The Best Things to Do in the Catskills, From Scenic Hiking Trails to Artsy Villages

12.07.2024 - 17:19 / cntraveler.com / Mark Twain

Nestled just 120 miles north of Manhattan, New York’s Catskills beckon with rolling storybook farmland, dome-shaped mountain peaks, and enchanting towns steeped in both history and creativity. The region is vast and magnetic thanks to scenic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and ever-evolving havens for city escape artists and nature enthusiasts alike. Here, purpose-driven farms offer roadside stands, while chic lodges blend seamlessly with historic villages revitalized by artistic flair. Galleries and small boutiques dot the landscape, showcasing a creative scene fueled by urban transplants and locals alike.

Whether you want scenic hikes leading to hidden swimming holes, cozy diners serving up locally sourced fare, or picturesque streets lined with brightly-colored buildings, the Catskill Mountains offer a refreshing escape in every season. From indulgent warm days by rushing streams in summer to shredding the slopes (try Windham or Hunter) in winter, the region promises a buzzy adventure scene. With its own distinct charm, the Catskills captivating valleys and a trove of forested mountain trails invite hikers of all levels.

It’s rumored that the Catskills received their name after wild cats (likely bobcats) that Dutch settlers encountered when roaming the region in the 17th century. Or the moniker could have been gleaned from the Dutch word kaatsbaan, referring to a field hosting tennis-esque racquet games, after the settlers witnessed the local Native Americans here playing the sport we now know as lacrosse. Though there’s great contrast from NYC, the region has always existed as an arts haven for musicians (Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan), writers (Mark Twain, John Burroughs) and painters (Asher B. Durand, Thomas Cole, Susie Barstow) since the late 19th century. From Woodstock to Phoenicia, there's something for every traveler—from art galleries and farm-to-table eateries to adventurous hikes and scenic drives in steep-sided valleys. The dynamic blend of creative urban transplants and nature lovers has amped up the region’s ever-convergence of innovation (new galleries openings and a forward-looking culinary scene) and natural beauty (rushing streams along high green grass and valleys of wildflowers).

Though much of this corner of New York is unfortunately not directly accessible by major train lines, stops along the Metro-North and Amtrak lines lead to many close-by towns in the bordering region of Hudson Valley. From there, it’s best to venture into the Catskills by car. A visit to the Catskills is an enriching one—not just for New Yorkers, but for travelers from all around the globe.

The Walk-In owner Lily Price crosses Main Street in Livingston Manor, New York, with a tray of fresh buttermilk biscuits.

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