Things To Do
in Catskill
Catskill is a town located in New York, United States, nestled in the picturesque Catskill Mountains. The town is known for its charming historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural landscapes, including hiking trails and waterways. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and skiing in the winter months.
Catskill also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions for residents and tourists to explore.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike on one of the Catskill trails, soaking in the lush greenery. Bring your camera to capture the stunning views and wildlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, then visit the nearby Kaaterskill Falls for a leisurely stroll. Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls.
Head to a local restaurant to try some regional dishes. After dinner, consider stargazing at a dark sky park for a magical end to your day.
Visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn about American art and the Hudson River School. Take a guided tour to enrich your understanding of the area's history.
Explore local galleries and artisan shops in Catskill. Don't forget to chat with the artists to gain insight into their inspirations.
Attend a live performance at a local theater or venue showcasing regional talent. Enjoy the vibrant arts scene before settling down for a cozy dinner.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and forests.
- Outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.
- Rich artistic and cultural community, with festivals and events.
- Peaceful, small-town atmosphere with friendly residents.
- Proximity to larger cities like New York City for additional amenities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall can be challenging.
- Public transportation options may be lacking.
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby urban areas.
- Tourism can lead to crowded areas during peak seasons.
Best Activities in Catskill
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast network of trails in the Catskill Mountains, offering varying levels of difficulty and beautiful views.
Enjoy fishing in the numerous streams, rivers, and lakes, including the Beaverkill River known for its trout.
Experience the great outdoors by camping at one of the many campsites available in the region.
Take advantage of scenic bike trails that wind through the mountains and charming towns.
Discover a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, especially during the migration seasons.
Visit local ski resorts in the winter for downhill skiing and snowboarding adventures.
Challenge yourself with rock climbing opportunities at various climbing spots in the Catskills.
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting on the Esopus Creek, suitable for different skill levels.
Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife through photography in the picturesque settings of Catskill.
Observe diverse wildlife, including deer, bears, and various bird species, throughout the region.
Tours
Uncover the best of Catskill with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Catskill
Visit one of these nice places.
A breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that drops a total of 260 feet. The surrounding hiking trails provide various vantage points for stunning photos.
One of the tallest mountains in the Catskills, offering a scenic view from the summit that can be reached via a chairlift in the summer months. Ideal for panoramic photos.
Featuring a prominent fire tower at the summit, Overlook Mountain provides sweeping views of the surrounding Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains.
A popular spot known for its beautiful lake views, foliage in the fall, and hiking trails, including one leading to stunning views of the Catskill High Peaks.
This hiking destination offers incredible views from various ledges along the trail, with expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A serene location that provides picturesque views of the Catskills, it’s perfect for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
An iconic bridge spanning the Hudson River that offers beautiful views of the river and the mountains. Great for both daytime and sunset photography.
Known for winter sports, Windham offers stunning views from its peaks during all seasons, with trails ideal for photographers looking for landscape shots.
Food in Catskill
Catskill Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish featuring a crispy thin crust topped with fresh ingredients from the region, such as locally made cheese and vegetables. Try it at Bella Prima Pizza.
Must-Try!
This dish highlights the succulent duck meat sourced from the nearby Hudson Valley. It’s often prepared with a flavorful glaze or served as confit at the New York Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Catskill better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Catskill Farmers' Market is a great place to sample a variety of locally produced foods, from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked bread. Visitors can also pick up ready-to-eat snacks and beverages from the food vendors.
For a quick and delicious bite, head to the Main Street Food Truck for their famous street tacos crafted with locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Catskill, as in many small towns, personal space is often respected. It's important to be aware of individuals' comfort levels regarding proximity during conversations.
People in Catskill often greet one another with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Engaging in small talk about the weather or local events is appreciated, as it helps build community rapport.
Respect is shown by supporting local businesses, whether through patronage or simply promoting them within your network. This reflects an appreciation for the community and its economy.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Catskill with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Catskill
Ensure a smooth experience
In Catskill, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is customary in service industries. It's common to tip 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants. Service providers such as hairdressers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff also expect tips, usually in the same range. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment methods in Catskill typically include cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. Businesses may accept major credit cards, and many also offer digital wallets for convenience. Local laws do dictate that tips should not be included in credit card transactions, and cash remains a widely accepted form of payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Catskill.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in the Catskills (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit, as the snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom. Expect mild temperatures, ranging from 40°F to 70°F, and enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the burgeoning local farms.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather and bustling outdoor activities. Temperatures can reach 80°F and above, making it ideal for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Expect vibrant festivals, farmers' markets, and plenty of opportunities for camping and exploring nature.
Fall (September to November) is renowned for its stunning foliage as the leaves change color. Temperatures range from 30°F to 70°F. This season attracts leaf-peepers who come to see the vibrant autumn colors, and there are many harvest festivals to enjoy, showcasing local produce.
Winter (December to February) transforms the Catskills into a snowy wonderland. Expect colder temperatures, typically between 20°F and 40°F. This is the prime season for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, making it appealing for winter sports enthusiasts.
Catskill at Night
Hiking in Catskill
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its stunning two-tiered waterfall and scenic views. The trail is moderately challenging and offers several viewpoints.
Known for its challenging hikes and beautiful vistas, Hunter Mountain offers various trails, including a summit hike that rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Catskill region.
This area features multiple trails with varying difficulty levels, including the famous Escarpment Trail, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
As the highest peak in the Catskills, the Slide Mountain hike offers a challenging ascent with spectacular views from the summit, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.
Located on the Massachusetts border, this short hike leads to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, with surrounding trails that explore the area further.
Renowned for its difficulty, this challenging trail offers a rugged and adventurous experience through some of the most dramatic terrains in the Catskills.
A long trail that runs along the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains, it offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and access to various wooded areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Catskill through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Catskill by plane.
Located approximately 120 miles southeast of Catskill, JFK is one of the largest international airports in the United States, serving as a major gateway for international air travel.
About 130 miles southeast of Catskill, LaGuardia primarily serves domestic flights and is one of the major airports in New York City.
Approximately 130 miles south of Catskill, Newark Liberty is one of the oldest airports in the United States and serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights.
Located about 40 miles northwest of Catskill, Albany International is the closest significant airport, providing a mix of domestic flights and some international service.
Approximately 60 miles south of Catskill, Stewart International serves both domestic and limited international flights and is an alternate airport for the New York metro area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic white individuals comprising a significant majority of the population.
A demographic group representing individuals of Spanish or Latin American origin, including various backgrounds.
A demographic group largely consisting of individuals with African ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Individuals of Asian descent, representing various nationalities and cultures, making up a smaller percentage of the population.
A demographic group that includes individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds.
Individuals with indigenous ancestry, representing a smaller portion of the population.
A category that includes individuals who do not fit into the standard racial classifications.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport where two teams compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
An outdoor activity that involves walking in natural environments, especially in the scenic Catskill Mountains.
A sport where players use clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.
An outdoor recreational activity that involves catching fish from lakes and rivers in the Catskills.
A winter sport involving gliding over snow on skis, popular in the Catskill Mountains during the winter season.
A team sport played by kicking a ball into the opponent's goal, gaining popularity among local youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Catskill.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Catskill offer vegetarian and vegan selections, with a focus on incorporating fresh, local produce into their plant-based dishes. Visitors can find dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus at The Grapevine and Crossroads Brewing Company.
Those with gluten sensitivities will find accommodating options at restaurants like Cask & Rasher, known for offering a selection of gluten-free pub fare, including satisfying burgers and salads.