The Catskills is a beautiful place in New York State. Every visit feels different and memorable. There you see beautiful mountains, the waterfalls, the small towns, and the peaceful environment, which make this place more attractive to spend their day without any hassle. If you want some adventure such as hiking, chasing scenic viewpoints, and you want to know some history of villages or simply relax in your room, then this place is a perfect choice for visiting.
This place is so special because of its mix of outdoor adventures, and refreshing mountain vibes. There you can spend your morning hiking to famous waterfalls such as Kaaterskill Falls, and enjoying the foods in the cafes in Woodstock, also you explore an art gallery in Hudson, and at the end of the day you just watch the sunset from the lakeside lodge. This spot is also known for its farm-to-table eateries, and its wildlife.
In this blog, we will discuss the best attractions, top nature trails and hiking spots, and the most beautiful scenic outlooks in Catskills, which you must know before planning the trip.
Best Attractions in the Catskills
There are so many beautiful attractions in Catskills, which you have to visit.
Kaaterskill Falls – The Most Iconic Waterfall
The Kaaterskill Falls, this place has something different for everyone. If you visit the Catskills, then you have to see this attraction at least once. There you see all two level waterfalls that look so amazing in every season. Hiking to the falls is such a peaceful moment. The sound of the water feels like Nature therapy. If you love clicking photos, want to explore nature, or just sitting by the water to enjoy the peaceful environment, then you will definitely visit this place.
Ashokan Reservoir – Peaceful Scenic Views
When you are in the Catskills, you should visit the Ashokan Reservoir. The place felt really nice. The clean air and mountains in front of you are something you will really enjoy. There you walk in the smooth path, and enjoy the blue water, and also watch the sky change colors during the sunset. It is a quiet place in the Catskills, where you walk early, and spend time outdoors at Hunter Mountain, like skiing, hiking & Skyride views.
Hunter Mountain – Skiing, Hiking & Scenic Skyride
This lovely place is ideal for people who enjoy adventure. Travelers when they visit there, they enjoy the view of mountains, and also there they enjoy some activities. In winter, this place is where people come for its snow slide, and in summers, people come here to do things like hiking, swimming and skyriding. Also, this place is a good option for those who want to relax and look at the scenery and some do different things in the same place.
Belleayre Mountain – Perfect for Families
This place is perfect for families, friends and for everyone who wants to enjoy the view in a less crowd. Belleayre Mountain offers different things. If you want to go hiking, snow skiing, or see the lake view with fewer people, then you have to visit this place at least once.
Catskill Mountain Railroad – Vintage Train Experience
The Catskill Mountain Railroad is perfect for those who want to see the nature of the Catskill without any stress. There you enjoy the train ride view through forest, rivers, and beautiful mountain scenes. This slow, quiet and peaceful journey makes your day so special and beautiful. This place is an ideal choice for couples, and families.
Top Nature Trails & Hiking Spots in the Catskills
The Top Nature Trails & Hiking spots in the Catskills, which are given below:
Overlook Mountain Trail
Overlook Mountain path is one of the most famous spots in Catskill. If you are first starting hiking on an easy path, then this place is perfect for you. When you walk up there, and you will pass the old Overlook Mountain House, there you see the broken stone building that so many people love to explore and take some pictures because the building’s looks are more interesting and mysterious. The main spot of the path is at the top, where a high fire tower gives you a beautiful 360-degree view of Hudson Valley and the nearby mountains. If you want to visit the Catskills, then you have to look at this masterpiece with both. There you will go hiking and see the amazing scenery.
Devil Path – For Experienced Hikers
The most toughest hiking paths in the Catskill are in Devil’s Path. If you already know hiking and you have more stamina, then this place is perfect for you. There the trail has steep climb, rocky paths, and sharp ups and downs that can make the hike feel long and sharp. If you move through the trail, you pass from dense forests, tall cliffs, and small sections where you have to be more careful. The best part of Devil’s Path is there are so many beautiful viewpoints that you have to visit once, there you see so many mountain landscapes which look more stunning in every season.
North-South Lake Trails
North-South Lake path is a perfect place to visit in Catskill. Their easy path and beautiful views without any difficulties, makes it a more special tourist spot for everyone. If you walk in the lake side and see the beautiful water view, with the high trees in an empty space, you feel sit there, and enjoy the view peacefully and one of the best part of the paths is the chance to visit famous viewpoints such as Artist’s Rock, Sunset rock, and Newman’s Ledge. So, if you are visiting here, and want to capture the beautiful views, or want simply to enjoy hiking then you have to visit this place for more fun.
Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain
Another beautiful spot in Catskills, which you have to explore if you want some mixer of adventure, fresh mountain air or beautiful viewpoints, in one place, then you have to visit this place. The Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain is one of the most famous tourist spots in the Catskills because of its amazing cliff view and quiet forest trails. This hike starts with a steady climb through tall trees and rocky sections, but when you reach there at once then you feel it is worth it, when you can see the view at Giant Ledge. This place has so many open ledges, where you can sit and relax and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. The trail is a bit tough but the best visiting spot for regular hikers.
Most Beautiful Scenic Views in the Catskills
When you visit the Catskills, there you see so many beautiful scenic views, which you have to experience at least once in your life.
Sunset Rock Viewpoint
Sunset Rock is one of the most beautiful scenic viewpoints in the Catskills, which you have to visit at least once. It is very huge, and has an open overlook of North-South Lake, and mountain ranges. This place has been dedicated for artists over the period, mostly the Hudson River school painters, who used this beautiful spot for its impressive light and beautiful colors. The Sunset Rock viewpoint offers those golden magical views that shine over the valley. However, this spot is an ideal choice for families, friends, and for those who love to capture some photos.
Five-State Lookout
If you want to see five different states in one place, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, then this place is perfect for you. This beautiful viewpoint sits along a scenic byway and it is loved by those visitors who want a roadside stop without hiking. This spot is perfect for those people who want to capture some unforgettable scenic view, and want to see sightseeings.
Sam’s Point Overlook
This spot is also famous in Shawangunk Mountains, which is located at the top point of Sam’s Point Preserve. This beautiful place is known for its huge cliff ledges, and views that covered far views of the Hudson Valley. Those who love hiking and want to see the natural view in the Catskills, then the Sam’s Point hike and Shawangunk Scenic views, is the perfect place for them to visit. This place is suitable for families and hikers who want to see the beautiful views without any difficult climb.
Mountain Scenic Byways
This spot is home to some of the most beautiful mountain scenic routes in New York City, it is the perfect place for those who want to see beautiful views straight from their car. If you want to see popular routes without hiking then this spot is best for you, there you see The Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway and Route 28, which offer rolling landscape, beautiful small towns. Most of the travelers search this place as “the best scenic drives in the Catskills”. If you want to capture some memories and enjoy the view then this place is the best attraction to visit.
Best Time to Visit in Catskills
If you are planning a trip in Catskill, then before the trip you have to know about the weather condition and which season is best for visiting, here are mentioned best time to visit in Catskills
Spring
- Springs are the best time to visit, if you want to relax and enjoy the view without any hassle. This season is popular because during this month the flowers will start glowing, and the waterfall will flow.
Summer
- The summer season is ideal weather for those people who want to experience hiking, camping , swimming and doing some outdoor fun activities.
Fall
- During this season most of the travellers visit to see fall foliage. Between September to October the mountains turn bright red, orange, and golden, and this beautiful scenery is perfect for those who love to capture photos, and victims to see this scenery.
Winter
- This season is perfect for snow lovers. The Catskills offer lots of things to do like skiing, snowboarding, and the comfortable rooms.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Catskills
While planning a Catskills trip, here’s something to keep in mind about a few things before visiting.
- First thing is plan your trip according to the weather
- Book accommodations early during peak months
- Check trail and weather conditions before hiking
- Carry basic outdoor amenities
- Always keep some cash for parking and shops
- Carefully, and follow safety rules near the waterfalls and cliffs
- Always respect wildlife and natural areas
- Download offline maps for mountain zones
- Explore their local towns, markets, and little cafes
- Start hikes in the early morning to avoid crowd
- wear your hiking shoes for more safety
- Keep extra water during summer hikes
- Stay on marked paths and follow signboards
Final Thought
Now you understand why this place is more beautiful, and the best tourist attraction in NYC. If you visit there once, you will feel amazing there, each and every place has different vibes. When you visit Kaateskill Falls to enjoy the peaceful environment or Ashokan Reservoir for fresh air, each and every place provides you something different and memorable. If you get a chance to explore the trails, mountains, and small towns, and enjoy the hiking, then you definitely visit this place, there you capture so many memories which you will never forget in your life. The Catskills, with its mountains, waterfalls, and scenic drives, should definitely be in your bucket list.