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The Catskills is a mountainous region in southeastern New York State, roughly 90 to 150 miles north of New York City. The area encompasses parts of Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, and sits within the larger Catskill Park — a mix of public Forest Preserve land and private holdings covering about 700,000 acres.
Historically, the Catskills served as a summer retreat for wealthy New Yorkers in the 19th century, later becoming famous for the resort hotels of the 'Borscht Belt' era in the mid-20th century. Today the region draws a more diverse mix of visitors: weekend hikers from the city, fly fishers on the Delaware and Esopus rivers, skiers, artists, and food-focused travelers drawn by a thriving farm and craft food scene.
The landscape is defined by rolling forested ridges, open valleys, reservoirs, waterfalls, and small working towns. The highest peak, Slide Mountain, reaches about 4,180 feet. The Catskills feel distinctly different from the neighboring Adirondacks — more intimate in scale, more varied in character, and deeply woven into American cultural history through literature, painting, and folklore.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
The Catskills is a domestic destination within the United States. International visitors should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the relevant U.S. embassy for current entry requirements.
Seasons and Weather
- Spring (April–May): Mud season is real — trails can be wet and eroded, particularly at higher elevations. Wildflowers and waterfalls are at their peak.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and humid; popular for swimming holes, hiking, and festivals. Weekends in July and August can see heavy traffic on Route 28 and in towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia.
- Fall (September–October): Peak foliage typically arrives mid-to-late October at higher elevations, slightly later in valleys. Accommodation books out quickly — reserve well in advance.
- Winter (December–March): Cold with reliable snow in higher elevations. Hunter Mountain and Belleayre Mountain operate ski resorts. Some smaller businesses close or reduce hours in the off-season; verify before visiting.
What to Bring
Layers are essential year-round. Cell coverage is inconsistent in many mountain areas — download offline maps before departing. If you plan to hike, bring water, a paper trail map, and proper footwear. Many trails involve significant elevation gain on rocky terrain.
Getting There
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach and explore the Catskills. From New York City, travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on your destination and traffic. The NYS Thruway (I-87) with exits at Kingston or Woodstock/Saugerties is a common route for the northern and central Catskills. Route 17 (future I-86) serves the southern Catskills toward Sullivan County.
By Bus
Trailways and Adirondack Trailways operate bus routes from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to various Catskills towns including Woodstock, Phoenicia, Margaretville, and Monticello. Schedules and routes change seasonally — verify current service at the operator's website before booking.
By Train
Amtrak's Empire Service runs along the Hudson Valley on the east side of the Hudson River, with stations at Rhinecliff-Kingston and Hudson that serve as gateways. From those stations, you will need a car rental or pre-arranged ground transportation to reach Catskills destinations, as no rail line enters the mountains directly.
Nearest Airports
Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh and Albany International Airport (ALB) are the closest regional airports. Most international travelers connect through John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR), then rent a car for the drive west and north.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rental car is essentially required for exploring the Catskills. Public transportation within the region is very limited, and many of the most rewarding destinations — trailheads, farms, waterfalls, and small hamlets — are not accessible without a car.
Roads in the mountains can be narrow and winding. Some unpaved forest roads provide access to trailheads and may be impassable in mud season or after heavy snow; check conditions with the DEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) before heading out.
Ride-share coverage (Uber, Lyft) is available in and around larger towns like Woodstock and Kingston but is unreliable in more remote valleys. Bicycling is popular on quieter back roads and on the Catskill Center's maintained trails, though mountain terrain makes this physically demanding.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the Catskills spans a wide range: historic inns, boutique hotels, vacation rental cabins, campgrounds, and a handful of larger resort properties.
Types of Accommodation
- Vacation rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO list a large number of cabins and houses throughout the region, making this a common choice for groups or families. Review listings carefully for remoteness, road conditions, and whether a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advised in winter.
- Inns and B&Bs: Small inns and bed-and-breakfasts operate in most of the larger towns. Quality and amenities vary — read recent reviews.
- Campgrounds: The New York State DEC manages numerous campgrounds within the Catskill Park. Reservations are handled through the Reserve America system and are strongly recommended for summer and fall weekends.
- Resorts: A small number of larger resort properties operate in the region, some with spas, pools, and organized activities. Verify current operating status, as the resort landscape has changed considerably since the Borscht Belt era.
Book accommodation well ahead for fall foliage season (typically mid-October) and holiday weekends. Last-minute options in peak periods are genuinely scarce.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The Catskills contain 35 peaks over 3,500 feet, which make up the 'Catskill 3500' hiking challenge. The Catskill Center and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference publish reliable trail information. Popular hikes include Slide Mountain (the highest peak), Kaaterskill Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the Northeast), and the Devil's Path, considered one of the more demanding ridge trails in the eastern US. Trailhead parking can fill by mid-morning on summer and fall weekends.
Skiing and Winter Sports
Hunter Mountain and Belleayre Mountain are the two main downhill ski areas in the region. Both offer rentals and lessons. Smaller areas and cross-country trails exist throughout the region — verify current operating status and conditions before visiting.
Fly Fishing
The Catskills are considered the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing. The Beaverkill and Willowemoc rivers in Sullivan County and the upper Delaware River are particularly well regarded. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor provides context and visitor information.
Swimming Holes
Natural swimming spots on the Esopus Creek and its tributaries are popular in summer. Peekamoose Blue Hole in the Ulster County forest is one of the most scenic but requires a timed parking reservation through the DEC in peak season.
Arts and Culture
Woodstock has been a center for arts and music since the early 20th century — the 1969 festival actually took place in Bethel, roughly 60 miles away, but the town retains a strong creative identity. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts operates on the original festival site and hosts concerts and a museum. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill town commemorates the Hudson River School of painting.
Food & Drink
The Catskills have developed a strong local food culture over the past two decades, anchored by small farms, artisan producers, and chefs who source regionally.
What to Look For
- Farm stands and markets: Seasonal farm stands operate throughout the region from late spring through fall. Farmers markets run in towns including Woodstock, Rhinebeck (on the Hudson side), and Delhi.
- Craft beverages: The region has a notable concentration of small breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Local producers often sell directly from their taprooms and tasting rooms — hours vary and many are weekends-only, so verify in advance.
- Dairy: The Catskills and surrounding region have a long dairy tradition. Artisan cheese and fresh dairy products from local creameries are worth seeking out.
Towns to Eat In
Woodstock, Phoenicia, Livingston Manor, and Callicoon each have a small cluster of well-regarded independent restaurants. Reservations are strongly advised on weekends, particularly in summer and fall, as popular spots fill quickly. The dining scene is concentrated but not large — options outside these hubs can be limited, and some areas have little beyond convenience stores and diners.
Bring cash as backup: some smaller markets, farm stands, and rural spots do not accept cards or have connectivity issues with payment terminals.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Internet
Coverage from major US carriers is inconsistent. In valley towns like Woodstock and Livingston Manor, service is generally adequate. On mountain roads and at many trailheads, it can be nonexistent. Download maps offline (Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or similar) before leaving cell coverage areas.
Emergency Services
- Call 911 for all emergencies.
- If hiking in backcountry areas, tell someone your planned route and expected return time. DEC Forest Rangers can be reached through local dispatch.
- The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are located in Kingston, Liberty, and Oneonta. Verify locations relative to where you are staying.
Money
ATMs are available in larger towns but can be scarce in remote areas. Carry some cash.
Tipping
Standard US tipping norms apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars for coffee counter service at your discretion.
Leave No Trace
Popular natural sites in the Catskills have experienced significant overuse in recent years. Use designated parking areas, pack out all waste, stay on marked trails, and follow any posted regulations, including fire restrictions.
Safety
The Catskills are generally a low-risk destination. The most common safety concerns are related to outdoor recreation rather than crime.
Hiking Safety
Weather can change quickly at elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Check forecasts before setting out and turn back if conditions deteriorate. Kaaterskill Falls and other popular waterfall sites have seen serious accidents — stay on marked paths and observe all posted barriers.
Wildlife
Black bears are present throughout the Catskills. Store food properly when camping (bear canisters or hang bags) and do not leave food in vehicles overnight in campgrounds. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent; wear long pants, use insect repellent, and check thoroughly after any time in brush or tall grass.
Road Conditions
Mountain roads can become icy or snow-covered quickly in winter. All-season or winter tires are advisable from November through March. Some roads are not maintained in winter — check with local authorities or the DEC before driving on unpaved forest roads.
