Catskills Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

The Catskills have long held a mythical place in the American imagination, evolving from the 19th-century landscape painters’ muse to the mid-century “Borscht Belt” resort haven, and now, to a chic escape for modern adventurers. Just a two to three-hour drive from New York City, this region offers a breath of fresh air, literally. The mountains roll in soft, blue waves, hiding deep cloves, crystal-clear trout streams, and towns that balance rural grit with Brooklyn-esque cool.

Whether you are looking to summit a 3,500-foot peak, forage for wild ramps, or simply sit by a roaring fire with a local cider, the Catskills deliver. It is a place where the history of the 1969 Woodstock festival meets contemporary farm-to-table dining, creating a destination that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

A Legacy of Art and Nature

The Catskills are not just a geological wonder; they are the birthplace of the Hudson River School of art. In the early 1800s, painters like Thomas Cole traveled here to capture the raw, sublime beauty of the American wilderness. This artistic heritage is palpable today, with towns like Woodstock and Saugerties teeming with galleries, pottery studios, and music venues that continue to draw creatives from around the world.

Beyond the canvas, the region is steeped in the history of American leisure. The famous “Borscht Belt” era saw massive resorts rise in these hills, serving as the setting for films like Dirty Dancing. While many of those grand hotels have faded, a new wave of boutique lodges has revitalized the hospitality scene, honoring the past while offering curated, design-forward experiences for the 21st-century traveler.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Kaaterskill Falls - This two-stage waterfall is the crown jewel of the region. The hike is short (about 1.4 miles round trip) but steep, leading to a viewing platform that overlooks the 260-foot drop. Parking at the Laurel House Road lot is recommended. Free entry.

Hunter Mountain - A hub for all seasons, offering skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and North America’s highest zipline canopy tour in the summer. The Skyride chairlift operates seasonally for sightseeing. Lift tickets vary; scenic rides approx. $20.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Located in Bethel, NY, this is the actual site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. The museum offers an immersive look at the 60s, and the outdoor pavilion hosts major concerts. Museum entry is approx. $20.

Opus 40 - Located in Saugerties, this environmental sculpture park was hand-created by Harvey Fite over 37 years using local bluestone. It is a stunning labyrinth of terraces, ramps, and fountains. Entry is $12.

Overlook Mountain - A 4.6-mile round-trip hike near Woodstock that offers a triple threat: the ruins of an old hotel, a fire tower with 360-degree views, and a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery at the trailhead. Free entry.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to the Catskills is best done by car. While there is bus service from NYC’s Port Authority to towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia via Trailways, once you arrive, the attractions are spread out over miles of winding mountain roads. Rideshare services are unreliable at best and non-existent at worst. Renting a car gives you the freedom to chase waterfalls and find hidden diners.

Cell service can be notoriously spotty, especially in the “cloves” (deep valleys) and on hiking trails. It is highly recommended to download offline maps on Google Maps or AllTrails before you lose signal. Also, pack for variable weather; mountain temperatures are often 10-15 degrees cooler than in the city, and storms can roll in quickly.

The Catskills are truly a year-round destination, but the “best” time depends on what you seek. Fall foliage (early to mid-October) is the undeniable peak for beauty, while summer offers the most activities. For those seeking solitude and lower prices, the quiet mud season of April or the stark beauty of November offers a different, more introspective kind of magic.