Catskills Travel Guide

Explore the natural wonders, cultural attractions, and local customs of Catskills in New York with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Catskills Travel Guide - Discover the Magic of New York’s Mid-Hudson and Catskills Region

Nestled in the Mid-Hudson and Catskills region in New York State, Catskills is a breathtaking destination steeped in natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. From lush forests and cascading waterfalls to world-class museums and charming towns, the region offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, our comprehensive Catskills travel guide has got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Catskills

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Catskills is home to a wealth of museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s fascinating heritage. From the Hudson River School Art Trail to the Woodstock Art Colony, you’ll find a wide range of cultural attractions to explore. Some of the top museums and historical sites include:

  • Thomas Cole National Historic Site
  • The Catskill Mountain House Site
  • The Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton
  • Hudson River Maritime Museum

Natural Attractions of Catskills: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With over 700,000 acres of public and private land, Catskills is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, skiing, or fishing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities. Some of the top natural attractions of Catskills include:

  • Kaaterskill Falls
  • Hudson River Skywalk
  • Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
  • The Shawangunk Mountains

Hiking/Biking Routes of Catskills

Catskills offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that let you explore the region’s natural beauty at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Some of the popular hiking/biking routes of Catskills are:

  • Overlook Mountain Trail
  • Esopus Creek Trail
  • North-South Lake Trail
  • The Ashokan Rail Trail

Best Things to Do in Catskills: Activities and Tours

Catskills offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to all interests and budgets. From wine tasting and brewery tours to river cruises and farm visits, there’s something for everyone. Some of the top things to do in Catskills include:

  • Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
  • Catskills Distilling Company
  • New York Zipline Adventure Tours
  • Opus 40

Week-Long Itinerary for Catskills

If you’re planning to spend a week in Catskills, here’s an ideal itinerary for you:

Day Activity
1 Visit Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site
2 Explore Kaaterskill Falls and North-South Lake Trail
3 Take a Hudson River cruise and visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum
4 Enjoy a day of wine tasting and brewery tours
5 Visit Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and Catskills Distilling Company
6 Indulge in outdoor adventures at New York Zipline Adventure Tours and Opus 40
7 Relax and unwind at Mirbeau Inn & Spa or Mohonk Mountain House

Food and Drink Scene of Catskills

Catskills’ food and drink scene is as diverse and vibrant as its natural and cultural attractions. From local farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer to artisanal cheese and apple cider, there’s something for all foodies. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages of Catskills are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wood-fired pizza at Brushland Eating House
  • Smoked trout dip at The Kaaterskill
  • Farm-to-table cuisine at Deer Mountain Inn
  • Artisanal burgers at O’Sullivan’s Public House

Local Beverages

  • Apple cider at Wayside Cider
  • Craft beer at Peekskill Brewery
  • Whiskey at Neversink Spirits
  • Wine at Hudson-Chatham Winery

Where to Stay in Catskills: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Catskills offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to cozy B&Bs and rustic lodges, you’ll find plenty of places to stay. Some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses of Catskills are:

  • Mohonk Mountain House
  • The Roxbury at Stratton Falls
  • Andes Hotel
  • Foxfire Mountain House

What to Buy in Catskills: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Catskills is known for its unique and high-quality souvenirs and local products that make for ideal gifts and keepsakes. Some of the best things to buy in Catskills are:

  • Artisanal cheese at Cowbella
  • Handcrafted pottery at Stone House Pottery
  • Maple syrup at Catskill Mountain Sugar House
  • Antique books at Tannersville Antiques and Artisan Center

Local Culture and Customs of Catskills

Catskills’ local culture and customs are as diverse and colorful as its natural and cultural attractions. The region is home to a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and craftspeople who have contributed to its rich heritage. Some of the key aspects of Catskills’ culture and customs are:

  • Hudson River School Art Trail
  • Catskill Mountain Artisans Guild
  • Woodstock Art Colony
  • The 18th-century Dutch heritage of Kingston’s Stockade District

Best Time to Visit Catskills

The best time to visit Catskills depends on your interests and preferences. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities and scenic drives, while winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Summer is peak tourist season, and the region can get quite crowded. However, summer is also the time for festivals, fairs, and outdoor concerts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Catskills

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Catskills:

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty of the region and follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Support local businesses and artisans by buying local products and souvenirs
  • Be mindful of the local community and their customs

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment in any way
  • Ignore safety guidelines when indulging in outdoor activities
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Catskills

Catskills is a relatively safe destination, but it’s always important to take necessary precautions when traveling. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night. When indulging in outdoor activities, follow the safety guidelines and stay alert for any potential hazards.

Health in Catskills

Catskills is known for its clean air and pristine natural environment, which can be a great source of rejuvenation and healing. However, it’s essential to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against insect bites and ticks when exploring the outdoors. It’s also advisable to carry a basic first aid kit when indulging in outdoor activities.

Getting to Catskills: Transportation Options and Logistics

Catskills is located within easy driving distance from major metropolitan areas of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. If you’re planning to fly, the nearest airports are Albany International Airport and Stewart International Airport. The region is also accessible by bus, car, and train. Some of the transportation options and logistics for getting to Catskills are:

Airports Near Catskills

  • Albany International Airport
  • Stewart International Airport

Bus Stations Near Catskills

  • Adirondack Trailways
  • Greyhound

Other Options

  • Metro-North Railroad
  • Amtrak

How to Get Around in Catskills

The easiest way to get around Catskills is by car, especially if you plan to explore the region’s many attractions. Public transport options are limited, though there are some local buses and taxis available. Cycling is also a popular mode of transport for exploring the region’s many scenic trails and routes.

Where to Go Next from Catskills: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Catskills is surrounded by a number of other beautiful destinations and attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Hudson Valley Wine Country
  • Albany, the state capital
  • New York City
  • Adirondack Mountains

Conclusion

Catskills is a truly magical destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and local flavor. From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to world-class museums and charming towns, the region has something for everyone. We hope our comprehensive Catskills travel guide helps you plan your perfect getaway and explore all that this amazing destination has to offer.

A view of the Catskill Mountains from Soyuzivka Ukrainian Resort in Kerhonkson. A view of the Catskill Mountains from Soyuzivka Ukrainian Resort in Kerhonkson. Stony Clove Notch, carved by glacial meltwater Stony Clove Notch, carved by glacial meltwater The Catskill Mountain House, ca. 1836 The Catskill Mountain House, ca. 1836 Ashokan Reservoir Ashokan Reservoir Damage caused by flooding after Hurricane Irene in 2011 Damage caused by flooding after Hurricane Irene in 2011 Route 28 in western Ulster County Route 28 in western Ulster County Deep Notch Deep Notch North-South Lake from Sunset Rocks North-South Lake from Sunset Rocks Trail to Slide Mountain Trail to Slide Mountain


    Delaware County (New York)
    Greene County (New York)
    Orange County (New York)
    Sullivan County (New York)
    Ulster County