Ascending from the Hudson Valley to elevations exceeding 4,000 feet, this region offers a backdrop for various outdoor activities for those who love nature. Its dense forests, rolling hills, peaceful brooks, and rivers merging with the Delaware and Hudson Rivers create a natural paradise.
These landscapes have charming towns filled with art and charm, just like decades ago. At every corner, there is a chance to discover regional gems. You don't have to bring expensive vans to have a good time here; having a limited budget is also not a problem. Exploring the Catskills may lack Hollywood’s glamour, yet it exudes a comforting glow akin to sunlight shining through the trees.
If you plan on going to the Catskills, you may ask yourself, "When is the ideal time to visit the Catskills?" Regrettably, there is not a single correct solution available. It's a little more challenging than you may realize. Initially, you must consider the main purpose of your visit. What are you looking to go through? What is it that you would like to look at? Remember that this area varies with each passing season!
Looking for a place to cool off during the summer? Head on over to the Catskills! Its rural towns are just a few minutes away from plenty of lakes and forest paths, and by the end of June, they are packed with urban residents eager to enjoy the amenities.
Autumn in mid-September marks the time for leaf-peeping, as people gather to admire the changing colors of the fall leaves and celebrate the annual harvest. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time because popular hotels and campsites can get fully booked many months in advance.
Spring is mud season—not an excellent condition for hikers. But it's also when waterfalls are at their most powerful, bird watchers can spot migratory species flitting through the forests, and fly fishing is at its best.
Summer crowds usually arrive on Memorial Day, so it's a great time to get discounts at hotels, parks, and campgrounds.
Of course, November and December bring colder temperatures and occasional snow. Outdoor adventures are still fantastic during this time, but they're better for exploring cozy trails tucked into the mountains and forests.
Spring is the perfect time to go trout fishing, explore waterfalls, or go hiking, as the weather is mild enough to keep dangerous animals like snakes at bay. Summer is ideal for enjoying the lakes near the mountains. Fall is for picking apples and admiring the stunning foliage views, and winter is for skiing and engaging in other enjoyable snow activities. Let's explore each season more thoroughly to help you find the perfect time for your family to visit.
Springtime is the best time to visit the Catskills if you're looking for a fantastic hiking experience. The animals start to appear after a chilly winter, and you will feel a refreshing breeze in your lungs.
Sunset Rock, Palenville Overlook, and North-South Lake are among the top destinations for visiting and hiking this season. Whether you opt for simple paths or more challenging ones, make sure you bring water, snacks, a sweater, and a camera. It's important to be ready to take a photo as a memorable keepsake while hiking since you never know what you might come across on the trails.
The Catskills is an excellent choice if you're searching for a summer travel spot that is not overly hot. Expect fantastic weather and incredible views, with temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees and minimal monthly rainfall.
During this season, the trees will be vibrant green. If you explore the mountains, you will likely encounter a wide variety of wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and numerous types of birds. Given the pleasant weather, you can expect to see numerous festivals, fairs, and attractions during this time.
It's an ideal opportunity to use the numerous lakes and rivers in the vicinity, whether you're interested in getting swimming or boating equipment or simply trying fly-fishing by casting a line. If you plan on visiting in the summer, it's a must to set aside a day or two to bask in the lake experience!
The foliage seen during the fall is a famous feature of the Catskill Mountains. The variety of orange, red, and yellow leaves can leave you speechless. This is also the ideal time of year to make the most of fantastic apple-picking opportunities.
Camping at the peak of a Catskills mountain in the autumn, enjoying a fire, and drinking apple cider, whether fresh or hard, is highly favored after a day of leaf-peeping. No matter what you choose to do during your fall trip, you can be confident that you will be amazed by the beauty of this region.
Many are either fans of winter or they are not. If you do not appreciate the charm and joy of snow, it is advisable to avoid visiting the Catskills in the winter. But, if you like the cold and snowy weather, you will find that winter is the best time to visit the Catskills.
During this season, you can enjoy a train journey around a mountain covered in snow, go skiing down the slopes following a fantastic ski lift ride, explore the various festivals and events happening, and partake in many other activities.
Whether you want to appreciate the plants and wildlife in the Catskill Mountains, join local events and attractions, or escape to relax and unwind, you can be confident that whenever you choose to visit the Catskills, it will be the perfect getaway for you and your family.
You might also be pleased to know that this region is considered one of the most welcoming places for families in the United States. There are numerous outdoor activities, shops, restaurants, and views, so it's no surprise that that would be the case.
The Catskills provide more than just beautiful scenery! Conveniently located just a quick drive from New York City, this region provides a mix of stunning scenery, thrilling outdoor activities, and a diverse cultural legacy.
The mountains conceal trails that guide you to stunning waterfalls and pristine streams teeming with fish. This region also boasts a diverse cultural legacy. Artists and nature enthusiasts have been attracted to this place for many years because they find inspiration in the landscapes.
The Catskill Mountains transform into art with each passing season. In the summer, everything is covered in green. Fall displays vibrant hues, whereas winter blankets everything in pristine white. Every path in the Catskills ensures an exciting adventure for hikers of every skill level.
Anglers could easily become lost in the peaceful surroundings of over 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, far from the city's noise. However, remember that honoring the environment is important to stay safe while taking advantage of the attractions in this area.
In the Catskills, verdant hills roll like waves beneath azure skies. Tall trees reach the sky, and rivers carve through the land. Imagine waking up every morning to birds singing, breathing in fresh air.
Here, nature extends widely in all directions, allowing you to reach out your arms and not make contact with anything around you! You can explore picturesque paths leading to stunning views and admire nature's display of vibrant greens in summer, transitioning to golden hues in fall and snowy landscapes in winter.
It is the ideal spot to relax your mind, rejuvenate your spirit, and have unforgettable moments with your family, friends, or yourself!
Heading up to the Catskills is an adventure trip you will always remember. This place is not just any old countryside. It has history-deep valleys that rise as high as Slide Mountain's peak. Here, you will witness what it looks like when nature grows wild, and individuals intentionally take care of it.
You can zip through the trees, venture along the scenic trails, fish in the pristine waters, or ski, snowboard, and snowboard down the snowy slopes. There's an opportunity for outdoor activities for all ages and seasons!
Beyond embracing nature and its wonders, you can meet local farmers and buy fresh goods. You can marvel at natural and artificial art, stop by painted villages, grab local eats, and visit treasured attractions in this region.
So, what are you waiting for? Come over to where the Catskills are! These peaks offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, perfect for weekend getaways, longer retreats, or just a day filled with adventure.
There are plenty of fun activities to do in the Catskills. You can hike forest trails that lead to stunning views or fish in crystal-clear streams. Discover charming small towns with local art and fresh farm-to-table meals. Adventure lovers can zip-line through lush canopies!
Whether looking for relaxation or excitement, this haven offers endless activities year-round to make every visit unforgettable. So pack your bags—you're about to create memories at every turn in the majestic Catskills!
Step into the Thomas Cole House, where art meets history. Here, you’ll find works by Sarah Cole and Susie Barstow—among others who reshaped landscape painting. Their tales challenge old views that held back women artists in the 1800s.
Now, their works tell new stories as they hang beside modern pieces at this historic site in Catskills, a spot not just about past splendor but also present inspiration.
Lace-up your boots for a hike in the Catskills, where trails weave through rugged peaks and picturesque valleys. Take on the challenge of Slide Mountain, towering at 4,204 feet—it's the tallest here. The western slopes near towns like Liberty also offer family-friendly paths with pristine waters to discover.
Dive into history as you tread paths that inspired landscape paintings and conservation itself. Grab the Trail Conference’s six-map set—they show all park trails plus handy descriptions on their backs—no need for bulky guidebooks. Whether it’s lofty summits or sprawling landscapes you seek, prepare to be enthralled by America’s first noted wilds right outside New York City.
Sam's Point is one of the best hiking in the Catskills. It offers not just one stunning destination but three! Once you reach the top of the smooth, paved path, you can stand on the level, bare ledge to witness the Shawangunk Ridge and Wallkill Valley unfolding beneath you.
When you keep moving forward through the forest of huckleberry and pitch pine trees, you'll reach the ice caves—a set of cold crevices where snow remains until July. Wooden planks and ladders outline the loop trail as it meanders among the rocks. The caves might be blocked off during late autumn to early spring, so make sure to stop by the visitor's center before starting your hike.
If you want to challenge yourself and visit the third location, you need to return to the markers for Verkeerderkill Falls. This 187-foot waterfall is most spectacular in the spring and early summer. You'll find a sign on the path that boldly states, "This is one of Earth's last great places," a claim that will be hard to disagree with.
Visit Willowemoc Campgrounds for a fantastic experience in the Catskills! Expansive trails await exploration on foot. Strap on skis or slip on snowshoes for endless hours of enjoyable gliding. If you're a beginner, choose the simpler routes in Wild Forest—it offers 15 miles of picturesque trails that resemble winter postcards brought to life.
For individuals looking for a thrill, consider taking on the challenging terrain of Burnt Knob's slopes—it offers steeper inclines and breathtaking scenery that make every moment worth the effort. It is not too distant from urban sound but still nearby enough that returning isn't difficult—all within a two-hour drive away!
You are right by nature at Willowemoc Campgrounds. Here, you can spend your days fishing in crystal-clear streams or hiking through verdant trails with stunning views that leave you in awe. At night, you can stay cozy and warm by campfires beneath the starry sky, a perfect setting for sharing stories and s'mores. Whether looking for excitement on mountain biking trails or tranquility observing wildlife, the Catskills provide a memorable escape on our friendly grounds.