Catskill Mountains New York: 1st Time Visitor Guide
For first time visitors, the Catskill Mountains in New York are a refreshing retreat into nature, culture, and quiet charm. Just a couple of hours north from the bustle of New York City, the Catskills provide an accessible escape filled with scenic trails, waterfalls, and welcoming small towns. Whether you’re here for hiking, photography, skiing, or simply relaxing, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip and having been here countless times, this place is like a playground to me, so I’ll be sharing some of my top things and places to visit here!
Overview
The Catskill Mountains New York span four counties in southeastern New York: Ulster, Greene, Delaware, and Sullivan. Known for their rolling peaks, forested valleys, and vibrant small towns, the Catskills are a longtime favorite for both outdoor adventurers and creative minds. The area is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range and features over 700,000 acres of protected land within the Catskill Park.
Alongside nature, visitors will find historic art colonies, music festivals, and local farm-to-table eateries. From laid-back cabins to mountain resorts, the Catskills offer something for every kind of traveler.
How to Get There
By Car: Driving is the easiest and most flexible option. From New York City, the Catskills are roughly a 2 to 3-hour drive depending on which town you’re heading to—popular gateways include Woodstock, Hunter, and Phoenicia.
By Bus: Bus lines like Trailways and Greyhound offer regular routes from NYC to various towns including Kingston, Monticello, and Windham. A car rental may still be necessary for getting around once you’re there.
By Train: Amtrak trains from NYC stop in Hudson, which provides access to the northern Catskills. Taxis or car rentals are available at the station.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March to May): A great time for light hiking and waterfall viewing. Wildflowers bloom, and crowds are minimal.
Summer (June to August): Ideal for swimming in lakes, camping, music festivals, and mountain hikes.
Fall (September to early November): Peak season for leaf-peeping. Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a tapestry of color (best Catskill fall foliage spots).
Winter (December to February): Perfect for snow lovers. The Catskills offer great skiing, snowboarding, and cozy cabin getaways.
10 Best Things to Do
- Kaaterskill Falls: This is a short hike to one of New York’s tallest and most iconic waterfalls. Kaaterskill Falls is over 200 feet high.
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Tour the home of the founder of the Hudson River School of art.
- Explore Woodstock: A creative town filled with art galleries, cafes, and quirky boutiques.
- Ski at Hunter Mountain: Enjoy winter sports or scenic summer gondola rides.
- Take the Belleayre Gondola: Get sweeping views of the Catskills year-round.
- Camp at North-South Lake: The largest state campground in the region offers great amenities and views.
- Walk the Hudson River Skywalk: A scenic pedestrian route connecting two historic sites.
- Visit the Catskill Animal Sanctuary: A fun and meaningful experience for families and animal lovers.
- Bike the Catskill Scenic Trail: A 26-mile former rail trail perfect for cyclists and walkers, located near Phoenicia NY.
- Scenic Drives: The Catskill Mountains are full of these (details).
- Explore North South Lakes: This is a popular spot to explore the summit area of the Catskills. There’s boating, camping, BBQ and hiking available all throughout the North South Lakes area.
Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)
Beginner Hikes:
- Huckleberry Point Trail – A moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike with rewarding views of the Hudson Valley.
- Windham Path – A 1.5-mile loop trail, ideal for families and those looking for a relaxing walk.
Intermediate Hikes:
- Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain – A 6.3-mile hike known for its scenic ledges and panoramic overlooks.
- Overlook Mountain Trail – A 4.6-mile trek leading to an abandoned hotel and a fire tower with sweeping views.
Advanced Hikes:
- Slide Mountain – The highest peak in the Catskills at 4,180 feet. The 5.3-mile route is challenging but worth the climb (Slide Mountain Trail can be accessed from 2 points).
- Devil’s Path – A 24.2-mile trail considered one of the most difficult hikes in the Northeast. For most people, the Devils Path Trail is best attempted over multiple days by experienced hikers.
- My top list of Catskill Mountains hikes
Packing List
Essential:
- My top Amazon gear recommendations
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Breathable layers for changing weather
- Map, compass, or GPS device
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Refillable water bottle
- Trail snacks or energy bars
Seasonal Additions:
- Spring/Summer: Lightweight rain gear, hat, sunglasses
- Fall/Winter: Insulated jacket, gloves, wool socks, microspikes or crampons for icy trails
Where to Stay
Hotels & Lodges:
- Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (Hunter): Modern lodge with cozy amenities and mountain views
- Emerson Resort & Spa (Mount Tremper): Full-service spa, luxurious rooms, and riverside views
Cabins & Rentals:
- Eastwind Hotel & Bar (Windham): Sleek cabin-style units with a communal sauna
- Gather Greene (Coxsackie): Minimalist cabins in a peaceful setting, great for couples
Camping:
- North-South Lake Campground: Family-friendly with lakeside campsites and hiking access
- Devil’s Tombstone Campground: A rustic and quiet spot near challenging hikes
Things to Know Before You Go
- Permits: Some popular spots like Peekamoose Blue Hole require a permit during peak seasons
- Cell Service: Expect limited service in many areas, download maps in advance
- Weather: Can change quickly in the mountains; be prepared with layers
- Wildlife: Store food properly and be aware of black bear activity
- Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in and respect nature and fellow visitors
Final Thoughts
A trip to the Catskill Mountains offers much more than just a weekend getaway. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, experience small-town charm, and challenge yourself on the trail. Whether you’re hiking to a summit, camping under the stars, or simply exploring roadside farms and shops, your first visit will leave you wanting to return. Come prepared, travel mindfully, and let the Catskills show you their magic. No matter where I personally travel on my US road trips, the Catskills are always a refreshing place I return to and to this day find new, epic places to see.
