bustling downtown area with a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
The community also hosts several annual events, including the Trout Parade, which celebrates the town’s fishing culture and attracts visitors from all over the region. Livingston Manor also has a fascinating history, including a role in the Civil War and a connection to the legendary Woodstock Festival.
Visitors can learn more about the town’s history at the Livingston Manor Free Library, which houses a collection of historical artifacts and documents.
Overall, Livingston Manor offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and community spirit that makes it a top destination in the Catskills region.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
10. Visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site
The Thomas Cole Memorial Site is a historic site located in the Catskills region of New York that pays tribute to the life and work of Thomas Cole, one of America’s most influential landscape painters.
The site features Cole’s original home and studio, as well as a visitor center and a museum that showcases his paintings and other works of art. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about Cole’s life and his impact on American art and culture.
In addition to the historic buildings, the Thomas Cole Memorial Site also features several miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most popular trails is the Hudson River School Art Trail, which features 13 different stops that showcase the landscapes that inspired Thomas Cole and other Hudson River School painters.
Overall, a visit to the Thomas Cole Memorial Site is a must for anyone interested in American art and history and offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of one of the country’s most celebrated painters.
Image by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
11. Visit the Mohonk Preserve
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most beautiful and iconic natural attractions in the Catskills region of New York.
This stunning two-tiered waterfall drops a total of 260 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Visitors can access the falls via a well-maintained hiking trail that winds through the woods and offers plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the area.
When visiting Kaaterskill Falls, it’s important to keep safety in mind. The trail can be steep and slippery in places, so wearing sturdy shoes with good traction is recommended.
Visitors should also stay on the marked trail and avoid climbing on the rocks or swimming in the falls, as these activities can be dangerous.
Despite these precautions, a visit to Kaaterskill Falls is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for anyone exploring the Catskills region.
Photo by Gerald Berliner on UnSplash
Did we miss any of your favorite places in the Catskills, New York?
Let us know in the comments if there are anymore places in the Catskills, New York you’d like to see on our list!