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Catskill, NY: Where the Fun Never Ends – Top Places to Visit and Things to Do

Catskill keeps a running count of the things somebody will teach you. It is the birthplace of American fly fishing and the guides here still show you how. The Hudson River School of Art started in these hills and shaped generations after it. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is the actual home and studio of the man. And the galleries run classes and workshops for every skill level there is.

Looking for a vacation with a bit of everything in it? Try Catskill, New York. This small town sits in the Catskill Mountains and runs a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and good food and drink.

Take the art scene by visiting the many galleries and museums in the area, or catch a live performance at one of the local theaters. Outdoor people get hiking, biking and skiing in the nearby mountains, along with fishing in the clear water of the Catskill Creek. And work through the local cooking, which runs from classic American to international.

Relaxation and wellness or a look into the past, Catskill has a version of each. So pack the bags and get ready for this small town in upstate New York.

Key Takeaways

• Catskill offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and delicious food and drink.
• Visitors can embrace the art scene, enjoy outdoor adventures, and indulge in local cuisine.
• Whether you’re looking for relaxation and wellness or a peek into history, Catskill has something for everyone.

Embrace the Art Scene

You might not think of the Catskills as an art hub, but the scene here is real. The Hudson River School of Art started in this area and has shaped generations of artists who came to paint the region. You can work through that legacy at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, touring the home and studio of the artist and picking up the Hudson River School properly.

But the art scene in the Catskills is not only history. There are plenty of contemporary artists working here, and you can see their work at galleries like the Greene County Council on the Arts. Painting, sculpture or mixed media, something will land.

And if it leaves you inspired, take a class or a workshop. Many galleries and art centers run courses for all skill levels, so you can learn a new technique or sharpen an old one. You may end up with something that hangs in a Catskills gallery.

So do not skip the artistic side of the Catskills. Seasoned art enthusiast or just after something creative to do, there is plenty to work through in this region.

Outdoor Adventures Await

Looking for something with pace? Want the outdoors? Then Catskill, New York is where to go. With its mountain range, its forests and its waterfalls, Catskill suits anyone after an adventure.

Hiking is the popular outdoor activity in Catskill. The area runs hiking trails across the range, easy walks through to hard treks. The busier hikes include Overlook Mountain, Slide Mountain and Kaaterskill Falls. So strap on the hiking boots and get out there.

If skiing suits you better, you are in luck. Catskill holds two strong ski resorts, Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain. Beginner or expert, there is a slope that fits. And if skiing is not for you, both resorts run other winter activities, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing included.

Water people are covered in Catskill too. The Hudson River and Esopus Creek suit fishing, kayaking and canoeing. And for something faster, take the Zoom Flume Water Park.

If you would rather go slowly, try horseback riding or mountain biking. Catskill runs plenty of trails for both. And if you want more again, take the zipline at Hunter Mountain.

Whatever your idea of an outdoor day, Catskill has a version of it. So pack the bags, grab the gear, and get outdoors.

The Heart of Catskill

The heart of Catskill is where the activity is. This small village in the northern part of the Catskills region is the hub, and it is a good place to start.

Walking the village, you notice the architecture mixes old and new, with historic buildings like the 1805 Federal-style Thomas Cole House standing next to modern boutiques and restaurants. And on restaurants, the dining in Catskill holds up. Farm-to-table cooking through to classic American diners, most taste buds are covered.

But the heart of Catskill is not only food and architecture. It is also a good base for the outdoors. Hike up to Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in New York State, or rent a kayak and paddle the Hudson River. And if you come in spring, do not miss the annual Tulip Festival, when the village fills with blooms.

And there is more. The heart of Catskill sits a short drive from other small towns in the Catskills region, Phoenicia, Woodstock and Saugerties among them. And from New York City it is a short enough drive to get away from the noise and into this part of the northeast.

So what are you waiting for? Pack the bags, grab the hiking boots, and head to the heart of Catskill for a weekend in one of the finer regions in North America.

Food and Drink Galore

You have spent the day hiking the Catskills, and now you need feeding. The area runs plenty of options to settle that.

Beer people are in luck. Catskill Brewery pours craft beers across the range. The tasting room is a good place to sample and sit with friends. And the brewery sits on a farm, so the setting comes with the beer.

If wine suits you better, go to Hudson-Chatham Winery. The tasting room sits in a 1790s farmhouse, and they pour award-winning wines across the range. And you can tour the winery and pick up the winemaking process.

And there is more. For some country music, take the Taste of Country Music Festival. The annual event runs big names in country music alongside plenty of food and drink to keep you going.

And no trip to the Catskills works without the local cooking. Farm-to-table restaurants through to classic diners, there is a version of each. Order the hot chicken and the barbecue, and work through a meat and three sides while you are at it.

Beer, wine or country music, the Catskills cover each. Cheers to a good weekend in this region.

Nature’s Beauty All Year Round

The outdoors is the point here. The Catskills and Hudson Valley run some of the finer landscape anywhere, and it works all year round. Avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who likes looking at things: there is a version of each in this part of the world.

Autumn

Fall is one of the finer times of year in the Catskills. The leaves turn red, orange and yellow, and the air sharpens. Take a scenic drive along the winding roads, go apple picking, or hike the mountains. And watch for wildlife like deer and turkeys, busy preparing for the winter months.

Winter

Winter in the Catskills is worth the cold. The mountains go under snow and the air goes quiet. Ski or snowboard at one of the many resorts, take a snowshoeing excursion, or simply sit by a fire with a book. And with luck you catch a bald eagle overhead.

Spring

Spring is renewal in the Catskills. The snow goes and the flowers arrive. Walk the woods and look for the first signs of it, trilliums and bloodroot among them. And watch for baby animals like fawns and fox kits, just starting to work out where they are.

Summer

Summer in the Catskills is about being outdoors. Swim in one of the many lakes and rivers, hike to a waterfall, or camp under the stars. And watch for wildlife like black bears and bobcats, which are at their most active through the warm months.

Wildlife Watching

The Catskills and Hudson Valley hold a broad spread of wildlife, black bears and bobcats through to bald eagles and wild turkeys. If wildlife watching is your thing, there are plenty of chances to see them in their natural habitats. Just keep a safe distance and respect their space.

The Catskills and Hudson Valley suit nature people, with something on offer all year round. A scenic drive, a hard hike, or a chance at the local wildlife: each is here. So grab the camera, lace up the hiking boots, and go.

Every season up here hands you a different thing to go and learn. Spring puts trilliums and bloodroot and the first of the fawns in front of you. Summer sends you swimming and camping and watching out for the black bears. Autumn is for apple picking and watching the deer and turkeys prepare. And winter is when you finally learn to ski up at Hunter Mountain.

A Peek into History

The Catskills carry their history in the trees and the rocks. And the way into that past is the museums and historic sites of the area.

First up, we have the Bronck Museum. This museum is housed in the oldest surviving home in the Hudson River Valley, and it offers a glimpse into what life was like for the Bronck family in the 1600s. You’ll learn all about the family’s Dutch heritage, their farming practices, and their interactions with the local indigenous people. Oh, and did we mention that the museum is haunted? Just kidding…or are we?

If you’re more into modern history, you won’t want to miss the Old Game Farm. This former zoo was home to all sorts of exotic animals, from lions to giraffes to monkeys. Nowadays, the property has been repurposed into an adventure park, but you can still see some of the old animal enclosures and learn about the history of the place. Who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a ghostly giraffe wandering the grounds.

Of course, no trip to the Catskills would be complete without a visit to at least one of the area’s many museums. If you’re interested in art, you’ll definitely want to check out the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Cole was a prominent painter in the 1800s, and his work is now considered some of the finest examples of the Hudson River School of painting. The museum is housed in Cole’s former home, and it offers a fascinating look at the life and work of this influential artist.

Last but not least, we have the Museum at Bethel Woods. This museum is dedicated to the Woodstock festival of 1969, which took place just a few miles away from the museum’s location. You’ll learn all about the cultural and political climate of the time, as well as the music and the people who made the festival happen. It’s a groovy trip back in time that you won’t want to miss. Peace, man.

Catskill’s Unique Offerings

In Catskill you quickly find there is more to this small town than first appears. Educational programs through to family activities, there is a version of each. Here are the unusual things you should not miss:

Antique Hunting

Vintage people will enjoy the antique shops in Catskill. Classic furniture through to quirky knick-knacks, you never know what turns up. And it backs small businesses in the area.

Cozy Cabins

Looking for somewhere comfortable to stay during a Catskill trip? Take one of the many cabins for rent. A rustic retreat or a luxurious one, there is a cabin that fits.

Family-Friendly Activities

Catskill suits a family vacation. Apple picking through to educational programs, there is plenty for kids of all ages. And many of the local businesses are family-owned, so the money stays in the community.

Festivals and Events

Catskill is known for its festivals and events through the year. The Fall Festival at Bailiwick Animal Park through to the annual fundraiser at the American Fly Fishing Museum, something is always on. Check the website of the local council for a calendar of upcoming events.

Small Town Charm

One of the stronger things about Catskill is its small-town character. Walking the streets, you get the quaint architecture and the friendly locals. It suits slowing down and getting away from city noise.

Classes and Workshops

Looking to learn a new skill or try a new hobby? Catskill runs plenty of classes and workshops. Painting or pottery, there is a class for it. And it is a good way to meet people and get into the community.

Relaxation and Wellness

After all the hiking and exploring, it is time to slow down in Catskill. There are plenty of spas and wellness centers here that will sort you out.

For something luxurious, book a treatment at one of the many spas in the area. Massages through to facials and body wraps, they run the range. You come out ready for whatever comes next.

But if the outdoors suits you better, try camping as the way to slow down. The Catskills run camping options across the board, rustic through to glamping, so something will fit. Spend the days hiking or fishing, and the nights roasting marshmallows and looking at the stars. It sorts you out properly.

And if you need inspiration, the Catskills are where to find it. This area has fed artists, writers and musicians for generations. Walk through the woods or along a river and you see why. The landscape here tends to start something.

A spa treatment, a camping trip, or the landscape itself: the Catskills run plenty of ways to slow down. So go on, take a deep breath and let it go.

Fishing in Catskill

You have heard of the birthplace of American fly fishing. That is Catskill, New York. With trout in quantity, rainbow, brook and brown, fishing in Catskill belongs on any angler’s list.

One of the stronger places to fish in Catskill is the Delaware River. With its clear water and its scenery, anglers come back to this river every year. Expect trout, bass and plenty of other species in it.

The other spot to cast is the Beaverkill. The river is known for fast-moving water, which makes for a harder and more interesting day. And it holds plenty of trout, including some of the largest brown trout you will see.

If you are new to fly fishing, that is fine. There are plenty of guides and outfitters in the area who will get you started. They show you the techniques, help you choose the gear, and take you to the right water.

And if fly fishing is not your thing, there are other options in Catskill, lake and pond fishing among them. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation stocks over 2 million trout in 300 lakes and ponds and 3100 miles of streams across the state each year, so something will suit.

So grab the fishing gear and head to Catskill. You may come back with the biggest fish of your life.

A Taste of the Towns

You cannot visit Catskill, New York without the small towns around it. Each one has its own character and its own quirks. Here are the towns worth finding and what to expect:

Hunter

Winter sports people should take Hunter. It holds two of the stronger ski resorts in the area, Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain. And if skiing is not your thing, Hunter runs hiking trails and outdoor activities through the summer months.

Phoenicia

Phoenicia is a small town with a big character. It is a hub for outdoor people, with hiking, fishing and camping nearby. And it holds strong restaurants and cafes, which makes it a good place to refuel after a day out.

Woodstock

You have probably heard of Woodstock, and for good reason. The town is a cultural hub, with a working arts scene and real history. And it sits inside good country, which makes it a place to slow down in.

Saugerties

Saugerties is a small town with plenty in it. It holds strong antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. And it sits close to some of the stronger hiking trails and natural attractions in the area, which makes it a good base.

Livingston Manor

Livingston Manor is a small town with a lot of heart. It sits inside good country and runs outdoor activities across the range, fishing, hiking and kayaking among them. And it holds strong restaurants and cafes for afterwards.

Narrowsburg

Narrowsburg is one of the quieter finds in the Catskills. It is a small town with real character, surrounded by good country and holding strong restaurants and cafes. It suits getting away from city noise and back into the landscape.

Andes

Andes is a small town with a big character. It sits inside good country and runs outdoor activities across the range, hiking, fishing and camping among them. And it holds strong restaurants and cafes for after a day out.

Whichever town you take, Catskill, New York will hold up. So pack the bags, get on the road, and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with the secret waterfall in the Catskills?

The secret waterfall. If we told you it would stop being secret. But here is a hint: it is not actually a secret. It is one of the busier waterfalls in the Catskills and it is called Kaaterskill Falls. It is a hike to get there, but it repays the walk.

Can you really spend a whole day in the Catskills or will you run out of things to do?

You can spend a whole day in the Catskills and still not see everything. There are hiking trails, scenic drives and small towns in quantity. And if you want something bolder, try fly fishing or rock climbing.

What are some unique activities to do in the Catskills?

How about a hot air balloon ride over the mountains? Or a llama farm? You can also take a guided foraging excursion to learn the local plants and mushrooms, or a pottery class at a local studio. The Catskills keep turning things up.

Are there any romantic things to do in the Catskills or is it all hiking and camping?

Of course there are romantic things to do in the Catskills. Walk through the town of Woodstock, or take a candlelit dinner at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in the area. And you can book a couples massage at a spa or sit in front of a fireplace at a bed and breakfast.

Where’s the best place to stay in the Catskills for a weekend getaway?

There are so many options that choosing is the hard part. For something luxurious, take the Emerson Resort and Spa in Mount Tremper. For something more rustic, try the Phoenicia Belle Bed & Breakfast in Phoenicia. And if you are travelling with a group, rent a cabin or vacation home through Airbnb or VRBO.

What’s the most underrated town in the Catskills and why?

We are partial to Tannersville, a small town at the base of Hunter Mountain. It runs strong restaurants, good shops and a laid-back feel that suits a weekend. And it sits close to some of the stronger skiing and snowboarding in the area.

Frequently asked questions about Catskill, New York

Which Catskill river should a complete beginner start fly fishing on?

The Delaware River, comfortably. It runs clear, it holds trout and bass, and the guides here will show you the techniques and put you on the right water rather than leaving you to guess. The Beaverkill is much the harder one instead of that. That river runs fast and it holds very large brown trout. Learn on the Delaware first and graduate to the Beaverkill afterwards.

Which Catskill museum site teaches the local art history best?

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site. You tour the actual home and studio of the artist and come away understanding the Hudson River School, which started here and shaped how generations of painters saw the land. The Greene County Council on the Arts then shows the contemporary work instead. That is where the working artists are all found now. Do the Cole house first and then take the galleries after it.

Which Catskill park mountain will teach a beginner to ski?

Hunter Mountain, without question. It runs slopes for beginners right through to experts, and there is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing alongside if the downhill is not working out on the first day of it. Windham Mountain is the other resort in this same area. That one covers very much the same kind of ground. Book the lesson first, because the mountain gets easier once somebody has shown you.

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